Page 34 of Monster

Drake took a deep breath. He felt Jaeger place a hand on his shoulder and felt the radiance of the ice dragon’s cold power whipping through him.

And he was suddenly in the clearing again.

It was sunset… just as it had been before.

Beasts moaned and cried in the woods—but their sounds were distinctly lower than the time before.

He wandered up the path, eyeing the panther still guarding the door.

This time, the animal pounced and stopped him mid-step. Drake sensed the animal was being protective—it had allowed him past before.

“I mean him no harm,” he said the cat.

The animal growled at him… before letting off a scent that drove Drake insane.It was the mating scent he’d been smelling all along.

The panther stalked a little closer, and then rose up on his hind legs. It placed both massive forepaws on Drake’s shoulders and looked him eye to eye.

Drake heard something in his mind.Not a voice, per se, but an idea formed, as if the animal was placing it there.

Hurt him… and I’ll kill you.

Drake’s lips parted.“I don’t intend to cause any harm. I want to help him find a way out.”

It’s too dangerous. The others will consume him if he leaves.

“He can’t stay in there forever. He’s a prisoner in his own body. He deserves more.”

The panther was silent a moment.

If he’s strong enough… until then, here he stays.

“I will give him the strength he needs. That’s why I’m here.”

The panther dropped back down to four paws and began to walk away, rounding the side of the shack. Drake sensed the animal never veered too far from the human within. He moved to the door, pausing a moment to collect himself before he lifted a hand to knock.

A weak voice called out. “Come.”

Drake opened the door and gazed in.There was no fire in the hearth and the room was dark—only lit by a single taper near the bed.He moved inside and got a better look.

On the bed, the man lay, looking ashen. He was sweaty and shaking, as if ill. Drake knelt by the bed and looked him over.

“You’re here,” the man whispered. “I feared you wouldn’t come back.”

“You’re sick,” he said.

The man shook.“Just a cold, I think.”

Drake reached for the man’s hand, and it was as cold as ice.“You need a fire. And something to eat.”

He rose, but the man’s hand tightened on his.

“Why did you come back?”

“I was worried about you,” Drake said.“And it appears I was right to worry.”

The man smiled a little and released his hold on Drake’s hand.

He rose and turned to the fireplace.Beside it was a small stack of wood—enough to get a fire started, but they would need more.Soon, the hearth was alive with the light and warmth of the fire. Shadows danced on the walls, the sparks creating a show.

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