บท 215: Claws in the Dark

The dark forest was silent save for the heavy panting of the ape-like monsters. Its claws glistened red in the starlight, dripping with the blood of the deer at its feet. Shadows pooled around its muscled body, drawn toward it as though attracted by its ferocious killing intent. 

I took a sharp breath as it took a step forward, its ten-foot bulk shaking the ground. My tail stiffened in fear, but retreat was impossible. I could still make out the faint rustling of small feet in the forest behind me, accompanied by Sari's occasional sob. Every second I delayed was another second closer to their freedom. Perhaps here, at the very end, my life would have some meaning.

Even as it loomed over me, the monster tilted its head, as though wondering why I didn't run. It seemed to shrug and reached out a claw, the tip slowly drawing toward my heart. I watched it, mesmerized by the cruel reality of the beast until it was mere inches from my chest.