I had just had my dinner, after interrogating the strange lady, and was returning to my room when I heard a groan, like someone in pain. Curious, my legs took me towards the room. I knew I should have run, at least go back to my chamber, but I didn’t do that. I wanted to know what caused the noise. After all, I was as good as dead. I couldn’t count how many times I stared death in the eyes.
Going to that one room would only make my death quicker. That was all.
The groaning stopped the moment I got to the door. Puzzled, I looked around, wondering if I had conjured the sound. It wasn’t that far-fetched, though.
I turned to leave, to return to my room, only for the grunt to start, this time louder.
Exhaling, I placed my hand on the doorknob as I tried not to let my fear get the best of me. My hands shook as I turned the knob and opened the door.
I stood chilled on the threshold as I peered into the room. It was pitch black. My human eyes couldn’t make anything out at first until I noticed two glowing bright orbs in the dark.
“What the hell,” I muttered as I tried to take a step back, but my legs were frozen in shock. I was unable to move them, and could only stare in shock as the golden orbs got nearer.
Fear gripped me like a parasite stalk, clinging to my foot. I couldn’t do anything as I stared at it. I knew it was over. Those glowing orbs didn’t seem friendly at all.
The groan came. This time, it sounded more pained than ever. Despite my fear, I yearned to reach out to whatever was in pain, to cradle it and let it know that everything would be okay.
I stretched my hands towards the dark despite the insistent yell at the back of my mind, for me to take my hands back, and step as far away from whatever was inside the room as I could. I perceived it was the right thing to do. No, the sensible action to take. But I couldn’t get my body to move. Not when it seemed like something stronger than me was holding me immobile.
The groans came again, accompanied by a growl. This time, it sounded like it was yearning for something.
“Don’t be scared,” I whispered, still reaching out to whatever was in the room. I realized it was something dangerous, but couldn’t tell what it was. A pet? A wild animal? I couldn’t tell.
And did I care?
I was pretending not to.
The growl came once more before I noticed the golden glow was moving towards me.
My teeth rattled in fear as my body shook. I couldn’t hide how scared I was as I ground my molars, struggling to remain calm. But it was a bit of a hassle. Not when it seemed like my heart was about to leap out of my chest.
“Come on,” I encouraged. “It’s okay. You -” I screamed when the beast stepped close until I could make it out.
I fell on my butt in fear as I looked up at the freaking enormous animal. If I thought the werewolves were fucking huge, it was nothing compared to the monster standing a few paces away from me.
My teeth chattered, and my body shook. Intense fear took hold of me as my life flashed right across my eyes. I knew undoubtedly that I was doomed. There were no two ways about it. This was fucking more than staring into death’s eyes.
The beast looked down at me with a puzzled expression. He blinked his eyes as he watched me, acting like he was trying to make me out.
It wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I thought it would open its mouth and devour me before trying to figure out who I was.
It took a step towards me, growling under its breath.
“Please don’t hurt me,” I whispered, frozen on the ground. I couldn’t move my body. I was petrified, scared of the hideous beast whose paws were enough to squash me.
The animal didn’t stop until it was close to me. I almost peed on my pants when it brought its face closer.
I tightly shut my eyes as I gritted my chattering teeth and balled my fists. I knew it was time to meet my maker. I could tell it would only be a matter of seconds until I was no more.
It wouldn’t even take a second. Milliseconds would be enough for the beast to rip my flesh off my body and chew on my bones.
Funny enough, I didn’t feel any pain; however, I felt something soft on my thighs.
Huh?
I peeked an eye open after a few seconds had passed and nothing happened. I frowned as I looked at the beast, wondering why it had yet to devour me, only to gape at the monster that had surprisingly gotten smaller.
I was shocked to see the beast that was standing on its four legs, lying next to me as it looked up at me with intelligent eyes.
What’s happening?
I rubbed my eyes, to be certain I wasn’t conjuring anything up. What’s going on? Why isn’t it eating me? Is it full and wants to rest before devouring me? I wondered, peering down at it.
The beast produced a sound in its throat as it regarded me.
“What?” I frowned, wondering what it wanted from me.
He rubbed his head on my thighs and made a sound again, looking at me with sparkling eyes.
“What do you want?” I asked again.
I must be mad.
I thought as I watched the animal.
If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have asked, knowing it was a freaking animal that might chew me like chewy gum should it care for that.
The beast repeated the action, but this time, it nuzzled my left hand.
Puzzled, I lifted my hand, watching him. His eyes sparkled as he moved his head closer, so my hand could feel it.
“You want me to pat you?” I asked, wondering if I had lost it.
It made that same sound as it nuzzled its head against my hand.
“Oh, I get it.” Gulping, I reached towards him and placed my palm on his head.
My touch seemed to please it because it relaxed.
“Oh, you just need a pat? What are you? A dog?” I frowned as I ran my fingers through the soft fur. It was the softest thing I had ever touched. And at that moment, as I continued to rub its fur, I forgot about my fears and even ignored the beast he was.