Chapter 54 Fear Aside

• Bertha's POV
• It comes from the darkness, this monster, this beast, its body a grotesque amalgamation of wolf and something more akin to panther. Its black, matted fur seems to suck the very light right out from the moon hanging above it while two burnt yellow eyes seem to bore right through me. A guttural growl rumbles deep in its throat, shaking in the frozen air.
• "Stand your ground," I order, willing my voice to be firm.