Li Shen's fist hung in the air, frozen in the moment of horror. His arms moved mechanically to catch Xin's small body as it crumpled. Blood soaked through the prince's fine silk robes, staining Li Shen's hands crimson.
The girl yanked her arm back from Xin's chest. Her lower body transformed, scales rippling across her skin as it elongated into a massive serpentine form. The tail whipped around, catching Li Shen off guard and sending him sprawling across the chamber floor.
Her body continued its transformation, muscles bulging and fur sprouting as she took the shape of a giant ape. The beast lunged forward, massive fist aimed at Li Shen's head.
The strike never landed. A glaive whistled through the air, embedding itself deep in the ape's arm. The creature recoiled with an inhuman shriek, bounding backward to put distance between itself and this new threat.
