Chapter 54

Lan pushed me behind him just as an interloper's talon shot out, scouring a bloody trail down his chest.

With a roar he shifted into his beast, grabbing the being's webbed wings as it made to fly away in shock. In a quick motion, he swung it into the living room. The black, feathery creature crashed into the wall, creating a cracked indent.

My heart sped as I watched it fall to the floor, clutching its left wing. Just as Lan's beast made to grab the other one, its eyes widened and it rasped out in surprise, "You."

Lan's large paw went around its neck and he started to squeeze. "Who... sent you?" he grated slowly, his voice deep and guttural.

The creature's feathered face grew bloated and he started to desperately claw at Lan's hand, choking out, "Hear... me out... Your Highness." 

Lan's hold loosened. I snapped my head to the other being when he limped up to his feet. Focusing on it, I felt magic crackle around my fingertips. Reciting an explo