The monster's claws came down. Yenna braced for the worst, but instead of the sickening crunch she expected, she heard a sharp clang of metal. She opened her eyes, heart pounding, to see Wren standing between Vell and the monster, her claws now massive, shimmering with a dark, protective aura. She had intercepted the blow, her small frame trembling with the effort.
"Wren!" He gasped, his eyes wide with alarm. He could feel a surge of power from her, like a dam breaking, but it was different from his own. It was a mix of raw strength and fierce loyalty, something he had never felt so directly before.
Wren didn't respond. Her eyes were fixed on the monster, a low prrr rumbling in her throat. She pushed against the monster's claw, buying him precious seconds. She needed to protect him; the feelings she felt when she thought of him getting hurt terrified her.
