The knobby knees smoothed out, and the patchy fur took on a vivid yellow hue with very dark visible blotches. As it began to resemble a real leopard, its human face disappeared and its snout extended. It soon appeared in front of me, a magnificent creature, tall and proud, its chest heaving from the exertion of change, a lion's mane going down its extended and straight neck. If not for the blood still dripping from its jaws, it would have been a stunning sight.
Then, when we both heard shouts coming down the street, it tilted its head curiously.
The fugitive had found assistance. They arrived with machetes, clubs, and weapons, as well as flashing torchlights and a deafening roar. The beast hissed at them and appeared to be considering attacking, but decided against it.
It vanished into
