Episode 20

Narrated by Elizabeth

After a restful night's sleep, I feel significantly better, though I'm still grappling with how to process the barrage of information in my mind. I want to put everything in order, organize my thoughts, and foremost, I need to handle the issues with Mel – she has interfered too much in my life, nearly driving me to kill my younger brother. I'm uncertain whether to disclose this to my father; for now, I will steer clear of the subject.

I head downstairs for breakfast and am taken aback to see Roberto at the table.

"Good morning," I say.

"Good morning, sis," Matheus gets up to hug me, expressing how much he missed me too.

"Good morning, Elizabeth," Roberto and father chime in together; father gives Roberto a stern look.

"Roberto, what brings you here?" I inquire, driven by curiosity, knowing father mentioned Roberto usually moves on after his work is finished.

"Simple, I'm curious how you returned, and what you've discovered about yourself," he replies, somewhat awkwardly meeting my irritated gaze.

"So you want to use me as a test subject to learn about my kind?" I challenge him.

"In a technical sense, yes. Also, I'm aware you're just as curious about your own nature. This way, we both benefit," he declares with a solitary chuckle - an observation I silently agree with, as I'm eager to better understand myself.

"I'll finish my breakfast in a hurry; I'm visiting Athos," I announce, gulping down my coffee.

"Daughter, do not dally – we must discuss your past," father interjects, hitting on exactly what I wish to avoid at the moment.

"I'm not ready to talk about it yet," I deflect, avoiding my father's gaze.

"I understand, but I need to know who took you from me," he persists. I pretend not to hear, standing up from the table, but father calls out to me.

"I just stated we need to discuss this, and you will oblige," he asserts, a touch of annoyance in his voice. I turn around, fury taking hold of me.

"I JUST SAID I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS RIGHT NOW!" I shout, my fury manifesting in a punch that shatters the table in two. Without care for the destruction, I leave to see my friend.

On my way, I detour to Samuel's house; I need to talk to someone before losing control altogether. My mind is battling against itself, urging me to eliminate anyone who dares to obstruct my destiny, though I'm uncertain why these dark thoughts plague me. However, I'm aware it's due to the disarray of information flooding my mind.

I knock on the door and wait, soon greeted by Alice, Samuel's stepmother. After a cordial exchange, she invites me in to wait in the sitting room while she fetches him. As I settle onto the sofa, an eerie sensation washes over me as if something malevolent is watching. I turn to see Samuel approaching; perhaps the feeling is just the consequence of my agitated mind.

He rushes to embrace me.

"I was so afraid you wouldn't return," he whispers, and oddly, the usual chill in my stomach when he's near is gone, confirming my feelings of brotherly love for him.

"Hi, there's a lot on my mind, and I just need to walk. Can you accompany me?" I ask. His gaze holds affection but also shadowed concern.

"Let's hunt. Whenever I need to clear my head, that always helps," he suggests, and I nod in agreement.

As we set out, he leads me to a hunting ground I've never visited before. My instincts scream for me to not follow, but my trust in him as a friend persuades me otherwise. After a two-hour trek, we arrive at a small clearing with a derelict cabin.

"Why are we here?" I ask, puzzled by his intentions.

"Relax, this is my sanctuary," he says, standing at the door and ushering me inside. Despite my reservations, I enter the surprisingly tidied room.

"Do you come here often?"

"Lately, yes. I've been dealing with conflicting emotions and actions, so I've sought refuge here quite frequently," he shares with a distant look, seeming more in need of help than I am.

To my astonishment, he sits beside me, draping an arm over my shoulder. It's time I clarified my feelings for him.

"Samuel, I... I... What I feel..." I pause, not wanting to hurt him but needing to speak the truth.

"To me, you're more like a brother than a lover," I say, lowering my head. That’s when a loud bang reverberates – he's thrown a small table against the wall.

"You love me, I know it. Don't lie to me," he advances towards me, his aggression petrifying me.

As I regain my senses, he pins me down with a forced kiss. I push him off and rise to escape, but in an instant, he's blocking the door, striking me and sending me flying back to the sofa. He quickly overpowers me, his weight anchoring me down.

"LET ME GO!" I scream, but he's unfazed.

"I'll prove you love me, make you mine, and then you won't have a choice but to love me forever," he declares, a lustful gleam in his eyes. I realize too late that I should have followed my instincts.

He immobilizes my arms; the fear is paralyzing. Feeling his touch on my skin fills me with revulsion.

"Please... let me go," I plead through tears. As desperation causes my will to fade, I struggle in vain to free myself.

"Don't cry, my love. I'll be gentle, and soon you'll be begging for it," he mutters, tearing at my clothes, igniting a furious rage along with my helplessness.

He gropes me; I scream for help, calling out "ATHOS," despite realizing he's in a coma. My call enrages Samuel further. His grip tightens around my neck; his transformation into a near-lupine beast heightens my terror.

"Even now, it's his name you cry out," Samuel snarls, the pressure increasing. The pain is unbearable, and I loathe myself and Samuel for the suffering he's inflicting.

"You'll be mine and mine alone," he vows as his teeth tear through my pants. Now, in shock, I resign myself to the worst outcome.

But suddenly, relief comes as his weight lifts. I crawl away, spotting a wolf close by – Athos.

"ATHOS!" I shout, tears of gratitude flowing for his presence. Samuel rises, also a wolf now, and they clash viciously.

I can only retreat as they fight fiercely; my heart aches for Athos, who eventually wins the brutal encounter.

Samuel grins devilishly before Athos ends the struggle decisively. The scene nauseates me, and I nearly faint.

"Hold on, Eliz," Athos supports me, realizing my lack of attire and respectfully turning away to allow me some dignity.

"How am I to return home?" I worry, facing away from him.

"Don't fret, I won't transform back in your sight," he assures me, eyes closed as he crouches beside me.

"How will I get home? I can't let anyone see me like this."

"Just get on my back. My fur isn't high, but it should cover you sufficiently if you lie flat. I can take you straight to your room so no one will see," he proposes.

I agree and climb onto his back, finding solace in his soft, warm fur. He dashes swiftly through the trees, keeping me out of sight until we reach my father's property. Once safe in my room, Athos departs, promising to return with my clothes. And true to his word, he disappears into the woods—leaving me alone with the chaotic echo of events.

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