The shapeshifter's monstrous form convulsed as the talisman burned into its flesh. Its glowing eyes darted between Luo Murong and Yu Holea, realization dawning too late.
"You...you planned this!" it hissed, its voice warped and guttural.
Yu Holea tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Of course. You were so busy manipulating, you didn't realize you were the one being played."
Just then, Luo Bin returned and, seeing the burning reptilian shapeshifter, spat in anger,
"Ba*tard!"
Luo Murong hugged Luo Bin and checked her,
"You aren't hurt anywhere, right?"
Luo Bin shook her head and explained,
"I am alright. It had tricked me using your face."
Yu Holea nodded as if she had expected this.
"Shapeshifters like this one rely on deception. They think imitation makes them untouchable," she said, her eyes never leaving the writhing creature.
"But they always forget one thing."