Up the stairs and through the tiny opening in the door I ran, not stopping until I was inside and had shut the door with a heavy body slam. My fur felt covered in blood and evil residue, pulsing from that nasty ring. I stumbled up toward my room, thinking maybe I’d jump in the shower to clean it off before shifting back. Jamie passed me in the hall. “Back now?” I ignored him and bolted into my room. The taint of the ring stretched around me. What an awful feeling, like a barrier between me and the earth of something heavy and tar-like. Thankfully I’d left my door open, and the bathroom door. I leapt into the shower, wondering how I’d turn the water on with my paws. The light flicked on and Gabe stood in the doorway. My heart skipped a beat. Something felt wrong about him being there, but I couldn’t remember why. I pulled away as he approached the shower. The evil had to go before I touched anyone. It felt like sap ready to leech onto the next person and drain them of all happiness.
