Rilian hit the floor. Thanks to the potion, I wasn't all the way shifted yet, but my claws were still long, and my teeth sharper than in my human form. I grasped onto his shoulder and leaned down to take a bite out of his neck.

But at the last second, despite all the pain, I redirected my aim, slamming my head into the floor instead, stunning myself.

"Aspen!" Rilian cried as I rolled off of him, holding my head.

"No!" I shouted, digging my claws into ...