Chapter 15: Unseen Changes

Ella woke the next morning, feeling surprisingly well-rested. She blinked at the early morning light filtering through her window, momentarily disoriented. Slowly, the events of the previous night came back to her—the attack at the engagement party, the painful wounds, Luke's concern. But as she moved, she realized something was off. She quickly pulled back her blanket and examined her body. Where there had been bruises and cuts, her skin was now smooth and unblemished. Her mind raced. This was impossible. She had not yet gained her abilities as a werewolf; her transformation was still incomplete. Yet here she was, perfectly healed. Panic bubbled within her as she fretted over what this could mean. Just then, a knock sounded at her door. Ella’s heart leapt into her throat. It was Luke. She could hear his voice, muffled but concerned. "Ella? Are you awake? How are you feeling?" She glanced around frantically, not wanting Luke to see her in this unexplainable state. "Just a minute!" s