---- 118. SAVING A LIFE NYX At the back wally a massive body that nearly reached the ceiling. Solid ck scales looked imprable and sharp, with powerful ws on all four legs, and the most terrifying part of all... That creature was now staring at me with hostility, six red eyes locked on me-uh-huh... a seriously oppressive feeling, Through its sharp teeth, a low hiss warned me that if I took one more step... nothing would really happen to me...


    Not just because I was able to defend myself, but because this female was injured, bleeding from everywhere, and most concerning of all-her belly was huge. She was pregnant, bleeding out... and inbor. "J don''t want to hurt you... can you understand me?" I said, raising my hands to show I meant no harm. I took a few steps, but her growls of warning mixed with agonized ones. Lying on her side, I could see all the bloody fluid pouring out from between her legs.The worst part were the wounds and bite marks from what had ---- clearly been a brutal attack, they had even gone after her belly. She was going to die-her and her baby-if I didn''t act right now. "Pm a witch. I know some healing magic. I can save you..." I stepped closer, but she tried to get up and attack me. "your baby''s going to die if you keep being stubborn!" I yelled, releasing my magic, hitting her straight on.


    regretted it a secondter, thinking she''d go wild, assuming I was attacking. But to my surprise, she calmed down. Those ruby-like eyes stayed locked on me, then she sniffed in my direction, and finally slumped back against the wall in pain. I subtly smelled myself. Could the scent of my magic have soothed her? "Ggrrr..." A deep growl and a gush of blood from her rear legs snapped me into action.


    Driven bypassion, I rushed to her, staying alert in case she attacked, and began weaving healing spells. We had studied all the basics with Great-Grandma Gabrielle. I filtered my magic through the open wounds and broken-off scales. The fight she''d been in had been brutal, defending her life and the one growing inside her; I had no doubt.


    <!---->