Chapter 39. The Beast of the North

VESTA

We both turned, eyes wide, staring at the soldier in shock. Panic surged through me as I realized the danger Mama was in. I leaned in close, whispering into her ear, “I’m sorry, Mama, but I truly was what they said I was.”

Before she could respond, my nails grew into sharp, gleaming claws, and I wrapped my hand around her neck, trapping her in my grasp.

The soldier’s eyes widened in alarm. “Let her go at once, you beast!” he shouted, trying to mask his fear. But I could smell it. The sweet, savory scent of his terror filled the air, intoxicating me.

A hysterical laugh escaped my throat, reverberating around the stone walls of the cell. I felt Mama tremble in my arms, but I pushed the emotion down, shoving her toward the door. She stumbled, collapsing at the soldier’s feet.

A wicked smile spread across my lips as I watched them both. “The next time you send unsuspecting nurses into my cell,” I hissed, my voice laced with malice, “I’ll assume you’re