Into The Woods

Monsters

Amelia sighed as her mother left, but Abigail sparked her interest, "What is it?"

Abigail folded her arms, "You're special!"

Amelia chuckled, "Special? I'm a freak."

Abigail shook her head, "You're like me."

Amelia tilted her head. Abigail chuckled, "You were born wolf, like me. I made the mistake to ignore my calling. Do you feel a connection to the woods?"

Amelia nodded, "Yeah."

Abigail smiled, "Do you know what happens to you at night?"

Amelia frowned, "Uh? Why?"

Abigail chuckled, "You transform. You become a wolf."

Amelia looked over, and Blade opened the door, "Am I intruding?"

Amelia shook her head, "Listen, come here."

Amelia pulled up a swivel chair, and Blade sat down. Abigail began explaining, "At night, if anyone or anything happens, that seems like a wolf, it might be you."

Blade suddenly shifted uncomfortably, and nodded nervously.

Amelia questioned at Blade's odd movement, "What?"

Blade said hushed, "The guards, that night, they appeared, and, and they were tore apart."

Amelia looked to the floor, "Was that, was that me?"

Abigail nodded, "Yes, dear."

Amelia looked to Blade, "Did you sense me? Everyone in town said something was out in the woods, at night, when you were stalking around... Did you see me?"

Blade was surprised, "Excuse me?"

Blade added, "I was sent by Darren to check on the sightings. It wasn't me. I first went into the woods and saw you. That was my first time being there."

Amelia's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "Was that me!"

Abigail chuckled, "Yeah."

Amelia was amazed, "Are, are yo-you serious? Why can't I control it like everyone else?"

Abigail sighed, "You can. But you have to gain control of your fear, and anger."

Amelia was amazed, "Then what? What can you do?"

Abigail frowned, "Nothing. I only have heightened senses, but I can't transform. I waited too long."

Amelia was still shocked, "What does this mean?"

Abigail sighed, "I'll tell you more later. As of now, go find Penny."

Amelia asked, "Why?"

Abigail smiled, "She's yelling your name."

Amelia listened, and Blade nodded, "Abby's right."

Amelia didn't hear anything but trusted Abigail and Blade.

Amelia nodded and tugged on Blade's wrist, "Come with me?"

Blade shifted his gaze to Amelia, "I guess."

Amelia smiled faintly, and walked out the door with Blade close behind.

Blade whispered, "I'm sorry."

Amelia waved her hand dismissively, "It doesn't matter. Now I'm a monster. I can't control my wolf."

Blade quickly pushed Amelia against a wall, and trapped her with his arms extended out beside her head, allowing him to steady himself as he leaned in.

Blade said, "You're not a monster. Your emotions are."

Amelia frowned, "Some night's I don't change into a wolf. Why?"

Blade shrugged, "Maybe you have a happy emotion, and then the wolf doesn't appear."

Amelia sighed, "Maybe."

Penny cleared her throat, and Blade stepped back. Amelia swiftly moved away from the wall, as her back was against the wall.

Penny said, "Amelia, I have good news, and bad news."

Amelia curiously listened, "My father?"

Penny nodded, and replied, "Yes. He's alive. Sadly, Lacey wants a trade."

Blade grumbled, "Let me guess, the trade is unfair?"

Penny nodded, "She wants, well, she wants you two."

Blade and Amelia shared a glance, and then returned their gaze to Penny.

Amelia asked, "How do you know this?"

Penny pointed to the phone, "She's still on." Penny whispered, "She wants to talk to you."