Juliet's breath caught in her throat as she stared at the towering figure before her. The creature's eyes glowed with an unsettling, predatory gleam, and its claws scraped the ground, sending a shiver down her spine. Her heart raced, a drumbeat of fear thundering in her chest, drowning out all other sounds.
She could feel her hands trembling, the cold sweat on her palms making it harder to hold onto the hilt of the small dagger in her grip. Her mouth was dry, her tongue heavy as spoke, "Do you think you can remind me 'bout those Chupacabra things again?"
"Oh, nothing much," said Justin spat sarcastically, "just some massive evil vampire dogs!"
Juliet stood frozen in place, all she could do was watch the creature's slow, deliberate movements, "Okay," she sighed, fidgeting with a long streak of wavy hair. "That's nothing we can't handle."
"You're right!" Justin's heart leapt in relief, "I mean you're a vampire and they're related to vampires. So, you could easily fight them off, right?"
Juliet's lips barely moved as she whispered, her voice a low, venomous hiss. "Justin are you crazy? Do you have any idea how powerful and dangerous they are? There is no way a vampire can take them on alone, I was just trying to be positive!" Her words were sharp and laced with a fury that seemed to burn through the air between her teeth. Each syllable was spat out with a kind of controlled violence, as though the act of speaking was the only thing keeping her from exploding entirely.
Their attention shifted back to the creature, it stood five-foot tall, and they all jolted back as it leapt towards them on its four powerful legs. As it dug its long sharp claws into the dirt on the ground Justin, Juliet and Mason stood frozen while they stared into the creatures terrifying, glowing red eyes. The creatures dark tattered fur stood on end as its back arched, causing to the distinctive spikes which stood aligned on its back to grow several inches taller. Justin wiped his face as the slobber and drool from the creatures snarling mouth blew on to it.
"Stay calm," whispered Justin, "On the count of three, we run." Mason and Juliet nodded silently in response. "One, two… three…Run!" Justin called, his eyes wide in terror.
Without another word, they turned, sprinting down the trail, but the path seemed to stretch endlessly before them, twisting and curling as if it were reshaping itself, changing direction, pulling them deeper into the forest. The sound of heavy footsteps following them grew louder.
The trio had no plan. There was no time to think. Their only instinct was to flee, to get as far away from that creature as possible. The chupacabra's eyes fixed on them with an unholy intensity, and it let out another guttural growl, its long claws scraping across the dirt as it gave chase.
Mason was the fastest, his legs pumping hard as he sprinted toward a nearby ravine. He heard Justin and Juliet behind him, but there was no time to look back. The creature was fast too, moving with a terrifying fluidity, almost as if it were gliding across the ground, its every step deliberate and predatory.
They were being hunted. They could hear it, feel it, but when they looked back, there was nothing.
Justin was breathing hard, his body screaming in protest, but he didn't slow down. Eventually they reached the cliff's edge, a jagged cut in the earth, but there was no time to stop. As they approached the ledge, they heard the creature's screeches echoing behind them, closer than ever.
Mason reached the edge first and skidded to a stop. The drop was too steep to climb down without risking injury. "We can't jump!" he shouted.
Juliet stumbled next to him. "We don't have a choice!"
But before they could react, the chupacabra lunged, its jaws snapping just inches from Mason's arm. With a scream of terror, he darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature's sharp teeth. The ground beneath them trembled again as the beast landed with a sickening thud on the dirt path, its eyes blazing with hunger.
They were cornered.
The air was filled with the stench of its foul breath and it lunged at Mason, its claws extending toward him like blades.
"Look out!" Justin yelled.
Mason sidestepped just in time, but the chupacabra's claws slashed across his shoulder, leaving a deep, bleeding gash. He cried out in pain and staggered back, trying to maintain his balance on the edge of the mountain.
Juliet screamed in horror. "Mason!"
But before she could run to him, the air seemed to ripple. There was a low, guttural growl, something deep and primal that came from somewhere behind them. The chupacabra paused, its head jerking up, ears twitching as it heard the sound.
From the shadows of the desert came another form—a hulking silhouette, impossibly large and towering. It stepped out from the darkness and the chupacabra froze. It was no longer the apex predator here. The newcomer was a massive, towering creature, its muscles rippling under a fur-covered body, his eyes glowing an amber yellow like molten gold. Its features were twisted—part human, part wolf—and its snout was wrinkled in a snarl that sent shivers down the spine.
The chupacabra hissed at the werewolf, its claws flexing as it shifted into a crouch. The wolf let out a feral growl, low and menacing, its body coiled like a spring. For a moment, the two creatures locked eyes, both predators sizing each other up, each aware of the threat the other posed.
Then, with a speed that left the trio blinking in shock, the werewolf launched itself at the chupacabra, colliding with it in a blur of fur and claws. The chupacabra was fast—too fast—but the werewolf was stronger, its sheer mass and power allowing it to slam the creature into the ground. The earth trembled under the impact, and the force of the blow knocked the chupacabra's breath from its lungs.
The werewolf raked its claws across the chupacabra's chest and the creature screeched in pain, its glowing red eyes flashing with fury. It twisted, trying to retaliate, but the werewolf was relentless. It snapped its jaws at the Chupacabra, but the chupacabra was no slouch—it was an apex predator in its own right, and it fought back with ferocity.
The two beasts tumbled in a chaotic, snarling heap, rolling across the forest ground, each struggling for dominance.
Mason, still reeling from his injury, managed to get to his feet, though his shoulder burned with pain. "Alex?" he gasped.
Justin, wide-eyed and frozen with fear, could only stare at the carnage before them. "Is it really her?" He whispered. Jusin's heart was hammering in his chest. "We need stop her," he said, grabbing Mason by the arm. "We can't just stand and watch this!"
The chupacabra, using its last burst of energy, managed to push the werewolf off causing it to stagger back, before dropping to the ground. The chupacabra took advantage of the moment, its mouth opening wide, prepared to strike a fatal blow. When a blinding beam of light shot through the air. It targeted the Chupacabra, and the creature struggled.
The trio glanced back, emerging from in between the towering trees stood a man with his arm outstretched clasping his wand as he battled the creature. His long, matted beard and hair, both white as snow but stained by the grime of time, hung in tangled strands around his gaunt face. His skin pale and weathered, illuminated in the reflection of the beam from his wand. He was shrouded in a brown and beige tattered robe, frayed at the edges, the fabric worn thin by centuries of neglect. He blended seamlessly with the muted browns and greens of the forest, but as he approached his eyes became emphasized in the light. Though clouded by age and weariness, they glimmered with a faint, eerie wisdom.
He strained against the force of his wand, continuing to maintain the forceful ray exploding out of the tip. The chupacabra's screeches, as it burned against the rays, turned into frantic gurgles as the life drained out of it. A soft, mournful sound escaped from its throat—a breath, or perhaps a final cry—before its limbs collapsed inward, as if gravity itself had turned against them.
The chupacabra, now lifeless, slumped to the ground, its eyes dimming. Slowly, its skin began to crack, delicate fissures spreading like a web of brittle stone. Each inch of its form crumbled dissolving into a fine, ashen mist. A soft wind picked up, catching the fragments of the creature's body, scattering them in all directions. The muscles, once taut and strong, now dissolved into vapor, leaving behind only the faintest whisper of movement in the dust.
As the last of its form disintegrated, the remnants of the creature vanished into nothingness, swallowed by the stillness. Where it had once stood, only the faintest trace of its presence remained—a trail of fine, grey dust that slowly settled to the ground.
Justin blinked rapidly, his mouth slightly agape as though he couldn't quite comprehend the scene that had unfolded before him. His hands, clenched into fists at his sides, trembled ever so slightly—an involuntary reaction to the disbelief coursing through him. He turned to Juliet and Mason, both stood frozen with their eyes wide gazing in wonder at the intruder.
The man returned the glare, his eyes piercing at them. The wrinkles on his face appeared more defined as his eyes continued to narrow. "There," his rough voice bellowed, "it's gone. Now you best leave yourselves, while I deal with her."
"Her?" Justin choked.
The trio turned, searching for the werewolf who attacked the Chupacabra. But now in its place a young woman lay unconscious on the ground. Her dark hair framed her pale face, and her swollen belly rose and fell with shallow, labored breaths. Her skin, once vibrant, was now colourless, and there was a noticeable bruise on her cheek where she'd struck the ground.
Her body twitched, a soft moan escaping her lips as she began to stir. Her eyelids fluttered open, revealing the dazed confusion in her gaze. But the moment her senses began to return, so too did the overwhelming pain, gnawing at her body. Every breath was sharp and jagged, a grim reminder of the ordeal she had just endured.
"ALEX!" Mason cried as he hurried to her side, "Alex, it's alright love." His face came into focus, his features taut with worry. He knelt beside her, his hand gently brushing her hair from her forehead. His other hand hovered near her stomach, the concern etched on his face.
Behind him, Justin appeared, his face pale and tense as he knelt down beside Mason. He seemed just as frantic, but the protective instinct in his eyes was unmistakable. "Is she... is she okay?" He asked, his voice strained.
"You know her?" The man growled, his voice husk.
"Yeah, she's my sister."
Alex's breaths became jagged in pain, and she winced, her hands instinctively pressing against her belly as if to shield it from some unseen threat. Tears welled in her eyes, the pain too much to bear. The world around her seemed to spin, and all she could focus on was the sensation of her body trembling.
"Don't move darling, just... stay calm," Mason said, his voice a low whisper as he carefully cradled her head in his lap. "We need to get you help, we need to go back to the hospital."
Alex could barely nod, the ache in her chest and abdomen unbearable. All she wanted was to close her eyes and escape the agony, but she fought to stay conscious.
Then a moment of realisation hit Mason, "the potion. Justin, the potion quick or she might change again!"
Justin nodded, instantly launching his backpack off from his shoulder before beginning to rifle through his belongings.
"Wait!" The man roared, "she shouldn't take anything until she's been checked over. I have a shack up the path, I think you had all better come with me…"
The air in the room flickered, a momentary distortion in the fabric of reality, and then with a sharp crackle, Justin, along with the others, materialized from nothingness. He stumbled forward, disoriented, arms flailing as his boots skidded on the slick floor. His body collided with a wooden shelf, sending a cascade of books and papers scattering to the ground with a loud clatter.
"Ow!" He grunted, catching himself on the edge of a desk. His head throbbed as if the very atoms of his being had been scrambled before being hastily shoved back into his skull. "If we only had to walk down the path, then why flash us in?" He cursed under his breath, wiping his hands across his face to clear the fog of dizziness.
The man's stern look was marked by furrowed brows, creating deep lines on to his forehead. "I'm 900 years old, if I want to save my legs the walk I will!"
The room around Justin finally came into focus— the shack was dimly lit, with only the soft glow of a flickering hearth casting long shadows on the weathered walls. The air is thick with the scent of aged timber, dried herbs, and a faint trace of incense that lingers in the corners. The floor uneven, creaking with every step, was covered in a patchwork of worn rugs. Shelves line the walls, cluttered with tattered books and strange jars filled with dried roots and strange potions.
In one corner, a large wooden table is covered in glass vials, half-finished scrolls, and curious instruments—some bent and rusted from years of use. A thick velvet curtain hung over a small window, leaving the room in a constant half-darkness. The low ceiling, with exposed beams, seems to sag slightly, as though bearing the weight of time itself.
An old, worn armchair sat next to a crooked bed, a patch of moonlight occasionally sneaking through the cracks in the walls to land on its faded upholstery.
The man turned to Mason, "put little miss on the bed, and we'll see how she's doing."
He quickly obliged, and gently lay her down. Alex's body curled and tensed slightly in discomfort, the weight of her pregnancy making every ache feel more intense. Her face is flushed with exhaustion, eyes squeezed shut as waves of nausea and fatigue sweep over her. She clutched Mason's hand tightly, the pressure grounding her as she squirmed, unable to find relief from the deep, all-encompassing ache in her body. Her breathing is shallow, uneven, as she shifts slightly, trying to ease the discomfort. However, nothing seemed to help. Her whole body felt heavy, as though the simple act of moving was too much to bear. Alex repeatedly glanced up at him with a silent plea, her pain evident in the way as she held on to him.
Mason knelt beside Alex and with his free hand he softly stroked her head, carefully wiping away the small beads of sweat. Alex continuously moaned in pain and as a few tears escaped her eyes, she gritted her teeth together tightly whilst writhing against the mattress, Mason desperately tried to soother her.
"It's alright love, it's going to be okay."
The man approached what could only be described as a kitchen stroke potion area, it was small and rustic, its weathered wooden walls darkened by years of use and time. A sturdy wooden counter, scarred with knife marks and stains, sat underneath the covered window. Above it, a dim oil lamp hung from high on the wall, casting a warm glow on to the space. A small shelf was lined with a small collection of chipped ceramic mugs and old glass jars, filled with dried herbs and shrouded in cobwebs and a thick carpet of dust. The stove, a cast-iron relic, stood against the wall, its blackened surface a testament to countless meals prepared over the years. A soft, muted light peered through the drapes, highlighting the glass underneath, fogged and cracked in places. The scent of wood smoke lingering in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of old spices.
The man selected an empty jar and turned to a small, rusted cauldron sat on top of the stove. Cautiously he tipped it and filled the jar, the liquid descending into the it and filling the jar to the brim. The potion rested, its surface becoming smooth and slightly frosted, catching the light with an almost ethereal glow. Inside, the liquid swirled with shifting colours—deep purples and vibrant blues that pulsed like the heartbeat of the night sky, interspersed with glimmers of silver, like stardust. The potion seemed to breathe, alive with energy as tiny bubbles occasionally floated to the surface, disappearing as quickly as they appear.
The mixture was thick, fizzing with little bubbles and coloured pale pink. Justin stood watched with interest as the man gave the potion one last swirl before hobbling over to Alex.
"Here give her this." He handed the potion to Mason who had begun to prop Alex up on the pillows resting behind her head. "It'll help heal her your body from the transformation and stop it from happening again. Well…from happening anytime soon at least…"
Alex caught the scent as the jar brushed past her nose, both sweet and smoky, the potion had a hint of the undertones of earth.
"I thought she couldn't take anything if she hasn't been checked over?" Juliet queried as she took a seat on the chair beside Alex.
The man glared silently, "She's pregnant. I don't need to check her over to see that."
"No, Juliet's right!" Justin intervened, "you don't know anything about her. She's thirty-six weeks pregnant, and she's in labour with a wizard, werewolf hybrid." He crossed his arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, his posture rigid with frustration but laced with defiance. "Can your little potion help with that?"
The man's eyes narrowed, and with a sharp, almost mocking chuckle, he shook his head. "Oh, if only you knew!" He muttered, his voice dripping with sarcastic confidence. A small, self-assured smile played on his lips. "I should have introduced myself, my name is Professor Dirbyh Cigam, and I am an expert on magical hybrid pregnancies and infants."
Justin stood there in disbelief, as if the world around him had suddenly shifted into something almost too good to be true. His breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he simply stared, unable to fully process the overwhelming sense of awe washing over him. His shoulders, tense for what felt like an eternity, finally relaxed, the weight of anxiety lifting off him like a heavy burden being set down as his muscles giving way to a profound sense of peace. A slow, astonished smile spread across his face, as if he couldn't quite believe the relief coursing through him. Everything, it seemed, had finally fallen into place.
He looked towards Mason and Juliet, both presenting smiles as wide as his own, unable to suppress a laugh of joy, his eyes glistening with gratitude.
"It's you?" He stepped towards the man, "But, you're a legend in magical medicine, you wrote and published 'History of Magical Cross breeds!" Justin firmly grabbed his hand firmly and began to shake it. "Sir, this is an honour! I have just been reading your book and the information you have gathered is astounding! I just don't understand how someone with such a great mind, lives alone out here where his work can't be appreciated?"
"That's something to ask ol' Professor Crumbs…"
Justin's face contorted, "Crumbs? But he's around here? That's why Alex probably came here, to find him for help."
Cigam's face remained blank, "that's all well and good. But before you go into more detail about Crumbs' travels, we need to help your sister…"