The Beast Within

Amelia's body contorted violently, her limbs elongating and thick fur rippling across her skin. Her face stretched into a long snout, fangs glinting as she let out an anguished howl. She fell forward onto all fours, her hands now giant paws with razor-sharp claws.

Gabriel watched in stunned silence as the woman he loved completed her transformation into a massive dire wolf. She was easily five feet tall at the shoulder, with eyes that glowed an eerie yellow.

The crew reacted with a mix of fear and awe.

"Seven hells!" cried out Remus, the cook. "She's become one of us!"

Valerie, the first mate, stared open-mouthed. "I've never seen anything like it. She's...she's beautiful."

Amelia lifted her great shaggy head, sniffing the air. Gabriel could see the animalistic hunger in her eyes as she scanned the crowd.

He stepped forward, arms raised placatingly. "It's still our Amelia. She won't hurt us."

The giant wolf turned h