Aurelia Delensar awoke with a start, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Her face was pale as snow, and her chest heaved as she struggled to regain her composure. The familiar white walls of the chapel, adorned with sacred carvings, greeted her. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting golden specks of light that danced like celestial beings. She was back.
Her fingers brushed her cheek, still cold from the lingering sensation of being licked by a beast. The memories of the previous night flooded her mind—the rough panting, the powerful limbs, and the burning eyes of the creature in the dark. She hadn’t seen its full form, but the way it had licked her reminded her of the teacup dog she’d had as a child. Had she been licked by a giant dog?
Aurelia closed her eyes, unwilling to dwell
