Werewolf?
The word swam around Tori's head the rest of the day. After the experience in the pit, she was led back to the recovery room by Alistair. He was silent the entire trip, the only sound between them was the sound of the footsteps on the stone of the castle floor. Tori barely remembered the trip as she was so far in her own head. The image of the werewolf in the pit was burnt into the forefront of her brain.
Alistair left her at the door, slowly walking down the corridor until he was out of sight. Tori retreated into the recovery room, where she could see Maddie had finally managed to get some rest. She wondered briefly if someone had been in to give her something while Tori was out.
That thought was fleeting though. For as soon as she realized she was alone she sank to the floor, her back against the door. Her arms wrapped around her knees, hugging them close to her chest. It was there, as she huddled on the floor that Tori let a few tears escape.
Tori sat there for what felt like a long time. She felt cold, her entire body was trembling. She felt as if the air was thicker around her, her breathing was shallow. Her eyes closed as she leaned her head back against the wooden door.
When she opened her eyes again the room was dark. Tori did not know how much time had passed in the instant she had closed her eyes, but both of her roommates were awake when she looked around. They were silent, staring up at the ceiling. Tori stood, wiping away the moisture on her cheeks.
"Are you guys alright?" Tori asked, walking over to their beds. She was met with silent looks. Looks were good, they were responsive at least, if not talkative. "Are you hurt?"
Maddie turned away, looking at the wall rather than Tori. Tori shook her head and went to Layla's side. "I'm glad you're awake," Tori said with a soft smile.
"I'm scared, Tori…" Layla said. Finally, a response.
Tori's smile faded slightly. "Me too." Tori touched Layla's cheek, then turned it toward the little light emitting from the machinery. There had been a scratch along Layla's cheek when Tori awoke, she was sure of that. Tori ran her fingers gently along the line that was now barely a scar. "Incredible."
"What?" Layla's eyes widened.
Tori smirked. "You, Layla."
Maddie scoffed from her bed. Tori shot her a look.
"I see you decided to join the conversation," Tori said, venom dripping from her words. "Especially considering, if I remember correctly, you're the one who got us in this mess!"
Maddie finally turned her attention back to the other two. Her face was stern. "How is this my fault?"
Tori stood, placing her hands on her hips. "You invited the three strangers to Layla's party!"
"Exactly!" Maddie said, "it was Layla's party!"
"Which was going fine until you showed up with three guys you randomly met!" Tori shot back.
"I'm sorry for trying to liven up the party!" Maddie snapped.
"You 'livening up the party' has probably gotten us killed!" Tori yelled.
Maddie scoffed. "You're so dramatic."
"You don't seem to grasp the magnitude of the situation," Tori started to walk toward her. "And how could you when you refuse to leave that bed! I have been out of this room and have seen how bad this is!"
"And how bad is this situation, Tori?" Maddie asked.
Tori drew in a deep breath. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, Mads."
"Oh, that's helpful," Maddie said.
Tori shook her head. "You wouldn't believe it because I don't want to believe it!" She felt tears welling up in her eyes and fought them back. Tori worked to calm herself, the image of the man morphing into the werewolf forced its way to the forefront of her mind again. She recoiled from the image, trying to dismiss it. By the time she managed to compose herself again, she was looking at the scared faces of her roommates. Tori wanted to say something to comfort them, but there was nothing that would not inspire more fear, not only in them but in her as well. She put on a brave face.
It was at that moment she could hear voices approaching from beyond the door. They were familiar. One of the voices sent a chill down her spine, and it was the one that got to the door first.
"It is her will, Alistair," Theo said as he opened the door. He entered with the same swagger as when Tori had last seen him. A smarmy grin on his face. Alistair followed close behind, looking slightly out of breath. His eyes were frantic. Theo looked at the three girls in the room. "Hello, ladies."
Alistair put a hand on Theo's shoulder. "I am begging you, they need more rest."
Theo brushed away Alistair's hand. "There is no time, my old friend. We only have a few days for them to be ready. The Den Mother wants to meet our newest recruits."
"The Den Mother wants to meet us?" Tori asked, taking a step back away from Theo. She stuck her arm out instinctively toward Layla as if she were going to protect her.
"Recruits?" Maddie asked. "Recruits for what?"
Theo looked over to Maddie. "Oh, Tori didn't tell you? When the venom entered your bloodstream, you became our newest recruits."
Layla sat up slowly. "Venom?"
Theo chuckled. Tori scowled, but it did not stop him. "Yes, I'm afraid you have contracted Lycanthropy."
"Tori," Maddie asked, "What is he talking about?"
Tori and Theo stared each other down, each daring the other to answer. "Take us to the Den Mother," Tori said.
Theo grinned from ear to ear, knowing he had won an unspoken battle. He straightened up and shot a look over to Alistair, who averted his gaze. Alistair looked between the three girls, a despairing look in his eyes as he turned away.
Theo opened the door and gestured with his arm, bowing his head ever so slightly. "Right this way."