Black Leopard in the Grass

“What would you suggest?” Andrev asked.

“I have heard talk of gods from the sky who have the bodies of men but the heads and wings of falcons,” Rastaban said. “Or perhaps those shape-changers of old, who are leopards and wolves and foxes, sliding out of the shadows in the night to seduce young, innocent mortals.”

Andrev’s brow furrowed. “You think I could turn into an animal?”

“Why not?” Rastaban asked.

“That’s hardly possible,” Andrev said.

“Say that to him,” Kana said.

Andrev and Rastaban turned.

“Him who?” Andrev asked.

Kana pointed to a black leopard in the grass.