ATLAS GRIP

Atlas’s eyes narrowed briefly. “The process of changing back is nearly the same as before. You need to envision your human form, remove all other distractions from your thoughts, and demand the energy to do as you command.”

That seemed easy enough.

I did as he said, but nothing happened. My Bear Howl, and I growled quietly. This was not like before.

The Bear magic I could sense along my skin before I’d shifted wasn’t there any longer. The crackling power had guided me the first time, and no matter how deep I searched for it again, I came up empty.

Atlas walked slowly toward me, holding his hand out, palm up. “May I?”

His question shocked me, but I managed to nod my Bear head.

My eyes watched his every movement, questioning his motives but also desperately wishing for his touch.

He kneeled before me, putting his eyes level with mine. Without realizing what I was doing, my head nudged against his and a rumble vibrated from deep within me.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Atlas whispered. “N