Apocalypse: The Huntress Luna

Chapter 26

(Calliope)

I got to work familiarising myself with all of our patients starting with those in intensive care and then the moderate injuries. I even found myself a sturdy walking stick to take the pressure off of my leg as I traveled around the large room.

It did give off a dull ache but this was my part to play and I needed to do it.

By the looks of things, Marianne and Gus had done an amazing job while Andy and I were asleep. They had even set up a little roster for the recruits so that everyone was getting rest and working fresh.

With a few minor tweaks here and there, we should be on the road to a good recovery and that thought alone really lifted a weight off of my shoulders.

Marianne and Yann came in not long after with some fragrant chicken soup and fresh bread for Gus and thankfully they brought the whole pot for all the helpers as well.

I gratefully took a bowl and served myself, not realising how ravenous I was. I sank down slowly into the bench at the foldable table and dug in happily.

As I inhaled my soup, Yann slid in next to me but was as quiet as a mouse as he stared down tiredly at the table. Since his mom was still out cold, I guess I was the next best thing and to be honest, I was touched by the gesture.

I could tell he was still quite shaken up as I heard from Marianne that he had seen us almost being mauled by the Vargul. He wasn't talking much either and was very skittish- I mean, who can blame him?

“Hey, sweetie- have you eaten today?” and I nudged him gently.

He looked a bit dazed and blinked rapidly before mumbling and gave me a small nod. Looking at Marianne, she shook her head sadly.

“That's good but I am gonna need you to eat a little more, okay buddy? You don't want to be collapsing from exhaustion when your mom wakes. She’ll skin me alive for sure,” I grumbled dramatically, forcing a small smile out of him. 

Marianne was already on to it and passed him a steaming bowl with bread while I smoothed his tousled hair.

I watched him from the side of my eye just to make sure he was actually eating this time.

When we were done, I pulled him close as he stood and I swiveled around on the bench as Marianne cleared the table.

“Yann, I know the last few days have been super crazy and I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now. But I want you to know- no, I need you to know that when you are ready, I am here for you. You can come to me at any time and I will stop what I am doing and listen. That’s a promise.”

When he didn’t respond, I pushed further.

“You know, when something scary or sad happens, we can feel overwhelmed. We get these big emotions and they get too heavy to carry. And the best way to lighten the load is to talk to someone who you can trust because they will share the weight of it with you. This way, you won't have to hurt alone. I can be that person, or Papa Gus or Marianne and we will be here for you when you are ready, okay?”

A small tear had escaped his eyes behind his glasses and he quickly wiped it away while nodding his head.

We shared a little hug and he gently helped me up out of my seat and passed me my cane.

He mumbled something about flowers and ran off but we knew he would be back for Andy soon enough.

I sighed as we watched him run off and Marianne came up next to me.

“Don’t worry, dear. I know he will come to us when he is ready. He is a smart boy,” she soothed, her russian accent convincing me further.

We let Gus sleep and we got to work alongside the recruits, checking and changing bandages, feeding the patients and cleaning for about an hour.

Things had quieted down, so Marianne popped out and as I hobbled towards the back to find a seat, I heard someone clear their throat behind me.

"Excuse me. Calliope?" 

Turning around, standing there in dark trousers, a white tee and brown overshirt was Magnus, looking crisp while holding a small cloth parcel.

There was something about Magnus that made my insides flip whenever I laid eyes on him and I wasn't sure if it was a good feeling or bad. Just by looking at him, you could tell this guy wasn't an ordinary dude. He carried himself in a way that screamed power and dominance but he was highly respected amongst his fighters. 

His stern eyes only ever seemed to soften around Andy and goddamn it was sexy…

 As my eyes took him in, he stood there hesitantly and I knew straight away what he wanted.

As much as I wanted to tease him about it and make him uncomfortable, I was in too much discomfort to bring myself to do it.

"Magnus? What are you doing here?" I questioned.

He stepped forward with the parcel, offering it to me.

"I come bearing gifts. I heard you were awake so I thought I'd bring you a couple of these fresh from today."

I wiggled one of the sides open and as I guessed from the smell, there were four delicious looking muffins.

I heard him chuckle at the delight on my face and he reached out, taking my cane so that I could shove one into my mouth.

Mmm, apple cinnamon!

As much as I wanted to dig into the rest of them, my mind wandered to Gus and I knew he would love one of these so I gingerly tucked them away.

Rolling my eyes in pleasure, we laughed as he handed back my cane.

Swallowing my mouthful, I started walking again, signalling him to follow me.

"Now, as much as it breaks my heart, I know you didn't just come to give me these," I teased.

Okay, I guess I could tease him a little bit.

"I uh… well I was in the area and I had nothing on my schedule-", he started but I stopped and cut him off with my hand and a small smile.

"She's this way."

He paused, about to say something but nodded, with a grateful look on his face.

He followed me patiently as we made our way to the closed off area in silence and I suddenly started to feel light headed.

Ahh, this damn wound is starting to catch up on me...

I reached out for the nearest bed rail, leaning on it as I closed my eyes.

"Huuu, just give me a second, darling" I breathed.

I heard him shuffling about and then was back by my side, right by my ear.

"Calliope? I am going to pick you up, if that's okay with you?"

"Lift me, fold me, tie me in a knot. Anything for you, sweet cheeks. And it's Calli to you,” I babbled as sweat began to chill my skin.

He chortled, shaking his head as he gently scooped me up and settled me into a rickety wheelchair.

Yikes…

I can see why Andy is infatuated whether she admits it or not.

This guy smells like a god and has the body to match!

He wanted to wheel me to a bed so I could lie down but I refused and pointed us in Andy's direction.

We reached the partitions but paused as we saw there was someone already by her side.

Yann had set up some fresh lavenders by her bed and was tucked into a comfy seat with a book.

Magnus mentioned something about letting him be and that he will come back another time but I stopped him.

"No. Go see her. I'm sure she would like that."

Before we moved though, I stopped him as I remembered something and I swiveled so that I could see his face.

I needed to see his eyes before I said what I needed to say.

"Before we go further, I need to know. Who are you and what do you want with my girl."

I was blunt to say the least but when it came to my family, there was no messing around.

"I'm sorry?", he frowned.

"Gus told me what happened that day. He said that you shifted into a black Lycan. A BLACK Lycan. And that the Vargul were cowering. Now I won't believe that part till I see it because I have seen a lot of sh*t but I ain't never seen THAT. So, Magnus, who are you? And what do you want with Andy?"

He turned to me fully now, standing tall and staunch but with a softness in his eyes.

"I am Magnus, second son of the Lycaon of the Archivio. All Lycaon have black fur and golden eyes but there aren't many of us left. The Vargul cowered because we are Alpha to the Alpha’s - meaning we are at the top when it comes to power. And if I didn't roar the way I did, you and Andy would both be dead," he said somberly.  

He turned back to look at her before he quietly continued.

"And what do I want with Andy?...Only what is best for her. I have nothing but good intentions. You have my word.”

I stared long and hard as I processed what he had just told me.

Alpha to the Alpha’s?? The Lycaon?

How have we not heard of this before!?

What the actual…

“Does anyone else know what you just told me?”

“Besides my people, no. I have spoken this in confidence that you will not repeat what I have just told you as it is not common knowledge.”

“Does Andy know?”

“No. But I will tell her, one day. Maybe if she comes to the Archivio then I will have the opportunity to… be open with her.”

I rolled my eyes inwardly as I knew what he really meant.

Ugh, young love. So sickening.

But I love it.

“Okay, you have my word that I won't repeat this but only if you tell Andy who you really are. We don't keep secrets from eachother.”

He gave me a grateful nod and I led the way down and over to Andy’s bed.

I gently ushered Yann over to give Magnus some time with his mom and we made our way back to the other side to give them some privacy.

Before they were out of sight, I looked back just in time to see Magnus stroke her face and nestle her hand in his.