Why are the animals acting like I’m some terrifying monster?
Apparently, I was hard to love.
Purple bees buzzed, and neon-blue butterflies fluttered about.
“Do you want to be my protector?” I whispered pathetically at a chunky bee who could barely hold its round body aloft.
It gave up trying and spiraled to the ground.
Relatable.
A butterfly landed on the end of my nose, and a round beetle, with pretty pink markings and long pincers, settled on top of my hand.
At least the insects like me.
The beetle bit me. Hard.
Slapping a hand over my mouth, screams echoing, I sat up and looked around wildly, worried I’d triggered the monster the general had warned us about.
There was a beat of silence, then a hair-chilling growl.
My heart plummeted.
Great, Alexis, now you’ve done it. You’re unlovable AND dead.
“Nyx,” I whispered. “I’m sorry. You don’t look like a slug, only when you eat and your belly gets all big. I love you and hope you live an amazing life.”
The dangerous sound repeated closer, and the birds perched along the far riverbank took to the air.
I sat frozen.
Tall grasses rustled to my right, and I squinted.
Panic filled my throat.
A small white dog sat defenseless between the stalks, with its floppy ears perked up.Run away, little guy before the beast gets you.
The tiny creature opened its mouth, flashing sharp fangs much too big for its mouth, and let out a ferocious growl.Never mind, you are the beast.
I slumped with relief.
Its eyes narrowed, and it crouched low.
“Come here . . . you . . . thing?” I whisper-called, not wanting to upset the poor creature.
While the other animals in the menagerie wore their unique characteristics in a sleek, impressive way, this—dog?—looked like it had been through rough times.
Since I’d also been going through it recently, I tried not to judge.
Clumps of misshapen white fur protruded from its shoulders andbutt, and its overgrown fangs jabbed the sides of its muzzle. Its paws looked ten sizes too large for its tiny body.
It looked almost like a husky puppy—if you squinted and ignored the jagged teeth, bulges of fur, glowing purple eyes, and terrifying growl.
“What’s your name?” I whispered.
It snapped its misshapen fangs at the plants and shook violently.
“Good job killing that dandelion.”
