Once Upon a Midnight: Wanted

Chapter Nine

Aeryn nodded, lowering her chin to her knees. She wasn't sure how to feel at this moment. On the one hand, she was glad that she would finally get a chance to go out and find Raleigh, even though she had no idea where to start or where her friend could be. On the other hand, she was terrified. Here she was, a human in the company of a Rahktar, going out into a world full of monsters, a world that she was not familiar with at all. And then she couldn't help the guilt that she felt, dragging Casper and Claudia into her mess. If they were to get hurt because of her...

"Feel free to roam around the building. Claudia and I are the only two here, so you will not need to be worried about getting caught." Casper was saying, breaking Aeryn out of her thoughts. She looked over to see he was pulling on a jacket, though she suspected he really had no need for it. "I am going out to hunt. It is easier to suppress my hunger when I have a full belly."

Aeryn stayed in her position for a couple more minutes, sitting in silence as she tried to digest everything that had happened within the last two days. Never in her wildest dreams could she have ever imagined she would be in the presence of two Rahktar, and that one would even be willing to help her.

It was still hard for her to believe she had a Shifter as a best friend, though she never imagined she'd have anything close to a friend.

After everything was said and done, Aeryn was grateful for Casper's willingness to help. She was grateful, but she would never be able to live with herself if he were to get hurt because of her.

Aeryn stood. Her mind was made up. The chances of her making it very far on her own were slim to none but she would feel better by putting one less person in danger.

She turned towards the door, reaching out to open it, and jumping when she saw Claudia standing on the other side, arms crossed against her chest.

"I do not know who is more foolish," she started. "my brother for wishing to help you or you thinking going out on your own is a good idea."

"How did you--"

"I could tell it is the type of person you are. You are so worried for the safety of your friend, you could hardly be the type to willingly put someone else in danger.

"With that being said," Claudia continued, her hands going to rest on her hips. "I cannot in good conscious allow you to go off by yourself. It is foolish on your part, and I am sure Casper would not appreciate it very much if I let you leave while I was fully aware. And I cannot sit by while my brother runs off to help you alone. Since I cannot seem to convince him to change his mind, I am forced to help."

She turned and began walking away. It took Aeryn a moment to realize she was probably supposed to be following her. By the time she caught up Claudia was almost to her room. Aeryn nearly ran into the Rahktar when she stopped suddenly and turned towards her.

"Know this, human. Casper is my twin brother, and I will not put your safety ahead of his own. If anything is to happen, you must be aware that I will save him first before your well being even crosses my mind."

Aeryn stared at Claudia, unable to find the words to reply. On the one hand, she was a bit offended that Claudia basically just told her she would let her die if need be. On the other, she was admittedly put out. It wasn't as if she was asking for their help. It wasn't her fault they were willingly putting themselves in danger.

"Do not get me wrong. I will not just leave you to die if you are in trouble. If I can help you, I will do my utmost." Claudia said, turning away from Aeryn. "I am not heartless. I will not sit back and watch an innocent person die."

Without giving Aeryn a chance to respond Claudia opened the door to her room, walking into it. She motioned to the bed with her hand. "Sit there." She said as she walked over to her wardrobe. "At any rate. You cannot possibly go out looking like a human. And you certainly cannot go out smelling like--" She stopped suddenly, and turned to look at Aeryn.