Chapter 70: The Beast Within
“Hurry!” Ezra barked at his men, his face tense with urgency. “We’re running out of time!”
The air in the cave was tense. Lily watched as the pack warriors struggled to secure the silver chains around Zayn. Shadows danced against the rough stone walls, cast by the torches that lit the cave with an eerie orange glow.
Outside, the full moon hung in the center of the night sky.
A bone-chilling roar erupted from Zayn’s throat as he doubled over, his body contorting unnaturally.
“Fuck!” Zayn cursed as his knees hit the ground. The transformation had begun earlier than anticipated. Lily’s heart hammered against her ribs as she watched in horror, backed against the cave wall.
“Restrain him now!” Ezra shouted, lunging forward with a length of silver-infused chain.
The pack warriors moved in unison, but they were no match for Zayn in his crazed state. With one swipe, three warriors flew across the cave, crashing hard against the stone walls.
Lily pressed herself against the cold stone wall, unable to tear her eyes away as Zayn’s transformation accelerated. His spine elongated with sickening cracks. His shoulders broadened, muscles rippling beneath his skin as it darkened to a shadowy gray. His face contorted, jaw extending into a partial muzzle while his teeth sharpened.
Seconds later, he was barely recognizable. He was neither man nor wolf, a beast that stood on powerful hind legs, with claws that could shred through flesh like butter. But most terrifying were his eyes. Blood red and glowing with feral rage.
A splitting headache suddenly tore through Lily’s skull. She clutched her head as the pain paralyzed her. Voices flooded her mind.
KILL... HURT... PAIN...
No! Control... must control...