Running from Shadows (In progress)

Chapter 3: Visions

I round a corner with the girl in front of me. She keeps anxiously glancing over her shoulder, probably to make sure I don't eat her. Each time I snarl at her, then stare pointedly ahead. I don't understand why she is helping me, and I am wary that she is leading me into a trap, but I can't do anything about it now, with the small chance that I can help my friend.

I keep seeing an image of Ash, scared to death in her own little room. The scene keeps playing over and over in my mind. I have to get there. I have to help.

The girl picks up the pace, seeming to suddenly get a sense of mission. She rushes ahead, almost taking off into a run. I become aware of the echoing click of my claws on the now hard floor, the concrete scraping at my pads just as an alarm sounds.

Quickly - faster than should have been possible for a human - the girl whips around, her arm swinging at an impossible rate. I can't process what's happening until I'm flying across the room, a burning, tingling senstation spreading across my muzzle.

I jump up, growling. Dropping into a predetor's crouch I circle the lady, scenting the air. Just under the strong human scent is a strong, salty smell, like the ocean. The woman is circling me, mirroring my movements.

"Did you think I was scared of you?" She taunts. "A puny little pup like you can do nothing to me." Her head lurches back and a rich laugh explodes from her mouth.

The sound disorientates me. It is silky and beautiful, wraping around me like a blanket. Suddenly I'm suffercating. I thrash against my unseen restraints, glaring at their source.

Her beautiful face twists into a snarl. "You foolish little girl. You can't be everyone's hero. In fact, I do believe you can't even be your own hero."

My diaphragm begins to spasm from lack of air and I feel myself sliding back into my skin, bones shrinking and joints snapping. The blanket tightens around me and I begin lashing, my instincts searching for any gap, any break in this magic.

My vision begins to darken, blackening around the edges. I need air. Can't breath. Air. Air.

I can't focus. Words are pouring around me, but I can't focus on them. They are falling on deaf ears.

Slowly I begin to lose the fight. I feel a heavyness forcing me to close my eyes. My muscles are fatigued. Curling up into a tight ball, I manage to send out one thought. Ashley.

Then the blackness swallows me.

-------------------------------------------------------

I squint open my eyes, blinking to clear my head. A harsh laugh sounds above my head.

"How'd you like our little visit?"

"Darius, what did you do?" I spit out, my tone dripping in hostility.

"Why, Caia. I did nothing. You can thank your little friend Kasee for that fantastic episode."

Kasee. Something about the name tugs at my memory. "Who's Kasee?" I ask, eyes narrowed.

I am still strapped down, the straps, besides the one that was loosened from my head, digging into my flesh, tigher than before. I try to shrink away from them, but I can't move.

"Sorry about that sweety. You were thrashing around too much. We had to tighten those before you hurt someone."

"You didn't answer my question. Who's Kasee?" I demand.

He laughs again. His laugh used to be charming; now it's just raspy and cruel. "You are in no position to make demands my friend."

"We are not friends," I growl, voice a little distorted as the anger tries to change me.