ZAREKGiven my struggles with controlling my transformations and the associated risks - hurting Tania, I agreed to Tania's suggestion. I mean, seeking help from a specialist seemed wise, especially since I was still on the hunt for Ramirez and Bruce's murderer.With that in mind, Tania and I arrived at a sleek, modern building nestled in a quiet corner. The sign above the entrance read âMedical Arts Building.â We stepped inside the building, immediately greeted by a friendly receptionist. She welcomed us with a warm smile and directed us to the specialist's office.Afterwards, Tania and I made our way to the elevator. As soon as we stepped inside the elevator, Tania's face lit up with a bright smile that she could barely contain. âWe're finally here,â she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. She seemed to realize she was more enthusiastic than I was, and her bouncing slowed to a gentle sway. Her gaze scanned the elevator with slight anticipation, and she rubbed her han
ZAREK I took a step closer to her, trying to bridge the gap between us. Then, I sat down next to her on the floor, hoping to be closer and more intimate.âBut hey, we get a chance to be together during your busy schedules,â I said, trying to shift the focus to a more positive note.Tania's gaze narrowed, her anger still simmering. âYou think a simple apology and a cute comment will fix everything?â she asked, her voice dripping with scepticism.I reached out to her, trying to connect.However, she smacked my hand away, causing me to wince in pain. âOuch!â I exclaimed, surprised by her sudden movement.âDon't shift the subject. You think my efforts are useless,â Tania said, her voice laced with hurt and frustration.âI don't,â I replied, pausing to collect my thoughts. âActually, I only agreed to this suggestion because of you. But I know those doctors, and they won't fix my wolf. They would only chase me out, call some asylum, or maybe the cops.ââWell, now this doctor is differen
ZAREK Karen turned and led us to a nearby stairwell, just a short walk from the elevator.As we walked, Karen chatted lightly, trying to distract us from the stress of the situation. I appreciated her effort, but my focus was on Tania. I was relieved to see that she looked happy and at ease, a stark contrast to the worried face she had before we reached this building. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled, filling me with a sense of joy. As we entered the stairwell, the quiet, carpeted space enveloped us. Its soft lighting was a welcome respite from the drama of the elevator malfunction. With Karen leading the way, Tania and I followed close behind, our footsteps quiet on the plush carpet of the stairwell. We climbed a few flights of stairs and reached the specialist's office on the upper floor. Karen opened the door to a cosy waiting room, and we stepped inside. The room was filled with comfortable chairs and calming decor, and a few magazines lay on a coffee table. Karen gestur
ZAREKI furrowed my brows, confusion etched on my face.What?Just moments before, Dr. Everett had been eagerly sharing the success story of a patient who had mastered control over their transformations. Now, his words seem to contradict everything he said earlier.âIt isn't?â I asked, hoping I'd misunderstood.Dr. Everett nodded, his expression unchanging. âNo, it's not.âInstantly, my brief spark of hope was quenched, replaced by simmering frustration. This is ridiculous. I knew it was too good to be true.âGosh, I should have known this is just a waste of time,â I scoffed, trying to hide my disappointment. Other specialists wouldn't even bother because nothing can be done about it.Dr. Everett's expression remained calm despite my rants, but his voice took on a hint of firmness. âWrong. Something can be done about it, but it isn't easy,â he explained, his words halting my rant. I took a deep breath, calmed myself, and decided to listen attentively.What did I have to lose anyw
TANIA I slowly opened my eyes, only to be stabbed by a bright light that made me wince. For a moment, I lay there, trying to let my senses adjust.Taking a deep breath, I raised my head and attempted to sit up, but the effort sent the room into a dizzying swirl of colours and shapes. My strength faltered, and I fell back against the pillow, my head sinking into its softness.As I lay there, my hand instinctively moved to my cheek, where a dull ache pulsed beneath the surface. I traced the tender skin, feeling the faint ridges where claws had raked across it.The memory of that searing pain was still vivid, as was the look on Zarek's faceâhis eyes wild and uncontrolled, filled with a terror I had never seen before.A shudder ran through me at the thought, and my heart began to race. Despite the dizziness, I forced myself to sit up again, driven by my concern for Zarek.I needed to see him.I sat up, and slowly, the room gradually came into focus. I took in the sterile white walls
ZAREK The pungent smell of blood jolted me awake, making my stomach turn. I immediately started coughing uncontrollably, and blood spilt out of my mouth with each rasp.Even when I tried to push myself up, my arms barely responded, quivering under the strain.I felt weakâfar weaker than usual. Had I injured myself during the transformation?I shook my head slightly, trying to recall. But the memories were hazy, blurred by pain.The only clear memory was how I had hurt Taniaâor, worse, maybe even killed her.The thought hit me like a sledgehammer: my claws slicing through the air... her lifeless form.I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the images, but they burned behind my eyelids, searing into my mind.I forced myself to focus, to push past the rising wave of guilt. I had to find out where I was and what had happened. But as I shifted, pain flared in my wrists, snapping me back to the present.I looked down and saw silver cuffs clamped tightly around them.Why am I cuff
ZAREK The memory of the man on the phone lingered. Whoever he was, he felt more like a conspirator.And then there was Dr. Everett, standing before me with that unnerving calm, as if everything was perfectly under control.Something didnât add up.âAre you even a specialist?â The question slipped out before I could stop myself.Dr. Everettâs expression turned mocking. âThatâs a good question.â He leaned in, his eyes glinting with amusement. âIs the Medical Arts Building even real? Am I the real Dr. Everett?âMy mind raced. The Medical Arts Building isnât real?Confusion clouded my thoughts. âWhat are you talking about?ââThis is all just a game,â he said with a casual shrug.âWhat?â I said, bewildered.Dr. Everettâs back was now turned to me as he moved towards a distant table.âWait a minute,â I said slowly, dread creeping in. âYouâre not Dr. Everett, are you?âHe didnât respond; his focus absorbed in whatever he was searching for. The metallic clinks filled the silence.Then, his l
ZAREK We stood there for a long moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the tension and fear melting away.The tremble in Tania's shoulders stilled, and when she finally pulled back, her eyes, once clouded with tears, had cleared.âI met Lizzy recently,â she whispered. The words startled me, and I felt my pulse quicken.âLizzy? Is she alright?â I asked, searching her face for answers.The thought of anything happening to Lizzy sent a jolt of panic through me. I needed to know if she was okay.Tania nodded, âYes, she came here with me.âAs she spoke, the tightness in my chest eased, replaced by a wave of relief. If Lizzy was with Tania, then she had to be safe.Afterwards, I noticed that she shifted her gaze to what was behind me. Her expression shifted to a mix of relief and something else.Concerned, I followed her line of sight, and turned to see Lizzy.She stood in the doorway, her eyes locked on me. She didn't seem hurt or weary. She seemed rather strong. Stronger than I remembered