Chapter 264
Daphne
I open my eyes.
The first thing I see is Nima, curled on the floor next to the bed in her bunny form,a small, soft puff fur, her sides rising and falling in a slow, deep rhythm of sleep.
The second thing I realize is the familiar, heavy weight of my own tail, the stretch of powerful limbs covered in short, dark fur. I'm in my panther form.
Instinct, older than thought, takes over. I lean my massive head down and drag my tongue roughly over the curve of her back in a slow, grooming stroke.
She trembles,a tiny, reflexive shiver but doesn't startle awake. Her nose just twitches, and she sinks deeper into sleep, pressing subtly into the touch.
Not scared anymore?
With a conscious effort, I pull the panther shape back into myself. The world shifts perspective, shrinking slightly, the sharp scent-details of the room fading to human levels. I stretch, muscles protesting with a satisfying ache, and stand.
