Eterna

~Chapter 10~ No Light

We started back toward the road with little to say to one another.

"Is anyone wounded?" Asked Dr. Connelly.

We all looked around at each other, too ashamed to speak.

"No. I believe everyone is fine. Thank you though, Doctor. You should head back to the hospital. They need you." I said.

"Well, I would, but I quit today."

"You what?"

"I quit. I never wanted to work there and I won't go back unless it's for a visit. My other siblings are more than capable of handling it on their own. I wish to travel with all of you...if that's alright."

"I don't see why not." Answered Isaiah, before I could respond.

"Well, what about everyone else?" She said, as she looked around with a smile.

"It seems you can handle yourself quite well in a fight—-"

"I'd prefer to be your medic. I don't wish to fight unless it's completely necessary."

I looked around to see if everyone was alright with the decision.

"Fine, we obviously need someone on board who's experienced in the medical field. You've already shown us you're far more than just a Doctor."

"Please, call me Sera. I'm not a Doctor anymore." She said with a smile.

"Alright Sera." I said. "We're heading toward the Velligrim Capital. We have to pass through Thessix. Is that fine with you?"

"Thessix, the Mech city?"

"Yes."

"Well, I've never been there, only heard stories. It's not a nice place, but I'm fully prepared to do what needs to be done. Isaiah already informed me of your intentions."

Sera shot Kalu a smile and we continued on our way.

"We should be running into a small village soon, if anyone needs to restock on supplies." Said Roxy.

As we approached the village, Reuben slowed his pace and finally stopped walking.

"What's wrong with you?" Asked Roxy. "Let's bloody go!"

"I can't go into this village. They hunt my kind."

"Well, you're going to have to bear it. There's no avoiding it." I said, sternly.

"Yea, wolf-blood. Plus, you only smell like wet dog when you're transformed." Roxy said with a laugh.

Reuben didn't respond, didn't even look in her direction.

As we traveled through the musty village, we were shot icy glances and serenaded with judgmental whispers.

"Stop there." Said a villager carrying a pitchfork. "What are you doin' in this Village?"

"We're only passing through." I responded, lightly. "We'll be out of your way soon enough."

"Better be, wench."

"What was that?" Said Payne with her hand firmly gripped on Cupid.

"You heard me, you're not welcome here. Nun o' ya."

"Let it go, Payne." Said Devon. "The sun's going down anyway."

Devon walked by Reuben and patted him on the shoulder. Reuben wandered away and began to look at the storefronts. He walked by one in particular, stopped, and returned to it.

"Are those children...in cages?" He asked.

"Why, yes they are." Said one of the villagers in front of the store. "They're wolf pups, actually. The law prevents us from killing the bastards so we keep them in cages until they're the right age. They're for sale if you'd like to purchase one."