Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Red Eyes

Rilian hit the floor. Thanks to the potion, I wasn't all the way shifted yet, but my claws were still long, and my teeth sharper than in my human form. I grasped onto his shoulder and leaned down to take a bite out of his neck.

But at the last second, despite all the pain, I redirected my aim, slamming my head into the floor instead, stunning myself.

"Aspen!" Rilian cried as I rolled off of him, holding my head.

"No!" I shouted, digging my claws into the floor. "Me! ME! Not you!"

It was so hard to form words. I curled on myself, digging my claws into the floor to stop myself from drawing closer, my blood tracing fingertip shapes lines across the wood.

"I can't!" Rilian cried though he didn't come much closer. "I can't… I promised I would save you; this is the only way!"

"NOT AT THE COST OF YOU!" I screamed, slamming my fist into the floor.

The door tried to open.