“Clara.”
I look over my shoulder to face the one person I'd least expect to save me. Sandy blonde hair. A tall, muscular body. The only difference is that his eyes and hands are glowing red.
“A-A-Amias…” I should've figured. I've seen Erasmus use those flowers before in battle.
He squeezes his hands into a fist as he reaches them out towards Vasilisa. His furrowed brows make me think he might kill me next.
I gulp. Would he?
“Run,” he snaps. “The flowers won't stay for long. Go before she gets loose.”
I blink. “What?”
“Run!”
My body stiffens. I can't believe it. The grandson of Amara, a prince who despises my kind, is saving me?
How? Why would he? Or is he just trying to get Vasilisa? Does he not sense I'm a dreamscreecher?
Would it be different if he did?
It doesn't matter now. He's giving me a chance to survive, and I'm taking advantage of it.
I sprint past him as fast as I can. I pass by violet flames, the bloody bodies of Amarians and their blood-soaked perpetrators, the destroyed shops and broken glass.
Straight ahead, there is a large door leading to the outside world. The light of Estrella's star pours out before me, inviting me to safety. I rush towards it, reaching my hand out for the handle. My heart pounds, thrilling at the thought of freedom.
I will live. I will, for at least one more day.
My hand finally grasps the handle, and I can’t help but pause to sigh of relief. Only a pull and merely two steps, and this past of mine is behind me for the day, and hopefully for a long time.
I pull the door.
There's a cry.
I turn as Amias is thrown to the ground. As he attempts to sit up, Vasilisa slashes his chin. She misses her next blow as he leans away and punches her in the cheek. Hissing, she pounces on him, sinking her teeth into his chest.
He yelps and pushes her head enough so she lets go, but each of his movements are more sluggish than the next, the glow in his hands and eyes dimming.
Even though freedom is only a few steps away, I pause. He will die trying to fight her. I can't just leave him there, can I?
No matter how loving they are, never,and I mean never, trust an Amarian…
I know those were father’s words. I know I should listen and walk away,
But it feels wrong to apply it now. He saved me and is now nearly dying for me.
Maybe it wouldn't be in Amias' interest to have him save me just to get myself back into danger.
But he saved my life. That has to count for something, doesn’t it?
Never in my life has any stranger been so kind to save me from death, let alone offer to die for my sake…
I can’t let someone with that kind of heart just die here.
The thought makes me shudder. I'm completely wasting my opportunity to live. Sometimes I hate empathy.
I run into the clothing store closest to me. Once I scan the area to make sure it's empty, I take a deep breath and focus on my body. Within seconds, an itch spreads across my body as dusty purple fur prickles through skin and clothes.
