The beast's hind tensed as soon as my question fluttered past my lips. Understanding shone in its eyes as it fixed its stare at me. The scarce, feathery hair on the creature's back stood on end, assuming a defensive stance. Its aura throbbed with unease as hatred rolled off its body in furious swells of temper.

As I tightened my grip, a surge of fear and courage fought for dominance, making breathing hard. "What are you waiting for, you piece of shit?! Make your move!" I shouted, hoping to provoke a reaction.

The animal perked its ears and opened its mouth wide. Sharp teeth greeted me—a blatant display of power—as I settled my resolve. Hatred shone like lava as its hind legs tensed up in anticipation. A second later, something seemed to snap as the beast sprinted into motion. Caught by surprise, fear invaded my heart. I stumbled back as my mind fumbled for courage. 

"Shit, Kayla, you can do this! Don't let it intimidate you." Zarek screamed from afar as I peeked in his direction. The male looked ready to attack. The male assumed an aggressive stance as he prepared to strike at any moment.

I inhaled to calm and center myself as the monster closed the distance between us. Like watching a movie in slow motion, I steadied my trembling knees, refusing to let terror control me. 

"I can fucking do this! You'll fall under my blade, you piece of shit." Adrenaline coursed through my veins, enveloping me in a warm embrace. As usual, my libido seized the moment to impose itself as I prepared for the attack.

Next, my vision tunneled as I stared down at my opponent and waited for the battle to ensue.

Surprised, my attention zeroed in on something unusual. After receiving its water-based blessing, my sword vibrated between my hands. The electrifying sensation shot confidence in me, driving my resolve. "I will not let it defeat me." The whisper that appeared on my lips wetted my rising confidence. My earlier hesitation was now gone.

I prepared for what came next.

That's it! You disgusting thing will meet your end today! The conviction penetrated my thoughts as I widened my stance and felt my abs engage. My mind became clear and focused—a plan formed as I raised my sword into position.

I waited as the beast leaped from one side to another, and I followed its course, holding my position. The fight would be challenging, but back down was not an option. Besides, I wanted to validate myself and prove I could handle this world. Yeah! Kayla, the ball-busting warrior. Becoming stronger excited me beyond the imaginable as the thought passed through my mind.

Then, out of nowhere, a crushing pressure built on my chest, causing an involuntary gasp to escape. Kill it! Absorb its essence. Strengthen our cry. Make us roar! My inner cry chanted as killer ecstasy coursed through my body.

In the background, I heard Zarek take a deep breath. The faint sound fascinated me somehow. But I didn't bother looking his way as danger charged toward me. My killing instinct enticed my attention toward the rushing barghest.

When the barghest came within reach, I stepped aside in time to swing my sword with all my might. The force of the impact jolted my body. Hitting the creature was like striking a sturdy stone wall, the clash rumbling through my body.

The wolf-like animal's ear-piercing yowl forced me to stumble backward. As I lost my ground, the beast grabbed my blade with its teeth, giving it a good yank.

It tried to wrestle my weapon away with a fierce determination. It dug its claws into the round to gain purchase as the blade dug deeper into its mouth. But I didn't allow the monster to gain an advantage over me. I, too, planted my heels, refusing to budge against the attack. The barghest was a formidable opponent, for sure. My stubbornness declined to allow the bastard to win.

However...

A bit of trepidation dared to creep through my consciousness while being pushed back. I looked around to evaluate my surroundings as a plan formed in my head. I used all my strength to protect myself and pushed the animal away. The last thing I desired was to be cornered and unable to escape. My muscles strained against the effort as I took a step and then another. Surprise clouded my opponent's judgment as I twisted my body and moved out of its way at the last second.

The barghest stumbled as its mouth opened wide and sliced its gum. Thick blood poured from its mouth, mixed with its gooey saliva. The creature's piercing cry rang in my ears as the thundering sound shook my senses. An obnoxious oppression settled in my head as I tried to regain my bearings.

As soon as the ringing subsided, I prepared my next attack while the animal stomped and yelped in pain. With an undeniable advantage, I swung my blade and sliced through the thick hind of the monster. Although superficial, the cut was deep enough to soak me with its warm blood. With a glare, the barghest took a few steps back, distancing itself from my sword.

When my eyes landed on my weapon to check on the edge, an unexpected sight greeted me. The blood pooled on the fuller, boiled, and sizzled, marring my blade with a foul stain. However, my initial sense of triumph ebbed as my enemy recovered from its initial shock. 

The creature gave a powerful kick, sending me flying across the room and knocking the air from my chest. When I landed on my butt, a flash of stars danced across my field of vision. My lungs battled against the lack of air with every ounce of will. The suffocating impression drove a desperate need for a break. I scanned my surroundings when the animal recovered at a remarkable speed.

And it charged!

This time, pure hatred shone in its intelligent eyes. The barghest's nostrils flared as its hot breath steamed from its nose. A growl rumbled deep within the animal's chest, displaying intense fury. However, I couldn't afford to waste time licking my wounds. I needed to stand and face the beast.

Once the barghest was within reach, I swung with everything I got. A painful jolt from the impact shot up my arm as fiery rage consumed me.

That's right, our lady! Feed your rage, unleash your anger. The wail that lived within me cried as violent passion wetted my drive as I shifted my position for another attack. 

A growl from Zarek's direction drove me into a frenzy as I slashed the monster's shoulder. My sword fizzled and hummed with delight when the spray of blood hallowed its existence. I realized the protective spell from earlier intensified, giving the sword an ominous glow and grabbing my attention. 

The goblin-wolf saw an opening and flicked its tail against my legs, taking advantage of my distraction. With a painful thud, I crashed to the ground, jarring my entire body. Out of the blue, the beast retreated, leaving me to lick my wounds by myself.

Suddenly, the unexpected happened.

"Fuck, Kayla! Be ready. It's transforming into something else." Zarek's silhouette came into view as he moved into position in the distance.

I raised my weapon, ready to attack. "Yeah! I see that, but thanks for noticing." I carefully circled the creature when its form contorted, bones popping with a sickening noise.

"Concentrate! Don't let that little tumble ruin your concentration." Like always, my companion found the stamina to pick on me, but I couldn't help but laugh his attitude off.

"Zarek, that wasn't a tumble. My butt hurts a great deal... and I bet it's bruised now." His charming, teasing, and playful grin irritated me during trying times. "You'll have to kiss it better." The tease escaped my lips before I could contain it.

"That will NOT happen! Although, with how you wiggle your hips... Fuck, look at me! I'm a bumbling mess. Not even Lord Vrax triggered this reaction out of me." The transmuting barghest's attention shifted back and forth between Zarek and me, measuring us.

"I'm not doing anything on purpose, you jerk," I said, stunned. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Zarek's eyes widened in shock, his posture rigid as he laughed nervously. "You can heal later in the hot spring. Now, you must focus on your enemy. It's targeting you."

I took a deep breath and stood just in time to witness the barghest complete its grotesque mutation. My body recoiled with disgust at the sight. I couldn't tear my gaze away from the grotesque goblin's wicked, intelligent eyes. Its malicious smile revealed sharp teeth—capable of easily tearing through muscle and bones.

A thick glob of bloody saliva oozed from its mouth as it stared at my sword. "Bitch, my sword will bring your end, and my grin will be the last thing you'll see before you die."

The abomination snickered at me like it withheld crucial information about my survival. Its nakedness made me want to hurl my breakfast. Noticing my discomfort and in a display of defiance, the creature toyed with its crude member. The goblin licked its lips with a sly grin, leaving no doubt about its crass intentions.

My stomach did several flips at the sight, witnessing its revolting intentions. For a moment, I panicked. A suffocating, all-consuming desire to retreat halted my rational thinking. I sought a hiding spot to escape the drowning weight of my enemy's intentions.

"You fucking piece of shit! I will make you pay for insinuating such a thing." Zarek's booming voice filled the cavern, snapping me back into focus. His anger seeped through my pores as I calmed my trembling hands.

A fiery rage ignited from within as I, too, sneered and licked my lips. An electrifying current traveled through my veins when I savored the coppery tang of the barghest's blood. Yes! The blood of your enemy is ours. Oh, our sweet lady, soak in its blood. BAPTIZED IN BLOOD AND WAR, YOU MUST BE REBORN! The wail instigated as heat traveled through my body.

Then... I screamed!

Dust and rocks rained from the ceiling as the ground shook underneath me. My instincts kicked in full throttle when my vision narrowed and turned red as I zeroed in on my target. With quickened breaths, my body tensed with anticipation as I screamed once again. This time, Zarek joined the cacophony of our battle cries.

The barghest cowered and pissed itself as it stepped back. But its panic evaporated a few seconds later and launched its attack. Its palpable rage propelled it toward me, intent on causing significant harm—even at the expense of its own life. The grotesque menace moved with impressive agility, hopping from place to place.

"You're pissing me off!" I shouted as I swung. I missed my first parry. My limber body twisted to deliver a second attack as I sliced through the goblin's chest.

Stunned, I witnessed as the barghest sacrificed itself to get an attack of its own. The creature's dirt claws grazed my thigh, leaving a superficial scratch that didn't go too deep. Still, the creature's attempt to best me angered me beyond measure. With blinding rage, I whirled my sword low and sliced its stomach.

Guts and organs spilled from the gapping slash I left on the barghest opening as Zarek approached from behind. The male raised his short sword before plunging it into the beast's back. The barghest, transforming into its original form, uttered a pitiful shriek that echoed throughout the room.

The creature was dying, but I didn't care—I craved for this. I wanted the light in its eyes extinguished. Our lady of terror, finish it! Take your blade and claim its head. My wail demanded, and I instinctively complied.

I claimed on its body, pinning the creature's legs with my knees, and plunged my blade into its neck. I twisted my weapon until I overheard a crack. With a swift flick of my hands, I brought the edge down, decapitating my opponent with a sloppy cut.

Unsatisfied with my work, I tossed aside my weapon and reached for the skull. As I attempted to walk away, I realized the neck still had muscles attached to its lifeless body. I jerked several times until I freed the appendage. 

Detached, I approached the lava river and regarded the thick substance slowly swirling about. I tossed the remains into the scorching depths, and the flames instantly devoured them.

Suddenly, a disembodied cry tore from deep within my chest, making my body hum with power and adrenaline. The enthralling emotion clouded my mind in euphoria as I stumbled back and bumped into Zarek's tall frame. 

When I turned, his eyes appeared strange and glowed with a peculiar blue-pink light. His breathing came in short bursts as if ready to protect.

"My Lady! I pledge my allegiance to you. Even if my life is in jeopardy, I'll protect you, no matter what. My berserker belongs to you to use as you please, my queen!"

Dread invaded my mind, but pride for the male filled my heart. "No need to get this extreme, Zarek. I only want someone I can trust, that's all."