Chapter 18 – So you have moved on
Rue’s POV
We left Half Moon Pack territory in silence. My brother drove the car, his expression calm but blank. I kept stealing glances at him, trying to figure out if he was truly bothered as I was by our interaction with Lauren.
After a while, I spoke.
“Cole, are you okay? With what Lauren said back there?” My voice felt heavy. Attributable to the fact that I still felt grieved by Lauren’s sudden cruelty and change of friendship status.
Cole averted his eyes from the road for an instant and regarded me with a soft smile, almost as if he was unbothered by the stream of insults from Lauren. “I should be asking you the same question.”
“But one thing I have learned about people like Lauren is that they thrive on belittling others, because that’s the only way they’ll feel big. Her words shouldn’t define you.”
“I’m sorry I dragged you into this though. You shouldn’t have had to stand there and listen to her.”
“Come on now.” He smiled, “I’m your brother. You didn’t drag me anywhere. I chose to stand by you because that’s what family does. My only regret is that I wasn’t there to protect you those years from them.”
I blinked as we passed by Half Moon Pack’s overcrowded infirmity ” I have to find the cure, Cole. I have to. And not just for all these infected people, but also to choke out people like Lauren who are full of contempt and arrogance.”
“You will. I actually believe in you. If you could weasel your way into Percy’s company and make his projects successful, I don’t know if there is anything that can stop you.” Cole chuckled
When we arrived back home, we went straight to check on our mother. She was draped in a heavy blanket over her shoulders. When she saw us, her face softened with relief.
“You are back,” she said in a rough voice “Did you get what you wanted? From the Half Moon Pack?”
Cole and I exchanged a quick glance. “Not really” I replied walking to the right side of her bed and feeling her forehead. Her fever wasn’t as strong as before but the infection still showed on her skin.
“Lauren…she refused to help us. She wasn’t the person I thought she was anymore. Actually, she insulted us and made it clear that our friendship was over.”
“People are so full of ingratitude.” My mother said ” after everything you did for her and her family, the least she could do was help. Some people only value your worth when they are in it to gain something.”
“Rue made the right call,” Cole said firmly, arms crossed. “She cut her off cleanly. No more favors, no more ties.”
Mother reached out, brushing her fingers against mine. “Then you both did well. It hurts to lose a friend, but a friendship that feeds on your worth isn’t worth it.”
I swallowed the knot in my throat. “I know…”
“You did what had to be done. Now, tell me your progress with the other medications.” Mother added gently
“Still working on it.” I replied, assessing her situation again.
“The virus hasn’t worsened.” I told her “so that’s a good sign. Continue using the medication I brought you earlier to slow the progress of the virus until I find a permanent solution.”
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After making sure my mother was all set for the night, I retreated back to focus on finding the medication
The next morning, I made my way to the shaman’s house. I found him taking some samples of blood from a few patients in a certain secluded room. The patients were asleep and connected to breathing apparatus.
“They are critically ill” he said ” the virus is more advanced inside them than those patients in our infirmary.”
“No luck?” I asked
“This virus is different. I’m not even completely fine myself, but the medication you recommended earlier is doing a perfect job eliminating the pain. ”
“But you should rest though, “I said
“I’m Blood Claw Pack’s Shaman. If I rest, who will lead the treatment of all these patients? And find a cure?” he quizzed, “I can’t just rest as the virus works day and night to finish us.”
“Okay, but don’t overwork. You can still give directions from your bed.” I replied, going over the samples he had collected.
“Any luck on your end?” he asked
“The virus is evolving faster than the pain med is working. It won’t be long before a new strain overcomes the medication I provided. I need something stronger, something new.”
“Now that’s unfortunate news.” He sighed while sitting by a microscope ” all the rare herbs in our disposal are currently useless against the virus.”
His words tugged at something deep inside me. I took a breath. “Coming to think of it, the stronger the medication we administer, the stronger the virus grows. It’s like it only evolves when a stronger medication is used.”
“You might be on to something. Sometimes the answer isn’t on the strong or rare herbs, but on the balance.” The shaman said thoughtfully, “If only we can figure out a way to fight the virus without strengthening it in the process.”
I nodded. Balance. “Let me talk to you later.” I said then left hastily.
Later that day on my way to pick some new supplies, I happened to cross paths with Percy. He was mending a leather strap. I assumed he was in training with Blood Claw’s fighters.
“Is the leather giving you trouble?” I smiled, tilting my head
He looked up then grinned.” It keeps tearing where it’s weakest. I’m trying to stitch it tighter but maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I should reinforce it first before stitching it.”
I blinked, a light bulb went on in my mind. The herbs I’d been combining were trying to crush the virus head-on without first shielding the body. What if instead, one herb fights the virus, while a much gentler herb shields the body.
Protection and attack would provide balance. And within no time, the virus will be weakened and eradicated.
“Percy, you are a genius.” I almost screamed
“I mean, I was just complaining about leather.” Percy laughed, confused.
“You just gave me an answer to a problem that could save lives.” I said, my mind now a flurry of ideas
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“Okay.” Percy blinked, still amused
I smiled, my heart now renewed with boundless hope. Maybe, just maybe – I had found the solution, the cure.
“Walk me to the labs?” I said excitedly
“My pleasure.” Percy replied almost instantly
We left the training ground talking about the project I was taking on in Percy’s company. But a sharp scented perfume and a familiar voice froze me in my tracks.
Aiden and Haven just turned a corner to meet us.
“Already found a new boyfriend? Move on that quickly?” Aiden quizzed 13
My stomach tightened as Percy stiffened beside me. I laid a hand on his arm before he could speak.
“Surely, it’s none of your business who my company is.” I met Aiden’s gaze squarely
Haven smirked as she slipped into Aiden’s arm possessively” that’s just sad. Just the other day you were playing healer and now you are clinging to whoever pays attention to you.”
“I wanted to see how it feels forcing yourself to someone who doesn’t love you.” I couldn’t hold back the retort
Haven’s smile froze. And for a flicker of a second there, something passed through Aiden’s eyes, regret. But it vanished just as quickly as it had come.
Aiden sneered then tugged Haven closer to him.
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