Thou shalt not frighten me

​ The moment my body hit the ground, the sharp gravel tore into my elbow, sending waves of pain through my arms. Before I could even struggle to my feet a heavy weight fell upon me. Rough hands closed around my throat, forcing my head back. In the dim light Jim's blue eyes burned with hate, and his lips twisted into a sneer. “You damn slave!” he snarled. “I should’ve killed you the first time I saw you!” The pressure on my neck tightened. Darkness closed in on my view. Pure survival instinct kicks in - I drive my knee hard into his stomach. Jim grunted, his grip loosening just enough. I shoved him off and reversed our positions, pinning him beneath me with my elbows pressed hard against his chest. My nails dug deep into his skin as rage took over. “Get off me, you bitch!” He thrashed about and tried to throw me off. I ground my teeth. Something primal surged within me-a tingling heat ran through my fingers as the dark claws slowly extended, the sharp points hovering inches from his thr