@Kingfisher
She'd really just wanted the book. Why couldn't things ever be simple?
Alleaya clutched her prize to her chest as she was backed against the dead-end of the alley, eyes flicking between the three rather rough-looking figures that had blocked her escape. "Please...I- I don't have anything," she stammered as her back fetched up against the wall.
The lead thug smirked, and a flick of his wrist accompanied by a glint of metal drew her attention to the blade in his hand. "Pretty little thing like you, in those nice Serenian clothes? I'm sure you've got somethin' we want," he chuckled, and his companions sneered as they spread out to close her in.
Her heartbeat picked up and she looked desperately from side to side. If she could only
control the changes...
Anytime now would be great! she shrieked internally at her uncooperative body.
Trying to buy some time, she threw a hand up and focused, summoning a tiny spark of flame to her fingers. "Stay- stay back!"
The thieves barely paused, snickering at the admittedly rather pathetic display of magic. "That all you got, girlie?"
Before she could react, the man on the left darted forward, there was a flash of steel, and a long gash opened along her collar. She cried out, reeling back so her head thumped against the stone wall behind her and she dropped her book. Fire and fear raced through her veins, burning and stretching and
twisting-
The would-be muggers began to back away as her form twisted and shimmered, the air around her suddenly scorching. With a pained roar, Ally nearly exploded into dragon form, and her attackers turned to flee with startled cries and curses.