I don't think I could lie that I’ve slain the dragon. But I can at least lie about Rachel. I ask her if I can slice her hand. A little blood and fur should be convincing enough.

“I know you think you're being heroic, or something but this is dumb. Your plan can’t succeed. Let’s stick together. We’ll figure something out.” Her voice calm and cool as if nothing were wrong.

“No there’s no time for that. I just want to get this done with. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. And if I don’t make it that’s okay. I already thought I’d be dead many times already.”

A fierce storm passes in the night. There’s a full moon tonight and Rachel seems more depressed than usual. She wishes she can transform and hunt. She hates being in this body. After sleeping in an abandoned barn, we set off at dawn on a chilly morning. The roads are clear of snow. We walk on the path that leads to the castle in silence. 

Titan looked away, biting his lips.

That night before our journey I dream of being burned alive by the queen.

The dragon can't destroy the armor even though he wants to. These pieces are important to him, and he wants them destroyed to never get in the wrong hands again. I need to confront the queen if I want to save everyone from the Queen's spell. He showed me how I looks liked with a magical mirror. I could see how close to imminent death I am through the armor but I can also see how much worse off the queen must be.

As I walk into the castle before saying anything the guards take me to the prison. I'm alone and afraid but at least Rachel and Titan are alright.

Outside of the castle, Rachel had been captured outside the village wall. "I've caught the freak," he declared. "As ordered. She's tied up. It wasn't easy. She killed several of my men. Don't untie her and don't look at her face."

"Why not? Then where's the proof?"

"She bites stronger than any wolf. She ripped off a leg with all her attention. Her tattoo you can find it on her shoulder. The queen's mark.”

I didn't have to see it to know he was telling the truth. I can hear her howling.

Rachel is fighting back her exhaustion, fear and pain to wrap her arms around me terrified, quaking, slowly rocking me and speaking to me in strained but soothing whispers that bounce around the cold, empty darkness of our cell. “I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”
…

The queen calls me a coward. She puts a bird mask on me that becomes my face. As I turn, I feel my hair falling off as feathers and a beak forces their way out. She will kill Rachel if I don’t decide to give her the sword. I stepped forward and drew my sword. 

Rachel gasped, hungry for air, as the queen yanked her head.

By Cristina Collazo