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Brandon had nothing better to do that night. A costume party was as good an excuse to get out of the house as any. And all he needed was to wear something animal-themed, right?

He borrowed a tail from his roommate, who was into that furry thing. It was something reptilian, maybe even draconic. Brandon vaguely hoped no one asked about it. He was ready for some chill vibes, maybe some cool people and some good food. He didn't even pay attention to who the hostess was.

The announcement was silly, and Brandon only realized the gravity when his teeth suddenly sank into his hoodie, tearing the thick cotton weave like tissue paper. It seemed to be getting thinner and flakier within his mouth. It wasn't... bad. Brandon yanked off another piece, and then another, his eyes widening in satisfaction. He was supposed to be surprised by something, wasn't he?

Oh!! Something jerked free from his pants and slammed into his behind. He wagged his tail, but there was nothing behind him anymore. Something... something was itching inside of his head. Or was it the outside? That hair... whose hair was it that was falling off? No time to think. More skin to grab. More food. The air around him was growing alive, thick and heavy with humidity. He heard someone scream, as if a thousand miles away. The ceiling was so high above him, and the foliage was growing thicker around him. Where were those lights coming from? He'd run out of skin to eat. Maybe there was another snack hiding in these woods. Maybe some beetles or crickets. Where could he find some? He licked his eyes clear. Something was saying something about a curse, whatever it was. It wasn't food, though. He looked around for a path away from the strange creatures above him, stomping and kicking the ground around him.