162

MAXINE

We turned slowly and saw the dark figure by our door. We quickly rushed backward, putting space between us. There was a pair of glowing eyes and a growl escaped its mouth.

"Who are you?!" I demanded, finding my voice. I held onto Zel protectively.

I growled, my bones shifting and claws extending out. I felt the fur grow on the side of my face, my legs, and my arm. I didn't fully shift.

This was a dangerous situation and I needed to act fast if this thing tried to attack us.

"What do you girls think you're doing?" the figure growled, sending shivers running down my spine. "Snooping around about the lodge like that."

Now that we knew why this strange enemy was here, I was somewhat relaxed. It meant that there was something sinister about the lodge and it had finally manifested itself to us.

"So, you're the spirit tormenting the Gray Lodge," I said matter-of-factly.

The thing seemed to chuckle. "And what if I am? What are you going to do about it?" It asked.

Zel stepped forward. "