monster!Thandi
Thandi is on the prowl. She stalks her prey, tail whipping, ears folded back. He pauses and looks up, and she hears the whisper of feathers and the loud rasp of a raven.
It chatters incessantly to him. Why? It’s not as if he—
The man laughs. He reaches up and pets the bird, talking back. This man could understand beasts. Hope blooms in her chest for the first time in centuries.
Perhaps… he can answer her riddle.
The next morning, she stretches out in the rear garden of her prey’s cozy cottage. She has long ago learned how to adapt her form as she pleases, and lately has remained as a large feline. Today, though, she’s feeling dramatic.
Her quarry exits and stops, eyebrows jumping in surprise. Before he could say anything, she changes, eyes glittering.
Wings stretch out, casting him in shadow. Her body becomes larger, with the regality of a lioness. And her face, her true face, watched him with a soft smile.
His reaction is unexpected. Neither awe nor fear. Anger. Does he intend to attack her before she even speaks?
He jabs a finger at her. “You. Are lounging. In my garden!!!”
She looks down to see young shoots crushed underfoot. They hadn’t seemed important, but he rushes over, shooing her off of them, mumbling to himself as the plants are righted.
“My apologies,” she says quietly. “I didn’t realize—”
“You didn’t realize? More like you didn’t care! They’re in such a poor mood now, you…”
Thandi watches his face with delight. He seems over the shock now and he looks her up and down, mouth agape. Her smile returns.
“I have a riddle for you.”