The Taint unfurled instinctively, crawling out of its lair with draconic lethargy. It seeped through her flesh, through her muscles, seeking out its prey. The white flicker of his lifeforce was visible now: a wild deer desperate to free itself as lion slowly closed in.
"Please," he sobbed. "Please. I got a wife. I got a little boy."
She could smell it now: the sweet mix of urine and fear; the primeval panic raising through his veins. It tingled in her throat like a rich blood-red wine.
"Oh, Tyr! Tyr, Talos, Umberlee!" He stumbled through a list of gods, praying to any and all. "I'm sorry! Ya'll never see me again! Never! Na you na yer friend!"
"Run," she ordered, transferring her grip to his shoulders and hauling him to his feet. A single shoved spurred him into motion. "Get out of here!"He fled as fast as his feet would carry him, disappearing into the darkness without daring to look behind. She watched him go with a sneer of dissatisfaction. The Taint inside her throbbed and pulsed. It was hungry. It wanted to feed.
She pushed it down. It groaned in protest, licking at her soul like a slavering dog. Just a little bit, it urged. Just a taste.
Cassie braced herself with one arm against the stable wall. She closed her eyes, breathed in slowly, and tightened her grip on the darkness inside her. It whimpered and hissed as she forced it back under control.
She was still Cassie. At least for now.