Chapter 19

I didn't want to jump to any conclusions, but the moment I opened my eyes after a night spent in more agony than I thought would be possible to survive, I felt amazing.

There was no other word I could come up with. I hadn't felt this good and pain-free in ages. I realized that I must have fallen asleep a while ago and had shifted back into my human form without realizing it.

As I started to pull myself up into a sitting position on my old mattress, I heard the rusty old springs underneath the fabric that barely covered it anymore, groaning in protest as my muscles usually did with the movement as well. For some reason, their straining complaints sounded louder than usual this morning.

Time, neglect, and musty conditions are a cruel mistress indeed. I know, I know, I felt inclined to say it, but never got around to it, as something very strange and unexpected happened then.

With my face already scrunched up into a wince, and clenching my teeth, expecting to fe