Wolves of the new dawn

Freeing him

*Freesia*

As the heavy door of Peterson’s office closes behind me, the echoes of his laughter still reverberate in my mind. The way he had described Torren… like an object to be used rather than a human being… makes my skin crawl. I shake off the chill creeping up my spine and focus on my surroundings, the sterile dark corridors that smell faintly of rot and ambition. The walls seem to close in on me, and I can’t shake the feeling that I’m part of something abhorrent.

Night falls, wrapping the research facility in shadows that blanket the truth within. I wait until the last flicker of light fades from the windows before I make my move. I’ve spent too long in this place, and every day I hear the rising whispers of Peterson’s plans. I can’t let them use Torren as a pawn in their sick game.

I slip back into the building, the echo of my footsteps swallowed by the stillness. The security systems hum quietly, but I’ve memorized the patterns. I slip through the back corridors and down to the lower levels, where the air is thick with the scent of chemicals and something else… fear, perhaps?

Finally, I reach the door to Torren’s cell. I hesitate, my heart racing in my chest. What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if I’m too late? The thought nearly makes me turn back, but I can’t. I take a deep breath, steadying myself, and press the button to unlock the door. The heavy metal creaks open, revealing the dimly lit room beyond.

Torren looks up from where he sits on the cot, his eyes wide with surprise. “Freesia?” His voice is low, gravelly, but there’s a hint of hope that ignites a spark of determination within me.

“I wish I could do more to help.” I step inside, closing the door behind me. “But all I can do is let you out.”

His expression shifts, a mix of gratitude and desperation. “You have no idea what this means to me,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I need to get back to my… people. Jo…” He trails off, the weight of his thoughts heavy in the air between us.

“Do you need anything?” I ask, my mind racing. “Medicine, supplies? Anything to aid your escape?”

“Yes! Please!” He leans forward, his urgency palpable. “I need some supplies, anything you can spare. Especially something for fever infections and I need some strong antibiotics.”

I nod, determination coursing through me. He follows me out as I go to the storage.

I rummage through the small stash of items I’ve collected over the past weeks.. bandages, antiseptics, a few vials of medication that might help him. I pack a small bag, trying to ignore the way my hands tremble as I shove in whatever I can find.

“Thank you,” he breathes, his voice barely above a whisper as I hand him the bag. Our eyes meet, and it is like an understanding flickers between us, then something else sparks in his eyes, and he mumbles. “I am Sorry about your sister.”

Just as I’m about to ask what he means, Torren’s expression shifts again. He stands, his muscles coiling tightly beneath his skin. “Wait…”

Before I can process what’s happening, he steps back, his body contorting in a way that is both terrifying and beautiful. The air crackles with energy, and suddenly, Torren is no longer just a man. He transforms before my eyes into a magnificent wolfman, his fur shimmering in the dim light, a perfect blend of strength and grace.

“Torren!” I gasp, my heart racing as he picks up the bag with his powerful jaws. His eyes, still human but fierce, lock onto mine. There’s a moment of connection again, a silent understanding that passes between us.

Then, with a single glance back, he bolts for the door. The sound of his paws striking the floor echoes in the confined space, and I can only watch in awe. He’s free. He’s going to escape.

But as he reaches the door, I realize… I can’t just let him go alone. “Torren, wait! What about my sister!” I call after him, but he’s already out of the room, sprinting into the darkness of the facility.

The urgency to follow him surges in my veins, but I know I can’t catch up. I need to know what he meant about my sister, because I have a gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I navigate the maze of corridors, my mind racing with possibilities. Peterson will be furious if he discovers Torren is gone; I have to act fast. I reach the exit, a heavy metal door that leads to the outside world, and pause for a moment, listening for any signs of pursuit.

The sound of Torren’s powerful strides fades into the distance, and I feel a mixture of pride and fear. I know I’ve made the right choice. I will do whatever it takes to protect him and his secret, to ensure he reaches his home safely, but I also need to make sure my sister is safe.

With one last glance over my shoulder, I push the door open and step into the cool night air. The small apartment my sister has is only a short run away, so I make my way there, hoping she is home.