I hiss at the creature beneath the water. An undine. I can see her small twisted horns tangled in her thick blue hair, matching her eyes. The creature shows me her row of sharp teeth. Elara’s hand rests on my chest seeking support.
The undine sinks her nails into Elara’s ankle and pulls again, ready to drag her to the bottom of the lake. I snort like a wild animal, feel the veins in my neck about to burst. The ground trembles along with me and the undine finally understands she’s facing a predator far superior to her. She retracts her fangs, removes her hand from Elara’s leg, and slowly retreats. She’s a creature of stunning yet deceptive beauty. Like most of us: a pretty wrapping that contains deadly poison.
I don’t take my eyes off the water until my sharp vision guarantees the undine
