Page 17 of Consumed By Fire
Kim leads me through the dense underbrush, her easy stride in sharp contrast to my nervous fidgeting. Each rustle of leaves or distant animal call sends my heart racing, my mind consumed with thoughts of escape. Kim meets my gaze with a reassuring smile, as if she knows exactly what she’s doing. We shifters have great senses, which include hearing. We want to be far enough away so that Goliath or one of the others doesn’t hear me.
“Thank you,” I mouth for the third or fourth time since she came to fetch me for our “walk.”
Kim nods and gives me another smile.
Please let this work!
Please let Octane be held up in his meeting with Shadow.
Please!
I was shocked when Kim came to the door announcing a walk. She winked at me, and I knew that she was going to help me escape. I pray she doesn’t get into any trouble for this. I fear she will.
“Just a little further,” Kim whispers.
I nod. We keep up the grueling pace. I can take it, but it doesn’t take long before Kim is puffing, her hair sticking to her face. It’s humid under the trees. She doesn’t complain; she just keeps going. I really like her.
After a few minutes, I grab her arm. “This is fine. We are far enough.” I glance back but don’t see or hear anything out of the ordinary. “Thank you so much for helping me.”
“No.” Her eyes are full of anguish. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. I failed you.”
“You didn’t. You did your best. I’m sure you will get into trouble for helping me today. You stuck your neck out, and for that, I am truly grateful. You need to tell them that it was all me. Blame me. I overpowered you.”
“It’s my fault you are in this mess. I don’t care what happens to me. There isn’t much they can do. You should go. Octane isn’t one for long chats.” She glances back.
“I noticed.” Despite my nervous edge, I smile and then quickly pull off the shirt. “See that he gets this back.”
Kim grins. “He’s going to be mad.”
I laugh. “So mad. I don’t envy you.”
“He deserves it; he’s such a dick.” She widens her eyes.
“I hear you, but I also think that Octane is trying to help his people. I don’t think he’s such a bad guy underneath that gruff exterior.”
Kim makes a face. “You’re defending him after everything?” She shakes her head, widening her eyes even more. “You’re such a great person.”
“No, it’s true; he has decent motives, even if his methods are flawed. I need to go before he finishes that meeting.” I pull Kim into a quick hug.
“Good luck,” she murmurs. “You can do it!”
We pull apart, and I run a few steps away from her before shifting. It takes effort. More effort than a few days ago.
Crap!
As I close my eyes and focus hard, I feel the familiar tingling sensation spread throughout my body; my hands and feet elongate and transform into sharp claws. My skin begins to shimmer, and scales burst forth. Slowly at first and then faster. The cracking of bones and stretching of muscles echo in my ears as my body contorts and grows. My wings unfurl from my back, powerful and majestic. As my body transforms, I feel the air around me shifting and swirling, the muscles in my arms and legs stretching and reshaping, and the weight of my new form settles onto my shoulders.
Finally, I’m in my dragon form.
“Goodbye.” Kim waves. “Thank you. I hope you make it.”
I do, too.
I rumble my thanks and then take to the sky. The vibrant colors of the jungle blur beneath me as I soar higher and higher, my scaled body glistening in the sunlight just a tad too brightly for my liking. The sky is a beautiful clear blue. I wish there were a few clouds for me to hide in. The world becomes smaller beneath me as I spread my wings and flee…flee…flee.
I force myself to fly faster…and then faster still. It won’t be long now, and I can descend and make my escape.
Please!