Raze {Wolf Rebellion II}

Chapter 25~All of Me~

"It's taking all of me, to fight when I can't breathe."

-The Score, "All of Me"

Chapter 25~All of Me~

-Red Headquarters

"Cherise has almost finalized the next trial phase."

Claret looked up from the file in her hands as Crimson entered her office. The lights were turned low from the late hour, and she caught the steady flashing of her computer monitor in the periphery. The program had been running nonstop for the last day and a half.

Claret spared a glance at the clock, "Good. You're leaving as soon as Roth clears the comms." It would take some time to reach their destination, and she didn't want any surprises. With any luck, in twenty-four hours she'd be one step closer to finally solving her problems.

It was well past midnight, and she'd spent the entire evening searching through files and watching her computer, trying to weigh the options before her.

Crimson took a few steps toward her desk, frowning slightly. His next words were hesitant, "We risk losing our advantage if they find out."

His eyes drifted to the monitor.

Claret sighed as she flipped through a few pages in the file, looking for something specific. She was perfectly capable of playing a long game, and - taking Cherise's earlier request into account - implementing her new strategy.

"It's not about the cards, but how we play them." She stared hard at him. "Small concessions will be how we win."

Her phone suddenly began to ring, breaking the silence in the room. Her eyes met Crimson's as his posture tensed. She couldn't help the smile as she read the caller ID.

Roth.

"It's time to send a message." She gathered up the papers across her desk, shuffling them back into the file.

In the background, the monitor continued flashing.

~R~

-Cabot, Arkansas

"Any change yet?" I asked as I moved to the chair at the right side of the bed, trying to decide if I noticed any difference. I noticed her scent had something new underneath that I couldn't identify, but immediately made me think of home, even if I had no idea what home was anymore. Her face had more color back, and her features relaxed as she slept.

I yawned, still tired from the minimal sleep I'd gotten last night. I'd barely been conscious long enough to trade off with Reid, and I'd fallen into a dreamless sleep almost immediately. I had a vague memory of Shani stealing the other half of the bed sometime later, but she'd already been gone when I woke up. Outside, the barest light was beginning to appear, making the few trees near the edge of the parking lot glow faintly.

"A little," Cas shifted his weight against the headboard where he sat beside Kat, reaching out to brush a hand against her cheek. "Reid reduced the painkillers a few hours ago. I'm hoping she may start to wake up on her own."

I didn't respond right away, focusing on the racing heartbeat I could hear. It was so much faster than a normal human's, but Kat's breathing was slow and deep. "Is it normal? For her to be in pain?" I had no idea how her experience would compare to mine, and I realized I finally had someone that could give me answers. I watched her eyes move beneath her eyelids as I settled into the chair.

Cas grimaced, but shook his head. "Not typically," He paused for a moment, "nearly everyone I've known that went through this was asleep within the first 10 minutes. All the body's energy is going to the change. It makes it hard to stay conscious."