You were running through the forest. The bushes were scratching you, grabbing at your clothes like they were trying to catch you. The trees were blocking the moonlight to make it more difficult for you.
You were suffocating. You were drowning in fear. All you could hear were the laud growls of the bears that were after you. And you were running. Running, and running, and running. Trying to get away.
Maybe you were not weak, but your animal form was a mere house cat. No way you could stand against a bunch of angry hungry bears.
Minute after minute the hope was leaving you. You were getting tired. Slowing down. And soon the bears were just a few jumps away.
A sudden sent of magic hit your nose. There was a witch nearby. Maybe she could help you. So you pushed yourself once again to reach the woman.
You saw a silhouette and rushed towards it, not forgetting to change into the human form. Your mouth was opening and closing, trying to produce some explanation to the woman, a plea for help. But you were only whizzing, no words coming out.
You dropped on your knees in front of her, praying that it was obvious enough that you were begging for protection.
- Oh, hello there, darling, - the witch mused, surprised. - Are you all alone here?
The bears appeared. You quickly pressed your forehead to the woman's tigh, as if hiding.
- Did the bears scare you, little feline? - she shushed your distressed sound. - It's okay, darling. They won't touch you while I am here.
The red magic surrounded both of you. From behind you heard growls, yapping and at last keens. The beasts were in pain.
You wanted to turn around, to see what was happening but the witch stopped you.
- No-no, little thing, you stay here, - she pushed you back between her legs, head leaning onto her tigh. - Breathe deep and slow.
You were calming down. A delicate hand was tenderly running through your hair:
- Such a pretty little feline. You are okay. You are safe.
Your frantic heart beat came back to normal. The tension left you. You tried to get up and thank your saviour.
- Oh, no, darling, pet's stay on their knees. They don't walk or talk, - she tsked.
A flow of magic rushed towards you. The red string wrapped around your throat, creating a collar and a leash.
- Come with me, darling. Your journey is over, - she tagged on the leash. - You are home.
