*Shuck!*
A wet, sickening sound split the air.
The weight on me shifted, then fell away entirely.
“Die, werewolf!!!”
Cyprus’s voice rang out, fierce and unrelenting.
I opened my eyes and gasped. Blood—thick and dark—spattered across my face and body. But it wasn’t mine.
The werewolf’s body slumped to the ground, an arrow lodged deep in its neck. Its glowing eyes dimmed, and with a final ragged breath, it collapsed in a lifeless heap.
I stared in shock, frozen as my mind tried to catch up.
“Cassandra!”
I turned toward the voice, and there he was—Cyprus, his bow still raised, his expression sharp with determination. He rushed toward me, pulling me up by the hand.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his eyes scanning me frantically for injuries.
I couldn’t speak at first. I just stared at hi
