THE VILLAGE
1032 Words
They arrived at the village and sneaked in from the back to avoid being caught. They weren't sure of a house to go for treatment. They decided to knock on a random door, while Rufus transformed into his human body.
“ How do I manage to get clothes on, unlike the first day I transformed?” Rufus asked, as he transformed.
"Well, it's simple, your body has trained itself to separate and absorb.” Selene replied with a smirk. “ The night you interrupted Rad and Redo, I knew you would need some clothes, I perceived the soft energy."
Rufus’ eyes widened in surprise. Selene nodded in a hint of mischief in her smile. “ That is my gift Rufus, I can feel a werewolf's strength. I must say yours is growing amazingly well.
Rufus nodded, impressed. "Well I'm glad I don't have to run around looking for clothes "
“ Someone had to ensure you didn't walk around naked.” Rad chuckled.
Amira watched, surprised to see the werewolf transform into Rufus.
“ Rufus! How is this possible?” Amira stuttered. Rufus nodded in affirmative, seeing Amira's reaction which made her even speechless.
Shirl moaned, drawing their attention. “ We need to get help immediately,” Rufus said.
"Alright, let's get Shirl inside," Selene said, gesturing to a particular door.Rufus knocked softly with three gentle raps.
The door creaked open, revealing a kind-faced elderly woman.
"Who are you people and how may I help you?" she asked, scared as she felt they'll bring her trouble.
Selene stepped forward. "We need help. Our friend's injured badly and we want to get her treated."
The woman's expression softened as she immediately recognised Shirl.
“Please bring her in.”
She ushered them in, checked to see if anyone saw them and quickly closed the door.
Inside, the woman introduced herself as Elmore, a skilled healer.
“ I thought Shirl was dead already, it is believed that the werewolf that saved the villagers earlier has divine powers and it is as a witch foretold. In the course of seeking power, the Alpha killed witches who found shelter in a cave here in The Nine clans as they refused to join hands with him. One of them foretold a werewolf with divine powers will be his doom.” Elmore narrated,as she searched for materials to examine Shirl's wound.
Elmore’s eyes widened. "She lost a lot of blood but she'll be fine.” She began mixing herbs. "I'll do what I can."
"You all have to be careful, no one could tell how he really looks but Shirl does and she's the most wanted person in this village" Elara warned. "The soldiers are on high alert. Strangers are suspects too."
Amira's unease grew.
"What's going on Rufus? Where am I, this is too much for me" Amira wailed in tears.
Rufus wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort.
Rufus's warm embrace surrounded Amira, offering solace from the chaos that ravaged her mind. The memories of her mother's demise resurfaced, and tears began to fall.
“ Amira, how did you get here? I thought I should let you relax but I'm also curious…How is Annabelle?” Rufus' concern grew.
"Rufus," Amira's voice trembled. "I need to tell you something."
Rufus's grip tightened, encouraging her to continue.
"Annabelle...ran away from home into the forbidden forest. My mother and I were unfair to her, I accept it but then she suddenly returns possessing dark powers." Amira's words spilled out like a restrained storm.
Rufus's expression transformed from concern to shock.
"What are you saying? Dark powers?" his voice was laced with unbelief.
Amira nodded, her eyes welling up with tears.
"She's not the person you knew, Rufus. She's...changed and she's evil." Amira's voice cracked.
“ I can't believe what you're saying, why are you doing this Amira? Annabelle loved you as her only sister.” Rufus hesitated.
Amira's body shook with sobs.
"I don't care if you believe me, but my world has crumbled and I'm confused. I just discovered I'm a witch, Rufus. I have powers I don't understand and never knew about. I don't even know what to do. I just lost my mother and the witch who I found out was my grandmother. I don't think you understand what I'm going through." Amira's words tumbled out in desperation.
Rufus's eyes widened, empathy etched on his face.
"Oh, Amira. I'm so sorry., I also discovered I was a werewolf here. After I was banished. It all gets confusing" He whispered as he pulled her closer, holding her as if he'd never let her go.
As Amira's tears eased, she took a deep breath.
"I want to go to a place called Healior, Rufus. I need answers. My grandmother told me to go there" Determination edged into her voice.
Rufus's gaze locked onto hers, a mix of emotions swirling in his eyes.
"Healior? We're heading there too. I also want to find answers there" His voice laced with resolve.
Amira felt relieved and also guilty for knowing she wanted him dead in the beginning and being the reason he was banished. She closed her eyes and hoped he would never find out the truth about Annabelle's father's death as she won't forgive herself for being the reason for everything.
"Thank you, Rufus," Amira whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
"Rufus, what's going on?" Rad asked, his brow wrinkled and his face etched with concern.
Rufus tried to get a grip of his emotions, though his eyes still betrayed his inner turmoil.
"Annabelle... I just heard she has been possessed by dark powers. I must be her worst enemy now." His voice barely above a whisper.
Selene's eyes shrunk.
"Dark powers?"
Rufus nodded. "I wish I could let her know it wasn't me. Amira here wants to go to Healior, I guess she can join us."
“ Selene and I will go to the palace in the morning to visit our mother. And once Shirl is healed, we'll set off for Healior.” Rad suggested.
They shared sombre glances, Amira felt courage and realised her journey had just begun. Elmore offered them space to sleep and await the day.
- Writer
