Shadow-Wolf (*ON HOLD*)

5. Ideas of Heroism

"Ow," said Sandip. "I think you bruised my ribgs."

Hope glared at Sandip.

"For your information, my sides are hurting, too."

"We should agree to hold onto someone else when this sort of thing happens again." Sandip smiled slightly and Hope shook her head, amazed that he could find something light-hearted to say.

Mr Woodrose walked up to where they stood. They could feel the air through the French windows again. Behind them, Lance was apparently asleep, his breathing regular. His sister was glaring at their father.

"Mr Chowdhury, Miss Durrell," said Mr Woodrose. "I am sorry that tonight has been such a disaster. Perhaps after you have taken a bite to eat, you would like to return to your homes?"

"Could you tell us what happened, first?" asked Hope, barely keeping a lid on her anger. It had been frustrating and frightening to come up against the invisible wall Mr Woodrose had somehow put up, preventing them, Tom, the girl Lance had called Paige, who might be his sister, and the butler from following him to help Lance. It had been heart-breaking to see Paige's distress.

"My son tried to take on a Shadow-Beast," replied Mr Woodrose calmly.

"I mean, with the barrier. I didn't know Astrals could do that."

"Not all Astrals can."

"And why did you put it up?"

"Well, for one, you might have gotten in the way. For another, it would hardly have done for me to send you home hurt. Your families would scarcely have been pleased."

Hope resented him his cool demeanour. Granted, she didn't know what she'd have done if she could have reached Lance, but she hated how helpless she'd been, stuck behind that stupid wall. It didn't help that she felt partly responsible for giving everyone the impression that the wolf was harmless.

"What is a Shadow-Beast?" she asked, ignoring Mr Woodrose's excuses. "I saw that wolf another time - in Arrowcross Park. It didn't turn into a monster then."

Mr Woodrose frowned.

"That... is troubling. If it became a monster today, it could've done so then. Miss Durrell, I understand that you have many questions but this evening has been taxing. Let us save this conversation for another time."

"Are people in danger?" asked Sandip. "With that thing on the loose?"

"Yes," replied Mr Woodrose frankly. "So, I will think of what needs to be done and inform you if your assistance is needed. Now, as I said before, have a bite to eat and then I will arrange your transport home." He walked away without another word.

"Asshole," muttered Hope.

"People are in danger and it has to wait? Something needs to be done," said Sandip crossly.

"Yeah, but what? Do you know how to defeat an astral projection?"

"No, but..." Sandip looked across the room to Paige, who was perched on the chaise longue which Lance was sleeping on. "Maybe she knows something."

"And you want to ask her after she's just seen Lance get hurt by a Shadow thing? Tactful."

"So you want to wait?" Sandip asked her, meeting her gaze.

Hope sighed out in frustration.

"No, but..."

Sandip began walking towards the young woman, who didn't look much older than them and had jet-black hair and blue eyes like Lance.