A Howl In The Night ✔ » l.s

44

Harry slowly loosened up and gained some confidence the longer the discussion went on. Emily stood by his side as they explained to the Master Healers the drug they'd created, one that was proven to take a number of days to take effect.

Ashely and Carl spoke for themselves when they described the transformation, their bits of memories during their time as beasts, and how everything felt and changed after the drug was put into their system. The five Master Healers were silent all throughout but seemed to be very attentive listeners, taking notes and nodding along as they went. Benedict was standing by the door, watching passively as they spoke. Harry still didn't know how to act around Benedict after their conversation at the cemetery, he didn't really know what to say since a part of him did want to forgive him, but another just didn't want to bother with the man at all.

Eventually, the discussion came to an end and the Master Healers stood up to approach him. Each of them shook his hand, gave a few words, and then were off on their way.

"What happens now?" Harry whispered to Emily.

She smiled at him and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "They'll study the drug and discuss it amongst themselves. They'll get back to you soon."

Harry nodded, sighing in relief. He watched as the robed people left the room as led by Benedict, hoping that Louis would burst into the room and hold him.

"I'll be on my way then, Harry." Emily said as she gave him a hug. "You did great."

Harry tightened his hold around her and smiled. "Thank you so much."

Pulling away, she gave him a final small wave before walking out of the office as well. Harry was about to follow outside when a hand on his shoulder suddenly stopped him, nearly making him jump out of his skin.

"Holy—" Harry startled, spinning around to face the person.

Apparently, it was one of the Master Healers. This one was a tall man, the lower half of his face obscured by a grey mask so that the only thing Harry could somewhat see was his eyes which were hidden by the shadow of his hood.

"Can I speak with you privately, Harry?" The man said. His voice was a bit odd—perhaps a bit too high?—but Harry didn't think much of it.

Harry glanced towards the door, but Benedict, Emily, and the other Healers had already gone. With a tight smile, Harry just nodded and followed the robed man when he was led to one of the practice rooms. When they were inside, the man firmly closed the door behind him.

"So, what is it?" Harry asked, standing still as the Healer walked towards him.

"I must say I'm very impressed with this cure. Many have attempted this, but none have ever worked. You truly have the talent." He said, voice a bit deeper than it sounded earlier.

"Oh, well. I had a lot of help and—" Harry said, stopping abruptly when the man reached out to take his hand and turn it around in his own.

"Talented, indeed. Intelligent. Youthful." The man said, voice nearing a whisper.

Harry couldn't help the shiver that ran down his spine—there was something about this man's voice and words that just unsettled him. Only now did he realize that he should've at least brought Emily with him here. Or even Benedict.

"Well, t-thank you." Harry stammered, pulling his hand away from the man's grip.

For a moment, the man just looked down at him while Harry uncomfortably squirmed in his spot, wanting nothing more than to get out of the room and find Louis.

"What inspired you to find a cure for these beasts, Harry?" He asked suddenly.

Harry fish-mouthed for a bit, and then said, "They're people too. Right now they're being brutally murdered, and I just knew that wasn't right. Now, if all things went well, every beast can be turned back to their human forms. They deserve to live—and I want to give that to them."