40. Sacrifice

Callista.

The force of my attack rattles Ruelle, and she immediately transforms back into her human form. She staggers, crying out and clutching her head. I held the tree branch threateningly in front of me, knowing that if I ran now, she’d get the chance to chase me. I need to take her down here and now.

“You’re going to pay for that!” She cries out, voice slurry and eyes flashing with anger.

But she does not transform into her wolf, although it looks like she’s trying.

“Can’t transform back?” I ask, “Too weak? I knew there was a reason you didn’t transform often.” I mock her, “Who’s the weakling now? One swing and you turn back to a human.”

“Theon!” She screams at the top of her lungs, “She’s here! She’s attacking me! Help!”

But Theon doesn’t answer her calls.

Instead, at that exact moment, a large grey wolf bursts into the clearing.

For a moment, Ruelle and I gape at the beast.

And then we scream because this is not a wolf of the Rexellen pack.

Nor is he a sane one.

His eyes are bl