AUTHOR'S POV
Iva reacted instinctively. She hauled herself out of the pool, water streaming down her swimsuit as she dashed barefoot across the slick stone to the chaos.
Akari's wolf pup clung to Phyllis with frightening determination, its small jaws snapping and claws raking, as Phyllis screamed and flailed, her hands powerless against the relentless little body.
"Akari—no!" Iva yelled, falling to her knees. She had no idea what the pup's name was or whether Akari was controlling it. Phyllis's cries cut through the air, filled with pain and panic. Blood streaked down her cheeks and neck as she tried to cover her face, terrified as the pup snarled and lunged again.
Marina, on the other hand, stood frozen, horror and confusion immobilizing her as she stared at the wolf before eventuall
