Free Star of the Show by Sue Bentley

Prologue
    Storm, the young silver-gray wolf froze as a terrifying howl rose into the air.
    â€œShadow!” Storm gasped. The big, fierce lone wolf, who had attacked Storm’s wolf pack and left his mother wounded, was very close.
    Storm had to act fast. He decided to use his magic. Suddenly a dazzling flash of bright golden light and a shower of sparks filled the air. Where the young wolf had stood there now crouched a tiny rusty-colored spaniel puppy with wavy fur, long floppy ears, and midnight-blue eyes.
    Storm’s puppy heart beat fast as he bounded forward across the snow. He looked from left to right, trying to find a hiding place, but the flat plain stretched in all directions like a white desert.
    He saw a tiny speck in the distance, which was growing bigger as it came closer. It was an adult wolf.
    Storm whimpered with terror.
    His wobbly legs collapsed beneath him and Storm felt himself sinking. Chunks of snow rained onto the little puppy as he sank down into an ice cave. He lay there trembling, hoping that his hiding place would protect him.
    Moments later, Storm heard paws scraping above him as a large animal stood in the entrance to the cave. This was it.
    A wolf’s head appeared, framed by the night sky. “Are you hurt, my son?” growled a soft velvety voice.
    â€œMother!” Storm woofed in relief, wagging his little tail. “I am fine now!”
    Canista slid right in and crouched beside her disguised cub. She licked his muzzle in greeting. “I am glad to see you again, but it is not yet safe for you to return. Shadow is very close. He wants to lead the Moon-claw pack, but they will not follow him while you live.”
    Storm’s midnight-blue eyes sparked with fear and anger. “Perhaps we should face him and fight him!”
    Canista showed her sharp white teeth in a proud smile. “Bravely said, Storm. But Shadow is too strong for you to face alone. And I am still too weak from his poisonous bite to help you. Use this puppy disguise to hide from Shadow. Go to the other world and return when you are stronger.” She winced and her eyes clouded with pain.
    Storm huffed out a warm glittering puppy breath. It shimmered around Canista’s wounded leg in a golden mist and then sank into her gray fur. “Thank you. The pain is fading,” she rumbled softly.
    Suddenly, another fierce howl seemed to tear at the icy air.
    â€œShadow is coming! Save yourself. Go . . .” Canista urged.
    Bright gold sparks ignited in the tiny puppy’s wavy reddish-brown fur. Storm whined as he felt the power building within him. The golden light around him grew brighter. And brighter . . .

Chapter ONE
    Tessa Churchill’s tummy lurched with excitement as she saw all the huge trucks and trailers in front of Harpford Manor. There were lights and equipment everywhere and lots of people pushing carts and racks of costumes.
    â€œI still can’t believe that I’m going to be in Timepiece with Donny Jenton. I’m so nervous,” Tessa said to her mom.
    â€œThat’s not surprising. This is your first part in a movie,” Mrs. Churchill said, giving her a hug. “Come on, let’s go and find Judith Raunds, the woman who will be taking care of you.”
    Tessa nodded as she and her mom began walking toward the main house.
    She was also looking forward to meeting the other two girls who had parts in the movie—Tessa had been excited to hear that they were about the same age as her. It would be great to hang out with new friends while she was here.

    A woman came out of a side door and greeted them both. “Hello, Mrs. Churchill, I’m Judith. And this must be Tessa. I’m delighted to meet you.” She had a light-brown ponytail and a nice round face and was wearing a blue T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers.
    Mrs. Churchill shook Judith’s hand. “Hello, Judith. It’s nice to put a face to the voice. And thanks for being so