Some light streams through the large windows in the wall in front of me, making the room slightly brighter. I can’t see much through the narrow opening, so I push the door open.
Empty. As far as I can see. The room is massive, stretching forward before opening up into two long sections on either side. Both ends disappear around corners, leaving me unable to see where they lead.
Keeping the flashlight on, I walk into the room. The door slams shut behind me. The harsh sound travels through my bones.
I slither along the left wall, gun raised in my hand. Keeping my steps slow and quiet, I press my shoulder close to the concrete as I move toward the section of the room that wasn’t visible from the door.
I stop at the edge of the wall and lean forward just enough to peek around the corner. Empty.
Pausing for a few seconds, I listen for anything that doesn’t belong. A footstep. A breath. The slightest movement. Nothing. But I don’t relax. Not yet.
Taking a deep breath, I move along the opposite side. My gun is trained ahead while I clear each section of the room. Every few steps, I stop and look.
When I reach the end of the wall, I press myself against the corner and slowly turn.
“Nicholas,” I yell, running towards him when I spot him in the corner. He’s partially shifted, slumped across the wall. I recognize the partially shifted wolf next to him as Matt. Their hands and legs are chained like animals.
I lean down to check for damage. Cupping his face, I shake him. “Nicholas? Baby? I’ve got you. You’ll be—”
“Ah, you’re here.”
The world stops. My body forgets how to move. How to breathe.
No.
No, no, no. This can’t be happening.
“Took you long enough, Eli boy.”
I turn my head slowly, like if I’m careful, I can still hide. He stands there. Older than I remember. Just as strong. Tall. Like a monster from all my worst nightmares. That smile still pasted across his face. He was happiest when he knew he was the most powerful person in the room.
“Now we can play.” His voice is just as cruel. More growl than anything else.
I can’t move. Every part of me wants to run away. But I can’t. Not when Nicholas is here. I’m not leaving him alone with this monster. Not for a second.
He tilts his head, his smile getting broader. He knows he’s already won. Whatever sick game he’s playing, he hasallthe control. “Stand up.”
Like I have strings tied to my limbs, I spring up.
“Good boy.” A shiver runs down my spine. “Now, give me all your weapons. Make it quick before I get bored. You know what happens when I’m bored.” He turns to look at someone.I can’t take my eyes off him, or he’ll pounce. “Go help him.”
I stand there, unable to move. Then someone is there, right in my face. It takes me a second to tear my eyes away from Raymond to look at the new guy. “Adrian?” My voice is barely a whisper. Of course, he’s here. Why wouldn’t he be?
He takes the gun and my phone first. I forgot I had them. Then pats me down, collecting all my weapons, dropping them on the ground before kicking them away.
When he kicks the injections towards The Werewolf, he laughs. The noise startles me. “Valmeron and Myocardian. So clever, Eli Boy. I was so proud of you, you know. Until you decided to stop, all because of this werewolf, wasn't it?” He points to Nicholas.
I shake my head, my breath coming in fast. No no no no.
Adrian frowns at me in confusion.
I can’t let him kill Nicholas. No, he can’t have him.Not him.
“Aidy, be a doll and tie him, will you?” he says to Adrian.
I don’t do anything as Adrian guides me towards the wall a little distance away from Nicholas and zip-ties my hands behind my back. Then he kneels to tie my legs together. No iron manacles for me. Because I’m weak.
Of course, I am. I had a gun in my hand, and I couldn’t do anything.
