59

P R E S L E Y

I got to my feet after being knocked over by Ruby's power. I watched as her hair began to change from red to black, the vibrant color changing from the

roots downward. Xavier, who was in his wolf form, got up, and when she turned to glance our way, she looked almost unrecognizable.

Her body was covered with black veins. With her midnight-black hair and eyes, she looked every bit of a goddess to me. I knew the person I was looking at was no longer Ruby Saunders. I was stunned with wonder. Right now, the rest of the world literally stood still. No one knew what to expect next. Even the Bleeders had stopped attacking. It appeared they weren't mindless enough to think they'd stand a chance against her.

I was wrong. All at once, as if following some silent command, all the Bleeders went running for her, bypassing us as if we weren't even standing there.