I stumbled back, eyes wide, as the creature stared me down. It wasn't supposed to be here. It couldn't be. That’s the beast from ‘The Beast and the Sorcerer…,’ I thought. My mind raced, trying to connect the dots between the fading books and the thing now standing outside, its eyes glowing a fierce orange. I took a step back from the window, but it didn't move. It just watched me, as if waiting for something.

My breath hitched in my chest. This wasn't happening. This wasn't real.

I couldn't make sense of any of it, but one thing was clear: the lines between reality and fiction were blurring, and I was caught in the middle.

I paced around my small apartment, trying to think. There had to be an answer. There had to be someone who could explain this madness.

Then it hit me.

The bookstore.

The author.

Dawn Weaver had been signing books just a few days ago at the local shop. Maybe she knew something. Maybe the source of all this was there, in that small, quiet store.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

I grabbed my jacket and ran. By the time I reached the street, the Beast was nowhere to be seen. The bookstore was only a few blocks away, a small, unassuming place with shelves stacked high with novels. The bell above the door jingled as I stepped inside, the smell of paper and ink heavy in the air. It was quiet, too quiet.

I scanned the shelves, but there was no sign of the author, or anyone for that matter. I walked deeper into the store, hoping for a glimpse of the mysterious figure who had created these worlds.

Then I heard a sound.

A shuffle. A low grunt. It came from the back, past the rows of books, near the office area. My stomach twisted.

I slowly approached, heart racing, and I froze.

A woman, slumped against the wall. Her clothes—something I'd seen before. On the author… a few days ago….

My face paled. “Oh no…” The words slipped out and I covered my mouth in fear. My breath caught in my throat. Something was terribly, terribly wrong.

Before I could process it further, a low growl echoed from the back room. My body tensed. I closed my eyes.

Stupid Maya! Stupid! Why didn’t you look around first! Whatever the hell killed Dawn is still in here!

I mentally scolded myself for being so stupid. I didn't dare move. The air was thick with danger. Then, I heard the scraping of claws against wood, followed by a low, guttural sound—like a laugh. And just as quickly, the creature I'd seen earlier in the street appeared, its glowing eyes meeting mine. I should have run. But all I could do was stare, frozen in place. Its body was covered in matted hair, and my eyes dragged over it, until I reached its face. Large white fangs covered in blood, tight lips curled into a grimace.

And that’s when it ran at me.