Drakan (The Chronicles of Eli) [#Wattys2015]

Chapter 6 (Edited)

“Wait. How do you know about Liam?”

“I followed you after you left Abigail’s house.”

“So you saw us get attacked by that grizzly,” Eli retorted, a tad harshly.

“Yes,” Peter admitted with a smirk.

“And you didn’t bother to help?”

Peter broke out in a chuckle, but said nothing. Eli’s knuckles turned white and a film of crimson slid over his eyes as he took a step closer to Peter. Through clenched teeth, he hissed, “You son of a--”

“Now, now, Eli,” Peter said, cutting Eli off, “you shouldn’t waste your time fighting me. Your friend might not have much longer, Kieren.”

Kieren. That word again . . . Eli gave Peter a glare full of daggers before saying, “I’ll be seeing you.”

“I look forward to it,” Peter replied, stepping casually out of the way.

Eli looked back towards Liam’s house, even more concerned than before—what if his blood could really help him?—and then continued running home. He went in the back door and ran straight to the restroom’s closet. Inside Eli found the sixteen by fifteen first aid kit sitting on the top shelf. He grabbed it, then headed to the hallway closet. Eli swung open the door, grabbed two body towels, and threw them over his shoulder.Towels, first aid kit . . . What am I missing?

Eli was halfway through the front door when it hit him. Antibiotics! But they’re all in Valen’s room.

Eli turned from the door and went into the hallway, down the right to Valen’s bedroom.He’ll understand, he reassured himself as he opened the door. Once inside, Eli searched frantically for Valen’s medical case containing all his antibiotics. He looked all over, but didn’t see it. Eli felt time pressing on him, crushing his shoulders and making his heart race. He didn’t want to waste any more time searching while Liam was bleeding to death. . . He knew he had to leave.

Sucking in a breath, he started for the door, eyes flicking around one last time—there it was. The zip-lock bag was sticking out from under Valen’s bed. Instantly, Eli raced over to it and yanked it out of its place. No time to look through the contents. He had to get to Liam now. Eli sprang to his feet, kicked the door closed, and then flew down the hall, rounding a corner—

And straight into Valen. The force sent them both sprawling onto the floor, Valen staring bewildered and Eli rubbing his head. “Are you okay?” Valen demanded, eyes slightly widened.

“It’s Liam! I have to save him!”

“Where is he?” Valen asked, helping Eli up.

“I took him to his house, come on we have to hurry!” Eli shouted as he ran out the door.

Eli was at the bridge in seconds, it seemed, running as fast as his legs would allow. He looked to his right and saw Valen by his side, keeping up effortlessly and offering a small, encouraging smile. When they reached Liam’s house, Eli was the first through the door. He went straight to the couch, stomach twisting at the sight of his friend. He jerked his head over his shoulder to see that Valen hadn’t yet entered the house.

“What are you doing, Valen? Come inside and—”

Before Eli could finish his sentence, Valen was by Liam’s side and looking him over. “Does he have any broken bones?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Okay. Help me—get that first aid kit open.”

Eli did what he was told, removing two pairs of gloves, scissors, and a couple rolls of gauze. Valen held out his hand, for the gloves, and hurriedly slipped them on. Eli was doing the same when Valen grabbed the scissors, cutting—or ripping—Liam’s shirt down the middle, exposing his entirely bloodied, raw torso.