Outsiders

Chapter 16

Michael's POV

We fought the wolves, but our attacks passed through them like mist, so we shifted to evasive maneuvers. Glancing back at Nash and Josh, who were clutching their ears in pain, I shouted desperately, "Josh, focus! Whatever sounds you're hearing can't break our bond. Listen to my voice! We need you here!"

Without warning, Elisabeth lunged at me, her sudden weight pinning me down. I yelped in shock as she growled, her hot breath and saliva splattering on my face. "Josh, please!" I pleaded, struggling against her grip.

Just as her teeth were about to sink into my skin, someone forcefully shoved her aside. It was Josh, grappling fiercely with Elisabeth. Wiping the sticky drool from my face, I staggered to my feet. Nash still had his hands over his ears, lost in his own battle against the enchantment. I grabbed his shoulders, shouting urgently, "Listen, Nash! Elisabeth can't break free without your help. You have to break the spell!"

"Michael, watch out!" Brandon's warning came too late as Jason slammed me against the wall, a searing pain shooting through my side. I gasped, the impact stealing my breath.

"I'll make you all suffer!" Jason's voice hissed in my ear, chilling me to the bone.

"Michael!" Alex's voice cut through the chaos, and he launched himself at Jason, wrestling him away from me. Clutching my side, I managed to pull out the knife, dropping it with a clatter as agony coursed through me. Brandon rushed over, his hands glowing with healing energy as I gritted my teeth against the pain, my scream echoing in the air.

Meanwhile, Alex ignited himself, flames dancing across his body as he confronted Jason with intense fury.

"You've gone too far, Jason!" Alex's voice thundered, flames flickering brighter around him.

"Snow, get him!" Jason commanded, and in a blur of movement, Snow tackled Alex, knocking him away and extinguishing his fiery aura. Alex adjusted quickly, now facing Snow without the advantage of his flames.

Josh's POV

After Elisabeth turned towards Alex, I redirected my attention to Nash. "God damn it, Nash, snap out of it!" I exclaimed in frustration, my voice echoing against the chaos of the ongoing struggle.

He lunged at me again, his movements erratic and uncoordiNashd. "Okay, that's it," I muttered grimly, frustration boiling over.

Spotting a discarded metal pole nearby, I grabbed it with a sense of urgency and swung it at Nash's head with force. The clang of metal meeting flesh reverberated through the air, and Nash staggered backward, his hand instinctively reaching to his temple. He shook his head vigorously, trying to shake off the haze clouding his mind. "Nash?" I called out, desperation tinged with hope in my voice, hoping to break through to him.

He blinked, confusion flickering in his eyes before recognition slowly dawned. He nodded, albeit slowly, as if still processing everything around him. "Good, now let's get Elisabeth back," I urged him, determination seeping into my words.

Nash transformed back into his normal self and seemed to gather his resolve, his posture straightening as he squared his shoulders. With newfound clarity, he charged towards Elisabeth, his movements purposeful and driven. "Elisabeth, listen to me!" he pleaded urgently, his voice cracking with emotion. "I fought it this time. I wouldn't let anyone tear us apart!"

Elisabeth continued to resist, her feral instincts conflicting with the deep bond she shared with Nash. Despite her struggles, I noticed a single tear glistening in her fur, betraying her inner turmoil. "Please, just come with me. I thought you wanted me, because I want you more than anything," Nash sang softly, his voice trembling with raw emotion.