The Wolf

Ch. 52: No Rest For The Wicked

~Nico~

Slowly, like a dripping faucet, consciousness returns. Something heavy seems to be pressed against my body like a damp blanket, but I realize that it's just weariness hanging on my soul. Leaden bones weigh me down, making me feel numb. Moving isn't an option. A soft, constant noise penetrates my skull. What's that sound? I crack open my eyes to be blinded by a forest-green glow. Squinting, I attempt to comprehend what I'm seeing. The light doesn't fade, it pulses and envelopes my whole body like a cacoon.  The noise I'm hearing is the sound of what seems to be 20 druids chanting under their breath. It's similar to the sound a breeze makes when it rustles the leaves on a tree. A sliver of panic stakes my heart. What are they doing to me?

A far off voice says, "He's awake."

"Good. Keep it up. We can't let him die," A calm voice orders.

Who's out there? Is it Blake? The Alpha? What happened to Dom? Is he OK? Did he lose too much blood? I can't even open my mouth to speak.

"There seems to be a problem with the spell," One druid says worriedly.

"What's wrong?" The calm voice from before inquires.

"Well, it seems that a piece of his soul is missing, but that's impossible. The readings can't be accurate." The druid's nasally tone reaches my ears and makes me wince.

"There's nothing wrong with the spell. Magic doesn't lie." The person in charge's voice is hard.

"But, that would mean-"

"Enough, focus on the spell. If we stop, he dies."

The nasally-voiced druid shuffles away sputtering. The leader of the druids shifts and calls out, "Give me a status report."

A girl with a clear voice calls back. "He has multiple broken ribs; a hole in his stomach that has yet to heal due to the residue of a forbidden spell; various cuts and bruises; a fractured left wrist, and a concussion."

Air rattles in my lungs. I try again to see through the green light. Are there any druids I know on the other side? Why are they trying to save me?

"Looks like we have our work cut out for us. Call headquarters, we'll need reinforcements to take over."

"That's not all, sir," The girl interrupts, "we have also assessed that his soul is damaged as well as having various mental disorders that should be addressed."

"One thing at a time. First, we need to focus on keeping him alive, then we'll worry about the rest." The more the guy speaks the more anxious I become. His voice is vaguely familiar, but I can't seem to remember where I've heard it before. An icy chill slithers down my spine when the green light subsides for just a moment. All of the pieces are put into place.

Luca.

My pulse spikes. Why is here? Why is he trying to keep me alive? I can't just sit here and let him heal me. I'd rather die. With all of my strength, I push myself off of the ground until I'm sitting up.

Nico, don't do this! Noct begs, Your pride isn't worth more than your life.

I grit my teeth and struggle to my feet. Common sense is absent in my present self. I know I need to be healed, but I don't want to be healed if it's by Luca's hands. Between the cloud of pain fogging my judgment and the sight of Luca, I can't string together a decent thought.

"Sir, he's trying to leave the magic circle!" The girl's voice calls out in alarm.

"Don't stop the spell. I'm going in. I'll take care of this." Luca steps into the circle. The green light casts him with an eerie glow.