Creatures of God

"Join Me!"

Elliot arrived at the library none too soon and caught a glimpse of his two favorite people sharing an intimate moment together. Mimi was sitting next to Alessandro, her smaller frame leaning against his pillared spine, her head reclining upon his plateau of a shoulder. At the same time, Alessandro rested his own head in concert. Together, the two struck a scene not unlike that of a romantic couple nestling before a bonfire, their silhouettes engulfed in flames of warmth and ritual; their posture resigned to the next day's rendering.

Elliot hesitated to come between his two friends.

Alessandro turned and kissed the top of Mimi's head.

Elliot gulped and closed his eyes. He looked away, tightening his lips and frowning. He couldn't fault Mimi for being attracted to Alessandro. He was mysterious and dangerous, dark and yet handsome, exciting and adventurous. In the end, he was fighting to save the human race. Who could compete with someone like that?

On the other hand, Elliot couldn't blame Alessandro for being attracted to Mimi. She was smart and sharp, and of course pretty. Strong and brave. She was constantly protecting the weak and less fortunate in her community.

The two made a perfect pair, Elliot thought.

He breathed through an achiness in his chest.

"Elliot," Alessandro called out. "Come here."

"Wha-?" Elliot sputtered. "Uh, sorry. I didn't realize you two were, uh... "

"It's alright," Mimi said, pulling away from Alessandro. "I know the two of you need to talk." She stopped in her separation to stare at Aless' drawn-out face. He gave a slow exhalation. His eyes were a clear, crystalline blue. She reached up and touched his cheek, rubbing a thumb gently underneath one of his eyes. She smiled and got up to leave.

In the meantime, Elliot looked elsewhere. He clenched a pant leg and stalled in place, waiting for his turn in the process.

As Mimi passed by, she gave Elliot's forearm a soft squeeze.

He watched her leave and raised an arm — maybe an index finger — to grab her attention, but like a dense object sinking through quicksand, the moment slipped away, too late.

Returning his focus back toward Alessandro, Elliot went straight to point.

"Aless, I need to tell you something about Anderson."

"What is it?"

"There is a machine in the furthest, deepest reaches of the building, a very powerful machine. A nuclear generator."

"I am aware of the power source."

"You are?" Elliot said, flabbergasted.

Alessandro nodded quietly.

"Then you also understand that we must secure Anderson," Elliot urged. "If the animals get a hold of our nuclear technology, it could be the end of life as we know it. And not just human life!"

"The power source is safe."

"Wha-? What do you mean? How do you know?"

"There are dozens of floors sealed above it. The Canines have no knowledge of it and will not persist in such a search."

"If the technology is safe, then why are we here? We need to abandon this place!"

"No, Elliot, I must face Gevaudan."

"The Wolf King? Why?"

"I am the one he wants. If I do not face him, it endangers everyone else here."