Page 47 of Nitro

Tears welled up in my eyes, unbidden, as a wave of frustration and helplessness washed over me.

Was I going to have to settle for living the rest of my life like this—trapped in my human form, unable to fully embrace the magpie within me?

Nitro didn't move. He remained a steadfast presence, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for that.

His unspoken message echoed in the stillness: "I'm here, I'll always be here for you."

Guilt struck me like a wave. I couldn't continue down this path of self-pity.

Feeling sorry for myself wouldn't alter the reality I faced.

With a determined breath, I delved deep within, confronting the core of my being.

As I connected with my animal half, I stared into its obsidian eyes, a reflection of my own.

A flood of thoughts raced through my mind. All this time you were there for me, protecting me when I couldn't protect myself, I pondered.

Why did you desert me all of a sudden after Hicks shot us?

I didn't anticipate an answer, but unexpectedly, a response emerged.

It was you who got scared, Tommy. You lost the will to fight and keep on living.

The revelation struck me like a lightning bolt, a harsh truth that I couldn't easily dismiss.

I didn't know how long Nitro and I stayed like that. Hours, maybe. Finally, I released him.

"I'm ready to try again," I whispered.

Nitro backed away, and this time, when I reached for my other half, it was much easier.

The change was sluggish and painful, but it was happening. I felt my body shrink in size.

Feathers covered my arms and shoulders. A beak emerged.

Bones broke and organs rearranged themselves until I was back in my winged form.

The transformation was a mixture of agony and triumph.

As I stood there in my magpie form, I could feel a newfound sense of strength, the bond with my animal half rekindled.

I spread my wings and took flight. Amazement filled me as I climbed higher and higher until I could see the tops of the trees.

Nitro looked like a small dot down below, but his encouraging roar echoed through the air.

I soared, reveling in the sensation of the wind rushing through my feathers.

A croak came from my left, and I spotted one of the raven shifters flying past me.

Feeling lighter than I'd ever been before, I circled back to Nitro, to my patient mate.

He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. That had to count for something, didn't it?

As I descended to the ground, landing gracefully beside Nitro, a sense of accomplishment and gratitude washed over me.

I changed back to my human form and ran up to Nitro, pulling him into a tight hug.

In moments, he transformed into his human self, wrapping his solid and warm arms around my trembling body.