Shadows of Nevermore

Chapter XVIII

The first light of dawn seeped through the heavy curtains of Wednesday's house, casting a warm glow over the room. The air was still, the silence broken only by the faint rustle of the leaves outside and the occasional car slowly creeping past. Alive. The thought resonated in Wednesday's mind as she awoke from slumber, thinking back to the blur of the forest and the fight. To how she had clung to the hand that wouldn't release hers during the ride in the ambulance. Her Enid - wrapped in a space blanket as she watched medics treat Wednesday's wounds. Her protector, who refused to leave her side as police, Principal Hargrove, and Pugsley drifted in and out of the hospital room one by one.

Even then, Enid still slept beside her, her body relaxed and peaceful. Wednesday allowed her eyes to trace the lines of Enid's face. The scars were stark against her pale skin, a testament to battle. My powerful wolf.

Slowly, carefully, Wednesday reached out, her fingers brushing lightly over the scars. The touch was tender. Reverent. The love of my life, she thought, the realization of a quiet, powerful truth.

Enid stirred at the touch, her eyes fluttering open, the haze of sleep still lingering in her gaze. She smiled softly, her eyes meeting Wednesday's. Beautiful.

"Morning," Enid murmured, her voice husky and warm.

Wednesday's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good morning," she replied, her voice a soft whisper in the stillness. "How do you feel?"

Enid stretched slightly, a wince of discomfort crossing her face. "Sore," she admitted, "But I should be asking you!"

Wednesday's fingers continued to trace the scars, her touch gentle and deliberate. "I've been better," she said, her voice still cracking and weak. "But I've survived worse."

Enid chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I wouldn't judge you if you said you felt like crap, y'know?."

Wednesday smiled softly. "I know,"

They lay there in the quiet of the morning, the night softened by the presence of dawn.

"Do you remember much of what happened?" Enid asked softly, her hand reaching up to cover Wednesday's.

Wednesday's gaze grew distant. "I remember enough," she said, her voice steady. "Perhaps the vision was more vivid."

Enid's fingers tightened around Wednesday's, her eyes shone with unspilled tears. "I was so scared," she admitted, her voice a whisper. "I thought I would loose you."

Wednesday's heart ached at the vulnerability in Enid's voice. "But you didn't" she said, her tone firm. "You were magnificent."
Enid blushed, moving their joined hands to the mattress between them. "It was just instinct, I guess," she said softly. "It was the wolf."

Wednesday's gaze softened, her fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from Enid's face. "In that case," she started, her voice a low murmur. "Thank you, mi lobo."

Enid's eyes met Wednesday's again, a question lingering in their depths. "What now?" she asked, her voice tentative.

Wednesday's lips curved into a wry smile. "We heal," she said simply.

Enid nodded, her smile softening. "I can live with that," she said, her voice a whisper of relief.

Enid's arms moved to tighten around her, pulling her close. Wednesday could feel Enid's breath against her neck, the soft, rhythmic inhalations as Enid took in her scent. Scenting me, Wednesday thought, a smirk playing at her lips.

"Is this a werewolf thing?" she asked dryly, her voice tinged with amusement. "Scenting me, like you want to eat me?"

Enid's laugh was a soft, melodic sound, her breath warm against Wednesday's skin. "Maybe," she replied coyly. "Or maybe I just like how you smell."