Exposed

The Change

The cold air nipped at her skin as she stumbled through the trees. The ground engulfed her feet with every step she took. Wrenching her feet out of the soil, she dragged herself forward. She cried out to herself as her shoulder slammed into a tree. The rough bark scrapped the surface of her skin causing blood to spill. Her head was pounding, it felt like her brain was drenched in concrete. She couldn't think. The only thing she could process was the thought run. The sound of branches breaking and the crunching of leaves caused the adrenaline to kick in once more. Bracing herself, she took off running. Her muscles screeching at her to stop, she forces herself forward. Her chest felt like it was on fire as her lungs struggled to get air; it made her want to rip her ribcage out. The sounds of growling made her pick up the pace. Thunder echoed throughout the forest as she ran away from the advancers. A smile of relief appeared on her face as I noticed the trees thinning. She was finally out of the forest. Swiftly running out of the trees, she ran towards the boulders. She glided over the boulders lining the edge of the trees. The rocks were rough, making her already sore feet even more so. The sound of rushing water pushed her to run faster. The sounds of howling were getting louder. The smell of water and damp dirt invaded her nostrils and she ran towards it. The boulders turned to small rocks and the dirt turned to mud. She ran along the river, heading for the edge. The thunder clapped again. Looking up, she saw the rain drops falling towards her. Somehow, she managed to run even faster as she stared right at the edge of the river where the water disappeared. She launched herself off the ground. Her muscles were moaning in relief. Turning mid-air, she took pleasure in the feeling of the first rain drops touching her skin. Opening her eyes, she focused on the area the howls and growls were coming from. Dozens of large yellow eyes were watching her. She felt her body start to fall. The cold rain soothed her skin. The air blew hair her away from her face. The absence of ground made her feel weightless. For a second, she was at peace. But only for a second. She couldn't stop the scream that ripped through her body. Everything was hot. Every muscle felt like it was being pulled out of her. Her eyes burned, forcing her to close them in desperation. Her jaw felt like it was being ripped off. There was a piercing pain in her lower back. Then, suddenly, she felt the cool embrace of water. She opened her eyes and saw nothing but darkness and bubbles.

"Is she okay?"

"What is she?"

"She's so small..."

"What the hell just happened?"

Jae ignored his pack's questions flooding his ears as he pulled the girl from the water. Tingles were emanating from the places they were touching. He shifted back into his human form along with the rest of his pack. His heart beat quickened as he stared at the small animal in his arms. 

『Author's Note:』

I wouldn't call myself much of a writer, but I was recently inspired. If anyone happens to stumble upon this I would really appreciate the feedback! (: Anywho, have a splendid day!