There were rats in the dark room where the gruff man left me alone to suffer in the darkness. They rushed onto the table, first one by one, then in groups, before starting to bite my fingers and toes. I was actually grateful for these furry little angels because the pain kept the madness going for a while longer. My companion taught me a way to combat my illness, but his words were so distant that it was hard to tell if he was saying something to me. me at all. I forgot him and in a way, I hoped he had already forgotten me. Perhaps he had already considered me dead and chosen a new companion like Qamra. It would be better for both of us and the pack if she were to rule again. The door to the room opened, burning my eyes with the light from the hallway outside. I could make out a silhouette in the harsh light. The plan belonged to Conilius, my captor. He closed the door before my eyes had time to adjust to the brightness. I heard his leather boots gently touch the ground in a rhythm of triumph. He probably thought I had finally broken up and was going to spill my guts to him. It wouldn't be the first time he'd been wrong and probably not the last. The light and noise of its entrance frightened my little tastes, but I had a new occupant to keep my mind from sinking into darkness. I had none other than the devil himself to keep me company. “Ava,” he breathed lightly, making me despise the name more than necessary. “How do you feel?” His words had no care, only mockery. I could tell by the tone of his deep voice that he already assumed the answer to her question. “Chipper,” I said flatly, my voice lacking emotion. My eyes caught on the middle of the paper...and went in very dramatically. He knocked down the thick wooden door of my prison. As the door fell to the ground with a thud, a thick curtain of dust rose up. When the dust settled, I saw one of the most frightening and magnificent sights I have ever seen. He was in his wolf form, breathing hard in anger. Its golden eye scanned the room and as soon as the orb found me, its body transformed into a human. He was at my side in less than two strides; anger was reflected in his beautiful and ugly features. The light from the hall made his scars more frightening than ever. His eye was more golden than I remembered, his body more muscular. Still, nothing could replace the feeling of fear and joy as I watched the brute in full form. He had found me. He hadn't forgotten me like I so desperately hoped. My friend came to save me.