The pain didn't register until I swept into the sky, and Alaric was out of my field of vision. I wouldn't worry about my brother, not when I was taking flying lessons again with this vile creature.
"Ugh." Its claws slashed into my sides more as it kept its grip on me this time.
The beast's jaws widened, and my heart stopped, noting the movement that had already killed so many below. Its fangs gleamed before me, long, the length of my face. Its jaws clamped down on my neck, its fangs tearing into my skin like fire.
The scream tore from my throat, raw and primal, as pain coursed through my body. My vision blurred, the edges dimming, but I wouldn't succumb—not like this. Not to this monstrosity.
A deep growl resonated within me, ripping from my mouth like a woman possessed. My wolf surged forward, a force within me that I couldn't stop even if I wanted to. The creature faltered, its grip loosening as it sensed the change, but it was too late.
