Beth shook off the dark memory, her expression brightening. "But enough about that scary stuff. I almost forgot - I have something incredible to show you! You're simply not going to believe this. I swear."
"What is it?" Naomi asked, shifting eagerly.
"Just watch." Beth closed her eyes, reaching for that unique combination of vampire power and shifter magic that she was starting to recognize. The familiar tingle of the Change rippled through her, but lighter, more ethereal.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself perched delicately on the bed, her miniature winged form barely making a dent in the plush comforter. Her dreamy, muted coat caught the light as she stretched her wings, showing off the subtle gradients of color.
Layla's mouth dropped open, and she stared. "Oh my god," she breathed, one hand covering her mouth. "You're... you're… wow!!"
"Beth... what the hell?" Naomi leaned closer, staring at toy-sized winged leopard. "How is this even possible?"
Even Liam abandoned his book organizing to gape at Beth's unique form. "Well, that's completely insane," he said, shakinghis head. "Naomi, your sister is officially the coolest person I know."
Beth preened under their admiring stares, her miniature tail curling with satisfaction. She spread her wings wider, letting them admire the delicate fur-covered appendages that somehow merged perfectly with her regular coat.
Beth shifted back to her human form, landing gracefully on her feet beside the bed. Her comfortable loungewear remained perfectly intact, not a wrinkle in sight.
"Wait - your clothes!" Naomi jumped up, circling her sister with wide eyes. "They shifted with you! How did you do that?"
Layla reached out to touch Beth's sleeve in amazement. "I've never seen anything like it. Usually when we shift..."
"We end up naked or tangled in shredded clothing," Beth finished with a laugh. "I know! It's incredible, right? Apparently it's a vampire thing - they can maintain their clothing through transformations."
"That's so unfair," Naomi groaned, tugging at her own shirt. "Do you know how many outfits I've ruined?"
Beth smoothed her hands over her perfectly preserved outfit. "No more hiding spare clothes in bushes or worrying about emergency shifts. Everything just... vanishes when I transform and reappears when I shift back. Even jewelry!"
"Seriously?" Naomi grabbed Beth's hand, examining the delicate silver bracelet on her wrist. "That is so unfair!"
Beth giggled and bounced on her toes, still excited about this new ability. "Tyr says it's because vampires can sort of... fold their possessions into their transformation somehow. They've been doing it for centuries."
Beth turned to Layla, taking her hand. "How are you doing? I've been so caught up in all these changes, I feel like I've lost track of everyone."
Layla's whole face lit up, her blue eyes sparkling. "Oh, Beth, things are going so well! Yousuf started kindergarten last week, and he absolutely loves it."
"Really? That's wonderful!" Beth remembered their earlier conversations about Layla's fears of separation from her son.
"He's made three friends already," Layla continued, practically glowing with maternal pride. "And his teacher, Ms. Reynolds, is amazing with him. She understands about his... background." Layla's smile softened. "She lets him keep his comfort toy in his desk, just in case he gets anxious."
"And you're doing okay with the separation?" Beth asked gently.
"Actually, yes. I'm volunteering in his classroom twice a week - Tuesdays and Thursdays. It helps, being able to see him thriving in his new environment." Layla beamed, her voice full of maternal pride. "And the children are so precious. They've started calling me 'Miss Layla' and always want me to read stories.
"That's perfect," Beth said warmly. "You get to be there for him while still giving him space to grow independently."
"Exactly!" Layla nodded enthusiastically. "And you were right about the therapy helping. Dr. Martinez suggested the classroom volunteering as a way to ease both of us into the transition. It's working beautifully."
"Speaking of kindergarten…" Layla glanced at her watch. "I need to go pick up Yousuf from school. I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were really okay after everything."
"I'm perfect," Beth assured her, pulling her friend into a careful hug. Her new vampire strength still required conscious control, especially with more delicate humans. "Give Yousuf a big hug from his Aunt Beth."
"I will." Layla squeezed back. "He doesn't know about… well, everything." She laughed suddenly. "He'll be thrilled that you're a vampire now, though! I think Tobi is his new hero."
"Tell him I'll come by soon," Beth promised. "Once I'm more used to..." She gestured vaguely at herself, encompassing her transformed state.
"Of course." Layla gathered her purse, the leather soft and worn. "Text me!"
Beth walked Layla to the door, touched by her friend's concern. "Drive safe. And thank you for coming to check on me."
