Chasing Wolves (completed)

Chapter 3 Isadora

Chapter 3

Isadora

"Robby..." I open my eyes, momentarily blinded by the bright light, but after a few blinks my eyes adjust. Hoping to see Rob alive and well... I'm kind of disappointed to only see Lin's face hovering above mine with a concerned expression. Once he realizes I'm awake, however, I can't breathe as he crushes me in a hug. Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that he's okay, but I'm more worried about Rob. I sit up on the couch, leaning against Lin for support as I gain my bearings. "Where's Rob?"

I look over to him, questioning him with my eyes, and start to panic when I see him scratch his head as if trying to figure out how to tell me something. "What is it? Is he okay?! Please, he has to be okay- he has to!"

Vlain walks into the room, apparently hearing me yelling and coming to investigate. Lin notices him and sighs in relief, earning a quizzical look from Vlain, and he only nods to me in response. "She's been asking about Rob."

In an instant Vlain has the same expression Lin had a moment ago; a mix between nervousness and guilt. I can't stand this anymore and I explode, jumping at him in a second and shaking his shoulders as he just stands there, staring at me in shock. "WHERE IS MY BROTHER?!" I scream it both in reality and in my mind and they both flinch, Vlain more so from the comms (I wouldn't be surprised if I gave him a major headache, but at this point I couldn't care less).

He takes my hands away from his shoulders and squeezes them encouragingly as he tries to figure out how to explain. "Now, Isadora, you need to stay cal-"

"Don't you dare tell me to keep calm! Where is he?!"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you. But I won't say another word until you've taken a deep breath." He waits a moment and finally, reluctantly, I oblige, knowing he's serious. He smiles and continues, "there, that wasn't so hard, was it? Don't you feel better?"

What a stupid thing to ask, given the situation. I give him a droll stare and he just sighs in resignation. "Fine, that was a stupid thing to ask, but you have to stay calm for what I'm about to tell you. Outside... what's the last thing you remember before you... fainted?"

I thought that would be blatantly obvious, but clearly not. "Robert bleeding to death."

He flinches and my worry increases tenfold, which I didn't know was possible at this point. "I know how much you care for him, and I can only imagine what would happen if he died..." A growl escapes my lips, catching us all somewhat off guard, but he continues, trying to assuage my panic. "And luckily... hopefully... we won't have to."

I stare at him in silence and he takes my hand, leading me down the short hall to his room. Following mutely, I can't help but feel a wave of anticipation... quickly followed by a similar one of dread as we stop in front of his door. What's wrong with Rob, why isn't he with me already; why is Vlain unlocking his door? Passing Vlain as soon as he removes the key I throw open the door and shriek in agony at what I see.

Rob's lying on Vlain's bed, a thick bandage wrapped around his chest, and he isn't moving. Collapsing to my knees next to him, I can't stop sobbing as I clutch his hand. It's colder than mine, but not by much... Wait. Wiping my eyes, I look up into Vlain's face questioningly. "Did you..." He nods and all I can do is scream in happiness, jumping up and hugging him with all my strength, letting him go when he starts to wheeze.

After a moment he catches his breath and looks at me slightly stunned. "This is certainly not the reaction I was expecting..."

"I don't care if he's a vampire- he's alive! Plus, now that I think of it, I'll finally be able to tell him everything that's happened without having to be vague. If he hates being one I can just turn him back at any time, but he'll get to experience it first." My happy chatter is interrupted by Lin as he wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me in for a hug as I turn around and hug him back.

After a moment I pull back, once again looking to to my closest friend as he lies prone on my ancestor's bed. "How long does it usually take? Dr. Jones said I was unconscious for three days but I can't remember how long he said it usually takes."

Lin answers this time, "it usually takes about a week. You've only been out for a few hours so we have a long while to wait."

I'd gladly wait a year or more if it meant he'd be alright.

Vlain steps forward and places his hand on my shoulder. "I'm not sure if you're aware, but some people have... adverse reactions to the venom..."

"No. Rob's too strong and thick-skulled to let a little thing like venom do him in. Trust me, he'll be fine."

He has to be.