Heliophobia (Teen Wolf/Vampire Diaries) [2]

28-Magic Rings

I take off running, the sound of Scott's howl of pain ringing in my ears. I bolt past the warehouse, heading straight for the cluster of buildings behind it. The buildings appear to be a collection of old workshop centers set up in dingy barns. I don't pay much attention to their use as I bolt through the first open door I find. The room is large and airy, and I know immediately that Scott is not there. I turn and rush out of the building, smacking straight into somebody.

I hold back my scream and go straight for attack instincts, punch first and ask questions later. My hand curls into a fist and I lash out, connecting with solid flesh.

"Ow!"

Immediately I relax, letting out a sigh of relief. "Stiles!" I look up, barely able to discern his face in the darkness.

"Emma?" He sounds confused for a moment, then reaches out and pulls me into a hug.

I cling onto him, breathing in his comforting scent, thankful that he's alive and okay. Then I quickly pull away. "Where's Scott?"

Stiles looks down at his feet for a moment, then back up at me. Even through the dark, I see the worry and fear in his eyes. "Derek made me break the mountain ash barrier. He said Scott was dying."

No, no, no. My knees buckle and I grab onto the side of the building to hold me up. There's no way Scott could be dying...could be dead. Stiles says something, but all I can hear is the pounding in my ears. Stiles grabs onto me, steadying me, and I fight back tears.

I shrug off his arms and turn, pacing in circles as I try to figure out what to do. Sounds of a fight are still echoing from the warehouse, but it's dying down, and I can only hope that Isaac, Tyler, and Erica are the winners. I hope Elena gets Stefan home okay. I hope...hell, I don't know what I hope anymore.

"Come on." Stiles says. He takes my hand, pulling me away from the warehouse. "Scott is fine. He's okay."

I don't say anything, just nod, squeezing his hand a little tighter. We head back into the cluster of buildings, not sure where to go. We pass by the first one when we hear a shuffling noise. Stiles stops, pushing me behind him as we duck into the shadows of the building. Then the door opens and two figures come stumbling out.

"Scott!" I cry, releasing Stiles' hand and rushing for my brother. I embrace him, never happier to see him alive. He returns the hug, squeezing me tight. When I finally release him and step back, I gasp at his appearance.

He looks exhausted, dirt covering his face and his right eye swollen. He winces as he shuffles on his feet. "What happened to you?" I whisper.

He turns to the taller figure next to him, who I finally look at. It's Derek, looking beat up, but not as bad as Scott. Derek doesn't meet my eyes. "Just a little fight. We're fine." He says, his voice gruff. Scott nods as if confirming Derek's story.

I let out a small sigh of relief. "I'm just glad you're okay."

"What about everybody else? Allison, is she safe?" Scott asks.

I shake my head. "I don't know. I haven't seen her since before the fight broke out."

"Fight?" Scott's eyes grow wide. "What happened?"

"They attacked. There were so many of them...Tyler and Erica took down a lot. Isaac too."

"Boyd went to help." Derek's eyes cloud over, and for a second I see worry flicker through them. Then it's gone, and he leaves us, rushing off to help his pack.

"What about Stefan?" Scott asks, bringing my attention back to him.

I suck in a breath. "He was hurt pretty bad. He almost died. Elena and I, we saved him. She took him home."