didn'

around her lungs. Her body stood frozen in front of the door, hand raised as if to touch it,

that before...drawn out, ancient

craped against it from the outs

The mark beneath her collarbone burned hotter, as if reacting to

. It was a thud, forceful enough to rattle the hing

door bega

en, bu

its full weight against it. A clawed shape began to emerge in the

e could use a kitchen knife, a chair, anything. She had no idea

ould take a sing

explode

ered and then something moved pa

was

lr

s form was shifting between man and beast, skin rippling as fur and muscle pushed through. H

ure before it could

shaking the building. Elowyn dropped to the floor, trying to stay low, heart hammering

ole the breath

ing in ways they shouldn't. Its skin looked like it had been burned to ash and then stitched ba

new

" it r

nd screeched, baring needle-like teeth. Solric drew something from his bel

tal. Steel met cl

He slashed again, catching the creature across the

lsed violently. The creature flinched, as if burned by her

k," he shouted, voice roughen

driving the blade through its chest. It shrieked and twisted aw

ust lik

ce fo

f Solric's breathing. He stumbled, a steady

to him. "You

alf-smile, grim

He dropped onto the c

it?" she asked, grabbing

inst his wound. "

of the stories. At least... not

e. They're corrupted. Creatures of twisted blood.

chest tight. "You k

t answer

ched the space just above her h

he said quietly.

cause something inside her responded. It was subtle, but und

erstand," sh

ine... it was sealed long ago. Someone cursed your wolf side

wished I wasn't alone. I didn't

ryone who's been watching the old bl

elf. "Why would

voice softened. "You don't know this yet, but you're roya

she said, a raw edge to her voice. "My mother le

ke your blood an

er hands trembled. "I was just trying to survive today. I bought a cu

his injury, his presence fill

hey'll come again. And next time,

what d

, gold eyes stea

h you what you are. I'll pro

dded. "What k

see things you can't unsee. Feel things that will change y

between th

, warmer now. Not pai

he hands of a girl who once believ

with something s

ed back

, "Then take

r mouth before the windo

upted as a second

faster than s

ything w