“That’s my point.” Bytra countered. “Isn’t it better to give Zor’s life force more time to recover?”

“Child, you underestimate the regeneration abilities of a fallen troll.” Baba Yaga tutted. “Your wife’s vitals peaked over a day ago and have been stable ever since. Waiting longer won’t do her any good.

“We need to test if everything is alright and, if necessary, fix the imperfections we missed while Zoreth is still here. Besides, I’m only asking her to shapeshift. Sure, it will stress her a little, but the good kind of stress.

“Rearranging her life forces is akin to a light stretching exercise. The perfect test to check Zoreth’s balance and how much her condition has improved.”

“Fine, I’ll trust you.” Zoreth stepped into a clearing large enough to host her Divine Beast form and took a deep breath to relax.

Her life force felt weird and unresponsive, but Baba Yaga had warned her that it might have happened. Zoreth steadily increased the pressure until she felt her body starting to change.

“Remember what I told Lith.” The Red Mother said. “Don’t think about what you are supposed to look like. Ride the flow until the end and let it carry you.”