Protectorate

The creature sat on its perch atop the cathedral, its clawed digits digging into the stone. Membranous wings stretched from the creature's forelegs to midway down its hind quarters. Opening its oversized maw, the best let out a yattering yon. Silver scales, covering its leathery body, glinted in the pale light of the crescent moon.

Stretching out its forelegs, the beast took wing on the first breeze that could support its meager weight. A double ridge of spines ran down the creatures back from shoulders to its stub tail. A crown of horn like bumps combined with two small glittering dark eyes, pushed in pug like snout, flappy bat like ears, and protruding, crooked, oversized teeth, gave its face a gnarled appearance.

Gliding on the breeze, the beast let out a joyous whoop of garbled laughter, enjoying the feel of the wind on its wings. But its pleasure quickly evaporated as a high-pitched scream broke through the silence of the night.

* * * *

Diana walked swiftly the soft clicking of her heels the only sound. She tugged at the hem of her short skirt and pulled her jacket around herself more snugly, silently cursing Victoria for ditching her at the club for a couple of guys.

She hadn't even wanted to go clubbing. It had been Vicky's idea. Then Vicky had ditched her at the first opportunity. They'd had a few drinks, Diana soda, Vicky something fruity that smelled strongly of alcohol. But once Vicky had found someone else to hang with she had left Diana to her own devices.

She had stayed at the club for a while longer to watch over her friend but eventually lost track of the other girl. Diana, had searched for her friend for almost an hour, without success. Before she had learned from an acquaintance that Victoria had been seen slipping out the back with a couple of guys.

Diana was pissed. No! More than pissed; she was furious! How could Vicky be so irresponsible?! It wasn't like they were good friends or anything but they were roommates... Damn it!

The sound of a shoe scuffing against stone made her jump. She looked around, but saw only shadows. Despite this the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Burrowing deeper into her too thin jacket and she picked up her pace heading back to the school campus and dorm she shared with Vicky.

Though she tried to shake off her unease, the feeling that someone was following her, watching her, had Diana jumping at nothing. Her heart was pounding so hard, she was certain it would burst from her chest. As the campus gates came into view, she breathed a sigh of relief. Not bothering to check her pace she hurried along, intent on her destination.

A hand slapped over her mouth as a strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her off her feet and dragging her into the alleyway. She struggled and tried to scream. Kicking, scratching, she flailed trying to break free of her captor. She bit down on his hand, and tasted blood. He jerked away and swore. She screamed and kicked backward. Somehow, managing to hit the large muscle in his thigh with the heel of her shoe. His grip went slack and he dropped her.

Scrambling away, Diana headed for the mouth of the alley, towards safety. But her attacker recovered too quickly. With a few short strides he had her, and with one massive blow he backhanded her, sending Diana flying into the nearest wall. With a sickening crack, her head struck stone and she crumpled to the ground.

* * * *

Crouching over the girl's still form, he checked for a pulse and breath. With a grunt of satisfaction, he picked her up and swung the her over his shoulder. His employer wanted the bitch alive; she wasn't worth much dead.