Shape of the heart

Chapter 1

"Yeeeeeee!" The small furry creature shrieked in pain as Belarinn's fangs sank into it's neck. The shriek turned into a gurgling sound as he pulled his head up and to the left, ripping the creature's throat out. He bent his head down and greedily helped himself to the flesh of the small animal.

Belarinn's eyes flew open and took in his surroundings. He was lying on a number of animal skins, piled up to resemble a bed, situated against the wall of a spacious cave. There were animal carcasses littered all around the cave, and the stench was overwhelming. I will have to clear those out. He thought to himself. It had been one year since Filthean, the one who had raised him, had died. He wasn't sad about it, though he did feel a small sting in his chest whenever he thought about it, he saw death all the time, to eat, one must kill. That was one of the things Filthean taught him, along with how to speak the language of humans and most other sentient species. Belarinn slothfully pulled himself off the furs and set to work cleaning the cave. Filthean had always made him clean up, so, after he died, their home had fallen into disarray, only being cleaned when it was too much for Belarinn to handle. I wonder what i'm going to eat today? Probably a deer or a griffin, they're pretty easy to hunt. He thought, licking his lips in advance. A sudden clamor broke him out of his reverie, four distinct voices, speaking in a human language called "Common", coming closer to the entrance of the cave. He couldn't quite make out what they were saying, because they were speaking in hushed tones. As they came closer, he was able to hear their words.

"...Hope it doesn't show. Had enough of beast huntin' fer a day." Said one voice.

"Shut your mouth, you know his Majesty doesn't take kindly to those who slack off." Said a second.

"Both of you be quiet. It's lair should be around here." Said a third voice. It was an almost monotone voice, but distinctly female.

"As ye say, ma'am." said the first voice.

"Shhh!" said the third voice, the woman. The group stepped through the threshold of the cave, and Belarinn hid in the shadows next to them and kept silent.

"Ugh. It sure smells like it's been here." said the second voice, a short man with stocky limbs and a warhammer strapped to his back.

"I said to be quiet." said the monotone voice, Belarinn couldn't see her very well. "If it gets away you will be punished accordingly."

"Yes'm" replied the first voice, which belonged to a tall man with a bow, he was human, by the scent he gave off, but he reeked of animal blood.

Belarinn moved alongside them, keeping out of sight, until they were at his bed.

"It looks like a human has slept here. That's weird. I thought it was a big wolf." Said the stocky man. The tall man hit him on the head.

"You idiot. It can change it's shape." He hissed. "It should still be 'round here, so keep quiet." Belarinn slowly moved toward them. Just as he was a few feet away, he stepped on one of the older carcasses and heard the crunch of a bone breaking under his feet. The three people whirled to face him, drawing their weapons.

"There it is." The stocky man said, sneering. The woman stepped forward and Belarinn finally got a good look at her. She had grey skin like stone, with hair the color of mold. Her body was full of holes and she was missing a few fingers. She wore leather and furs, and wore a large sword on her back. The stench that emanated from her was overpowering. Belarinn wondered why he hadn't smelt it before. The group advanced on him, evil looks in their eyes. Belarinn could feel their intent and reacted, transforming into a giant wolf with fur like steel and teeth like silver. The tall man started to back away, whimpering, but the stocky man stopped him.

"No, Meli, this is why we're here."

"'Kay, Helsi. I won't be scared." He stood up straighter and pointed his bow at Belarinn, nocking an arrow. He fired, and the projectile buried itself into Belarinn's shoulder. He screamed in pain and bit Meli's hand off. He spat the hand out and growled at them, hackles raised. The woman calmly drew her sword and plunged it into the Belarinn's chest, bringing him down. He watched detachedly as she tugged the sword free of his body, but soon sank into unconsciousness.