The beast said?
Again, without her knowledge or consent, Isa’s breath left her body in a terrified scream, and she flew toward the open door.
Before she could make her escape, however, Blanca and Macklin filled the doorway.
Isa swerved out of the way just in time to avoid landing on the sword Macklin was pointing into the room.
“What’s wrong?” he said, quickly scanning the room.
Isa stood with her back against the wooden wardrobe while the beast commanded the center of the room. Its paws were raised defensively as it eyed the sword and newcomers. “Please, I mean you no harm,” it said.
“You heard that, right?” Isa whispered, darting a quick glance at Macklin for support.
Macklin nodded. He was looking quite pale, even in the candlelight, but he kept his eyes locked on the ferocious threat in the middle of the room.
Isa’s curiosity was piqued, and she felt the impractical urge to ask the beast how it could talk. But not only would that mean starting a conversation with an animal, now was not the time. She had to figure out a way to survive this.
“I... I know this is odd,” it said again, “but I promise I mean you no harm. I have merely fallen into unfortunate circumstances. Please, allow me to leave you in peace.”
The beast’s eyes flicked between Isa and Macklin.
When it was not looking at her, Isa grasped the small dagger in her belt. She looked at Macklin and gave him a slight nod.
He dipped his head in response.
If they both attacked the beast at the same time, they might be able to overpower it.
“Blanca,” Isa said quietly. “Run. Now.”
The girl disappeared into the darkness of the hallway.
Macklin watched her leave, his face betraying a look of envy at her escape. His hand trembled.
The movement startled the beast, and it stared down at the shaking sword pointed in its direction.
Utilizing the distraction, Isa made eye contact with Macklin and held up a fist. Slowly counting with her fingers, she used her head to emphasize each count.
One.She held up a single finger.
Macklin spared a quick glance at the beast.
Two.She held up a second finger.
Macklin looked back at Isa, his neck bobbing as he gulped.
Three.
On the count of three, Isa sprang forward, hoping to catch the wretched thing off guard.
In the same instant, Macklin backed into the hallway behind him and fled out of sight.
Of all the cowardly, chicken-hearted, spineless things she had ever seen! How did he expect her to get out of the room when the beast was standing between her and the door?
But it was too late for her to change her course of action based on his foolishness. Isa had already slammed against the beast, burying her small blade in its shoulder.
With a roar of pain, the massive animal whipped around to face her. One strong arm wrapped around her waist, imprisoning her body against his. Its other paw wrapped around her wrist, which was still holding the dagger.
Claws bit against her skin and she released the blade. It remained buried in the beast’s shoulder.
