I groan from the pain of my wounds as they transform with me, but I bury my teeth into my tongue to bear it. My cuts are being stretched again but it's worth it.
I'm forced onto my hands and knees, paws and legs forming in their place as my teeth enlarge. Human ears turn round and are big enough to rotate. There's a tickle from the top of my head, the sensation of black horns growing in.
I gulp down air at the thought of going back to fight her, the pain of the wounds already numb from the rush. She could kill me.
I could be losing my life over this. I could be dead at eighteen with only memories of torture, wasting my chance to experience the wonders of life.
I push through the thoughts trying to direct me elsewhere. No, I will do this. I'm saving someone.
And that makes this all worth it.
I race out the door, unsheathing dagger-like claws as I narrow my eyes on Vasilisa.
She's sinking her teeth into Amias' arm thanks to him blocking his neck. The move won't save him though, as his push against Vasilisa gets feeble and his head rolls back. The glow in his eyes is completely smited.
Don't think. Just stop her.
With a yowl, I pounce, knocking her flank with my horns. She tumbles away from both me and Amias. She attempts to get on her feet immediately, but I don't let her.
I leap and dig my claws into the back of her head and spine. I aim to bite her throat, but she jerks her leg so I sink my teeth into her shoulder instead. I don't fix the mistake and instead bite harder. She shrieks and rolls over on her back, forcing me to let her go. I jump away and crouch with my teeth bare.
She starts to get up, chuckling a little. My neck fur bristles.
I've done it. She's going to kill me.
"Now you want to fight?" she laughs, all with the thickness of hate and malice. "Alright little piece of-"
A boom cuts her off, followed by a ringing noise.
Both Vasilisa and I whip our heads towards the noise. At the front door, stand a group of people, with guns in their hands, all wearing dark red shirts with badges and black vests.
That boom must've been our warning shot. Or there's a body somewhere.
Vasilisa yelps. "Retreat!" She bolts the other way as black creatures follow closely behind. I watch as they run with their tails between their legs.
That's over for them.
I turn back to the soldiers as they aim their guns towards me.
They'll kill me.
I run, following the last dreamscreechers, planning to hide and change. More bullets ring out, and I keep my path zigzagged to avoid getting hit.
When those red suited men are out of sight, I find the closest empty clothing store to change in. Quickly, the itch comes back again as my fur retracts into my skin and mypaws turn to hands and feet. Swinging my hair around and straightening my cut up shirt, I take deep breaths and hug my knees.
My stomach hurts again, making me wince. I lift my shirt and find shiny blood oozing from them. Fuck!
I can't take care of them when Vasilisa's nearby. I'll have to escape, then find a place to take care of them another day.
Another day. I get to survive another day.
Vasilisa didn't kill me.
All because Amara's grandson saved my life, and then I saved his. Him and I managed to survive because of each other.
The prince of Amara and the princess of Somnia, risking our lives for each other. Nearly dying for each other.
I try to process that idea and what just happened. This has to be the biggest mindfuck in history.
