Chapter 19

A thunderous metallic screech shattered the silence as an object hurtled down from above, slamming into the werejaguar's flank with immense force. The creature careened into a nearby concrete pillar, emitting a sickening crunch of bones and a howl of enraged surprise. Sofia stared in disbelief as Mateo emerged from the wreckage of a car, his slender form now towering over six feet tall, bathed in an eerie blue aura. His usually gentle brown eyes blazed with otherworldly intensity as he gasped for breath.

"Stay away from her, you fiend," Mateo growled in a voice far older than his years would suggest.

The werejaguar snarled, rising to its feet with a predatory arch of its spine. "Who...what are you? Can't you be killed?"

With a determined resolve, Mateo lunged at the creature, risking his life to protect Sofia, who stood in stunned silence, grappling with the revelation of his bravery. Mateo's fists met the werejaguar's face w