Ill Met By Moonlight

Chapter 42: Conversations

Lex groaned, her cheek pressed against the cold ground. Her entire body was sore and her neck was stiff. She groaned, trying to move but her muscles screamed at her to stop.

''Ouch, that looked like it hurt.'' despite the pain, she forced herself to look to the right side of her, her neck popping and cracking painfully. ''Now that one looked like it really hurt.'' grinned Avals. Then, their grin disappeared when they saw Lex's burning glare. ''Relax, I was just joking.''

''You...'' Lex growled, trying to push herself up through the pain. ''You're really joking at a time like this?...'' she could hear her bones shifting and cracking every time she moved. Her muscles tightened, trying to keep her from moving but that didn't stop her. She was on her hands and knees by the time she started speaking again. ''Donna's been poisoned... and now, of all fucking times for me to transform... you crack a goddamn joke?!''

''Relax, Lex. You're going to pull or break something if you keep forcing yourself to move. Your bones are creaking from the stain. After all, this is the first time you've transformed in nearly a year, try to take it easy.'' Avals's voice grew softer with each word they said, but Lex wasn't having any of it.

''Don't tell me to fucking relax!'' she shouted, straining her neck. ''Don't you understand what I'm saying? Donna was poisoned! She could have died! So don't tell me to-''

''Then get up.'' Avals's cold voice echoed in the empty, blank world.

''What?''

''You're lover was poisoned, so get up and find who's responsible.''

''You tell me not to move around and then you tell me to get up?''

''Lex,'' Avals looked down at her, casting shadow over her. All she could see was their hair dripping with red liquid and their glowing white eyes. ''Get up, get out there and-''

***

Her eyes snapped wide open, her entire body limp. She took in a sharp inhale and her entire body slammed against the floor, forcing air out of her lungs. Lex took in strangled gasps, trying to get air back into her lungs. After a few moments, she was breathing normally. Her body was sore and she just took a moment, resting against the cold floor to reel herself back in.

''I'll have to add this to my notes.'' she heard a voice from above her. She turned her head to see Mother Miranda down at her. Lex groaned, slowly pushing herself up. There was a hand on her shoulder and abdomen, carefully helping her up. Lex could practically hear her body creaking from the strain, a few bones popping back into place. There was a painful spot in the middle of her back, Mother Miranda caught this and pressed against the spot. There was a snap and her back started to instantly feel better.

Lex's eyes still hadn't adjusted to the dimly lit area. The blonde woman beside her gently led her through the dark area and up a set of stairs. The dark door in front of her was opened wide and the light that flooded the area nearly blinded her. She squeezed her eyes shut and used her arm to block the light. Strangely enough, Mother Miranda carefully led her away from the door, closing it behind them. Lex was more than thankful to be away from that place due to the potent stench of blood.

 Mother Miranda settled Lex in a chair to allow her to adjust to the blinding light. It was also the first time she had ever transformed in a year. She could practically hear her joints every time she moved. Surprisingly, Lex could feel the usually terrifying, cold ruler of the village was being gentle with her. It was a little scary.

Once her eyes began to adjust to the harsh lights of the castle. She looked around the check her surroundings. She was by the grand staircase, sitting on the steps. She groaned and took in a breath before speaking.