The Beast Within Us

Chapter 23: Blood Feud

I groan as I open my eyes slowly. I look around, noticing that I was no longer in the car but lying in a bed. I lift up my sore arm and notice and I.V. tube is attached to it.

"What the..." I mumble.

"You're awake!" A voice says.

I look over at a woman in a white coat. She walks over to me and begins to inspect me.

"I thought you would be more comfortable here than in my cramped workspace." She says. "I've been giving you fluids. You had everyone so worried."

I look past her to see Conan, Elle and Ms. Blackstone asleep in what I imagine are very uncomfortable wooden chairs. Ms. Blackstone stirs in her sleep. She opens her eyes and when she notices I am also awake, she jumps up and rushes over to me.

"Oh, Delilah!" She hugs me. "Why did you leave? Why didn't you tell me? Are you ok?"

I hug her tightly as tears form in my eyes, "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."

"I'm just so glad you are here!" She cries.

Her sobs cause Conan and Elle to wake up as well. Just like her, they both come rushing to my bedside. Ms. Blackstone lets go of me so they can both talk to me.

"Delilah, what happened?" Conan asks. "I tried to wake you up. I touched you and you were as cold as ice. I thought... I thought--"

"Delilah." Elle interrupts, stopping the Alpha Male from breaking down in front of me. She pulls out the small glass bottle from her pocket. I tense up as she holds it up.

"There was something in this bottle and you drank it. What were you trying to do?"

"Did you try to poison yourself?" Conan calmly asks.

"No! I would never!" I exclaim. "I... I..."

"What is it, Delilah?" Ms. Blackstone asks. "It's ok sweetheart, talk to us."

My breath was shaking as I spoke my next words.

"I spoke with The Goddess Fengári..."

Everyone fell silent as they stare at me with disbelief and shock. I could see the worry and fear in their eyes as they tried to find the ability to respond to what I had just told them.

"You spoke with Mother Moon..?" The Doctor quietly asks. Fear was noticeable in her shaky voice.

I nod.

"Forgive me if I don't believe you but, that is something that just doesn't happen..." Elle says.

"Well it did happen and that's why I was out like that."

"Are you sure you weren't just hallucinating?" The doctor asks. "It could have been a factor of whatever it was you drank."

"No." I sternly say. "This was real. I know it."

"Delilah." Ms. Blackstone speaks. "Maybe the doctor is right. Maybe--"

"What did The Goddess say?" Conan asks, cutting her off. I look into his eyes. He believes me...

"To quickly put it, there's a storm coming our way and I have to get in front of it if I want to put a stop to it."

Conan looks down, avoiding eye contact with me like he didn't want me to see whatever expression he now holds on his face. Elle shuffles back and forth on her feet, clearly affected by whatever was on her mind.