Chapter Text
"Fuck you, Redfield!" she cursed. "It's because of you she's gonna die! Because of you, my mentor is in this state! Why can't you listen to me and stop trusting that damned organization?! Jethra didn't do anything to deserve this..."
The young girl scoffed and threw her badge at him. Something in her eyes stopped and went blank. He was no longer welcome in her world. Chris merely watched her walk away with a child right behind her.
"It's okay, little one. You're safe," she reassured the small child. "From now on, I will be your mother."
---
That was five years ago and Bailey hasn't spoken to him or his sister since.
"Captain! We have lost contact with the escort and no clue if the packages were secured."
Chris stayed silent before answering the phone. He had no choice but to call for reinforcements. He swore off relying on her or anyone associated with her but now his hands were tied.
"Call in the Mountain Wolf Squad," he ordered.
"M-Mountain?! But Captain, their leader has retired since they've disbanded! They're unfit for this mission!" the squad member argued. “And they’re bioweapons! Relying on them is-!”
"We have no choice. They are the most reliable team we have access to at the moment, Umber Eyes. Get in touch with Dire. I'm going to make a deal."
---
"You feel that, Snowdrop?"
"Yeah, Mom. The last snow of winter," replied the child. “Pretty soon spring will start soon right?”
”That’s right. Hopefully, Lady Demeter won’t give us scorching heatwaves too early.”
Lyra was ten years old and had a head full of fluffy white hair that stopped at her neck. Her skin was light and her red eyes shined as she smiled. A snowflake fell against her nose, barely noticeable against her skin, and she looked up at her adoptive mother, who only chuckled before looking up at the cloudy sky once more. The snow fell slowly and softly, giving them time to admire the scenery. Despite them appearing human, the most evident trait that proved otherwise was their wolf traits. Lyra had two oversized puppy ears on top of her head and a little tail that swished excitedly. When she looked up at her mother with a joyful grin on her round face, she had the stars in her eyes.
The taller figure was a young woman, though she appeared more masculine. Slender yet toned muscles. She was wearing a simple hoodie as the cold didn't bother her. Her pitch-black hair was short and choppy. It wasn't styled so it was naturally messy. Two pointed wolf ears stood over her head. They weren’t as white as snow but they appeared to be clean and almost feathery. Bailey looked down at her daughter with proud yet soft golden eyes. Though they gleamed like her daughter's, she was still emotionally distant.
They were dull. As if she was in a different world inside her own head or she had lost a light that she used to have from before, but Lyra knew her mother enough to read her. To Lyra, her mother was an open book. A book that stood on its own on the shelf. The right side of her medium tanned face had lighter marks, permanently etched over her eye. Her daughter was unfazed by her mother's light crooked scars. Although they've been healed with time, the noticeable slashes across the right side of her face were clear.
But she didn't try to hide them. Not the ones on her face at least.
"Go ahead and look for-"
"Bailey!" called out a voice, breaking their peaceful relaxation. "We got a call from Koda!"
The young woman looked over behind her shoulder to see a teen boy, her son. Well, Bailey called him her son and he was legally under her care, but Esteban didn’t call her mom. She was fine with that though. She was happy to know that he chose to stay with her, and the struggles of adoption only fueled her love for her family.
“Thanks, Muffinhead. Go and take Lyra to the park so you two could enjoy the snow.”
The boy was fifteen and was much taller than Bailey. His dusty brown hair was a comb over fade. The bridge of his nose was decorated with freckles and his dark blue eyes matched the ocean’s color. He viewed her as more of a mentor rather than a parent. Unlike his family’s white fur, his ears were light brown that faded to dark at the tips. He had a lighter complexion than his mother's but he could still tan, though the sun would only show more freckles and sunspots. He also had many facial piercings, three on each ear, a couple on his brow, and one on his lip and nose. He’s had them since Bailey met him.
He handed Bailey the phone and he went to get ready with his sister. She didn’t care about Esteban’s casual treatment.
”Hey, Koda,” Bailey greeted on the phone as she went back inside to the living room, allowing her kids to get ready by the door. "Need something?"
”I’ve got a mission for you.”
Bailey wasn’t surprised by her brother-in-law’s direct answer. She simply kept a blank expression on. How in the world her younger brother scored this giant was mind-blowing still…
”What’s the situation?” she asked. Her smile went flat and she watched her kids run out in the snow, observing them as they slowly walked down the road and to the park.
“We need to go to the outskirts of Romania to find two, or three, civilians. Ethan, Mia, and Rosemary Winters.”
”Winters in Romania? Ain’t that Redfield's project? I'm not part of that organization. This is gonna cost them."
The man on the other side sighed. "I'm at the east gate of the kingdom with all of your necessities. This is my last mission. Since my squad disbanded, I was given permission to invite anyone I want, as long as the task is done. They've agreed to pay my team and me if we successfully do this. I will give you a large cut if you help me."
She hesitated to answer. Then she sat up. "Fine. On one condition."
"As long as it's doable."
Bailey stood up and went upstairs to prepare. "I refuse to kill anyone."
---
One of her rules was to always value life. It was something her mother treasured.
Bailey’s upbringing was a bit strange but also relatively normal. Her parents loved each other dearly despite being from two different worlds. She believed that their hearts would beat in sync with one another. Two soulmates who found each other. Yet she and her siblings were forced to be under their human grandfather’s care after they passed suddenly in the United States. That’s where the strangeness started. Under his care, she and her eldest brother participated in experiments. Any feeling of emotion was knocked out of each and every one of them. Anger, fear, and paranoia resided in them for years.
Once King Atticus caught wind, he took them in and raised them himself, but his grandchildren were already traumatized. It took almost a decade for them to get over it. They were all adults now and each of them had their own life.
NAME: Bailey Feathers Barkington
CODENAME: Blizzard
RANK: Second-in-Command
SPECIES: Hybrid (Werewolf / Questionable)
Bailey observed the abandoned truck. Its dented structure resembled a crushed can and it was flipped onto its back. The soldier’s body left behind a shape in the snow. It was colder here than back in Greece, so she was now wearing a thicker jacket. A red bandana was tied around her neck. Her signature accessory.
”What can you notice here, Woods?” she quizzed.
NAME: Esteban Cedar Barkington
CODENAME: Woods
RANK: Scout
SPECIES: Hybrid (Werewolf)
Esteban looked at the truck then the thick woods, a clear trail ahead. His nose twitched before he looked back to Bailey.
”The man must’ve been weak due to the crash. But since it’s been a few hours, he might be a bit far.” He looked up at Bailey. “Did he somehow find the base?”
”Doubtful,” answered a low voice. “Our camp is on the other side of the area. The closest shelter is in the north, the Village.”
NAME: Koda Fritz Gibson
CODENAME: Dire
RANK: Captain
SPECIES: Werebear
Koda stared down at the two werewolves with a watchful gaze. He towered over them even when they stood up. He was seven and a half after all so it wasn’t a surprise. He had pale patches that contrasted over his tan face thanks to vitiligo. He even had a patch of white hair thanks to the lack of pigments. His russet brown facial hair looked more scruffy thanks to the snow. He was wearing a black uniform provided by the agency.
”Winters’ last ping was ten minutes ago,” he said. “Your brother sent me it as you were looking at the tracks. Let’s move.”
Bailey sighed and started walking to the village, her son right behind her. They have hidden their ears and tails to avoid any suspicion from the locals. Their walk was silent. Other than the crunching of the snow underneath their shoes, no one said a word.
NAME: Archibald Finnegan Melbourne
CODENAME: Zero
RANK: Instructor
SPECIES: Hybrid (Human / Questionable)
Her second eldest brother was the whole brains of this operation. Not only did he have a base close to the village, but he had a lab that somehow managed to stay under Miranda’s radar. Perhaps he was prepared because of his foresight. Archibald had already searched the village while three of them scouted, but he suggested searching it again for good measure.
“There isn’t much to talk about, Blizzard,” Esteban said as he looked at the rundown houses. “And the scent is-“
A lycan ran past. Then another. And then a few more. They completely ignored the three because of their scent, thinking that they were other lycans. Bailey noticed that they were going to one place. Their bloodthirsty snarls and hoots as they raised their weapons up were vicious.
That’s when she noticed their alpha on the rooftops, releasing a mighty roar to announce its presence.
Bailey’s eyes widened as she recognized the fallen man’s face. Ethan Winters. Before the Urias could slam its hammer down, she ran right into the combat with her own battle cry. She bared her teeth like them and beat her own chest. The hybrid stood in front of the fallen man and pointed at the alpha lycan before roaring again, though it was much weaker thanks to her small body. It didn’t rumble the earth yet it made the other lycans freeze.
The giant remained quiet as she communicated with her own low growls and barks. The giant let out one more roar, ordering its minions to retreat. Before he disappeared, he grunted and nodded before roof hopping away. Once they all left, Bailey wiped the side of her mouth with disgust as she turned around.
Ethan was staring in shock. Someone had just communicated with these monsters in front of him. How could he not stare…
”Ugh… Too much drool…” Lycanian was messy to speak. She looked down at the wounded man. That’s when he saw how lifeless they looked. “Ethan Winters, a pleasure to meet you. Although, you’re a wanted man now.”
“H-How do you-“
Bailey didn’t let him finish as she saw his bitten hand. It was missing two fingers. “Talk later. Since you’re hurt,” she pulled out a roll of bandages from her pocket, “here. Fix yourself then go and talk to that man. He’s the captain and will explain everything to you.” She pointed to Koda, who came from behind the gate with Esteban.
Her captain explained the bare minimum, pun intended. Her ears heard the jingle of some bells and she turned to see an old lady in a black cloak, hobbling away with a staff. Bailey glared at the hag. She didn't like her aura.
”Sir, there’s someone there,” Bailey informed as she went to the group. Their conversation died down. “Shall I search for the rest of our squad?”
”Search for them and then survivors. Woods, watch the package and stay with me.”
There wasn’t much to the village. Bailey’s senses were clogged with the stench of stale blood and rusted iron. Maybe the casual outhouse and a few barns. But there was a field that had a few crows. They cawed as she walked up to them and flew away, startled by the sudden disturbance in the grass. A few of them lingered, however, watching Bailey with sharp eyes. They stood on top of scarecrows, and judging by the stench, they were dead men. Her brother warned her of Lady Dimitrescu's habits. It was only a matter of time before the two met.
As she continued to search, she heard two sets of footsteps behind her. One barely crunched as it pressed into the snow, as light as a ghost barely drifting by, while the other left a slight sizzle with each step, almost as if they'd burn the ground.
NAME: Kairius Daren Nightcloud
CODENAME: Red
RANK: Demolitionist & Engineer
SPECIES: Tiefling (Bloodline of Fierna)
&
NAME: Felicia Blackpoppy
CODENAME: Fang
RANK: Medic
SPECIES: Hybrid (Reaper)
”Hey! There you are!”
The man that called out to Bailey had maroon hair and reddish-brown skin. His human form always left people staring. Dark hair, dark skin, but ice blue eyes that could outmatch the arctic. His parents had very contrasting traits and he took a bit of both. His magical mother’s foreign look and his father’s genes to blend in with humans a bit. He had a decent build and was pretty toned. Perhaps even a bit beefy. He grinned, showing off his fangs, as he wrapped his arm around Bailey. The hybrid merely rolled her eyes. They grew up together, which is probably why Koda brought him. Any friend of Bailey's was a good friend… usually.
”Apparently there are some survivors at this house.” He showed her a hand-drawn map. “We’re gonna see if we can get them out of this place. Did you find the guy we're tracking?”
Felicia was a smaller woman, even shorter than Bailey and she was five feet tall. Felicia was four feet and ten inches. Her platinum blonde hair ran down her back and stopped at her waist. She nervously stared at her fidgety fingers with shifty brown eyes. Her skin was whiter than porcelain.
Bailey nodded and shoved him away, noticing that the house they needed to go to was close. “I managed to convince the lycan leader to leave for now, but they will be back for food. Let’s find the survivors already.”
The three went up the hill and Bailey tried to open the gate, only for it to be locked.
”Can’t you break that?” Kai asked. “You’re stronger than all of us combined. This gate is nothing to you.”
She glared at him. That's when her nose caught a scent. “If I did, then it’d be suspicious. There’s a shack right here. They’ve got someone inside. You two look for another way in.”
Bailey knocked at the door, hearing two voices hush down.
”Hello?” she greeted. “Can I please come in?”
They were quiet, but then the door creaked open to show a young brunette, clearly worried. Bailey looked up.
”T-This way. Please…”
She went inside, closing the door behind her. When she tried to approach the window, a hoarse voice wheezed from behind the furniture.
”Stay back!” the man coughed.
The hybrid put her hands up calmly. “Don’t worry. I’m unarmed. I’m only here to help.” Within a heartbeat, Bailey analyzed the rugged man with a mere glance.
Labored breathing, lycan injuries, sweaty face, and rough vocals. Time till transformation is estimated to be twenty minutes. She chose not to say anything.
”I’m relieved to learn that there are survivors. Are there any more?” she asked.
”Yes. But they’re all in Luiza's house. And they aren’t answering and the gate is locked!”
Bailey hushed her softly while the old man suddenly snarled.
”Quiet, girl! She’s an outsider!” he scolded.
The two suddenly flinched when the door was opened and a group ran in. Bailey heard them running up the hill, so she wasn’t surprised. Sounded like the leader was back.
Bailey crouched down, convincing everyone else to do the same. When they heard the lycans leave, Bailey approached the girl. To gain trust, she must give some. She softly smiled and tried to gain the girl's attention, appearing to be a kindred spirit.
”My name is Bailey Barkington,” she honestly introduced herself. “But I also go by other names on certain occasions. What’s your name?”
“…Elena.”
“I wished we met on better terms, Elena. This is my group,” Bailey gestured to her squad. “We’re outsiders who are searching this village for survivors to evacuate them. If we’re going to live, you need to trust me. Can your old man walk?”
Elena shook her head. “No. One of the monsters cut him. He’s lost a lot of blood!” She was close to tears and her voice raised up. “We have to get into Luisa’s hou-“
”Hey. Calm down,” Bailey softly soothed as she held Elena’s arm. She firmly grasped to bring her to reality and then let go. “Sorry. But you need to calm down. Red, Woods, go in the back for another way in.” The redhead nodded and snuck through the back. ”Fang, wrap the man’s wounds.” The blonde approached the man hesitantly but started to patch what she can. “Dire, make contact with Draco.”
NAME: Donavan Heath
CODENAME: Draco
RANK: Armourer
SPECIES: Half-Dragon (Fire)
Donavan was another one of Bailey’s close friends, though in the kingdom he is a general. He stayed back at the base unless needed. His draconic appearance would be a bit off-putting for newcomers.
After two minutes, they heard the gate creak open and Kai call out. Esteban helped push.
”C’mon.”
Bailey stayed next to the two as her team rounded everyone up.
”Took your damn time,” the old man grumbled.
He hobbled on the porch before finally sitting on the steps. Felicia tugged on Bailey’s sleeve to get her attention. They strayed from the group by standing by the gate.
She used her hands to communicate. She was mute. For what reason, Bailey never asked because she didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. She knew the family well enough to notice that sheepishness seemed to be a running trait in the Blackpoppy family.
”[He’s going to turn,]” she signed. “[You know this but won't tell. Why?]”
Bailey sighed as she communicated with her own hands. “[I know because I am a werewolf, but I will let the girl spend time with her father until his last moments.]” Bailey noticed Elena making her way to them. “[I won’t say a word. Let her spend time with him.]”
”Thank you for helping,” she gratefully said. “My father is not used to relying on other people.” She looked back at the gate. “We’ll be safe in here, won’t we?”
Bailey sighed and shrugged. “If I'm being honest, it's better in here than out there. However, if you wish to move, my team has shelter outside of the village. Do you know what happened?”
“It doesn’t make sense! Mother Miranda has always protected us.” Her attention was immediately stolen when she heard her father whine. Elena’s panic increased. “We have to get inside.”
The thought of Mother Miranda left bitterness in Bailey’s mouth. She recalls the history her grandfather lectured her. A scientist who is doing her damn hardest to revive the dead and relive the past… It was impossible if she didn’t use a bit of magic in Bailey’s opinion.
Koda ordered Ethan to knock but no one answered.
“Maybe a familiar voice.” Elena went up to the door and began to knock. “Luiza! Open up! It’s me, Elena!”
She froze when a gun was pointed right at her face. The man drew closer and Elena stepped back, worried that if she said something wrong it would be the death of her.
”Stop… shouting. You’ll draw the monsters!”
”Iulian, calm down-“
”Who are they?!” He pointed the gun immediately at Bailey, who barely flinched.
”A friend,” Elena answered hurriedly. She looked over, a bit taken aback by Bailey’s sudden lack of emotion. The warmth she had immediately dissipated and those golden eyes were dull. She looked indffierent toward him.
”Stay back,” he mumbled to Bailey but she didn’t move. She simply stared at him as if she was daring him to do such a thing.
The team would’ve done something, but Bailey was being held hostage and they couldn’t show their powers in front of humans. Elena’s father choked out a wheezy cough as he tried to get to the door.
”Father! For God’s sake, Iulian, let us in!” Elena protested. She was about to force her way inside, but Bailey stopped her by grabbing Elena’s shoulder. There was a sense of panic before she relaxed, something about Bailey’s calmness was reassuring.
Iulian looked at the old man.
Ten minutes till transformation, Bailey thought.
”No,” Iulian argued. “They’ll smell the blood. You’ll endanger us all.”
Humans… typical… Bailey thought. She had given up on most of them a few years back...
”My father will die out here!”
The man glared at Elena as he leaned forward. “That’s not my problem!”
Their bickering was interrupted when a lady came from the doorway inside.
”What’s going on?”
”These people want to let a dying man into our home,” he spat.
”Come now, these people are our friends.” Her calm voice was soothing, and she helped Elena and her father inside, leaving Bailey’s team with Iulian.
He continued to point his gun at her but she didn’t bat an eye. Bailey wasn’t scared, or perhaps she didn’t show it, but a shotgun wouldn’t instantly kill her thanks to her… genetics. The woman came back outside.
”You’re not from this village,” she commented.
Bailey bowed her head before looking back up. “Apologies, ma’am. My name is Bailey, and these are my friends.”
She looked over at the team before making a decision. “Iulian, go make yourself useful and check the grounds.”
He didn’t move but he flinched when Bailey turned around to give out her orders.
”Dire, I want you to accompany him.” The burly man nodded and went to open the gate. “Fang, please tend to the wounded. Woods, stay with Ethan. Red, please stay next to me.”
Iulian still refused to move.
”I said go!” the woman ordered. He slowly walked away and she approached Bailey. “Well, if Elena trusts you… then so do I. Come inside.”
She walked in and Bailey’s group, except Koda, followed in.
”Your friend,” Luiza gestured. “She’s a doctor?”
”Yes. However, she cannot speak so you will need patience with her.”
“I see, better than nothing I suppose. Wait here. I’ll check on the others.” She disappeared through the hallway and Bailey looked down at Ethan.
”So, alive and well, what do you plan on doing, Winters?”
”I already explained it to your captain. I just wanna find my daughter.”
Bailey clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes. “So defensive. And I thought I could help.” The man looked startled, about to take back what he said. “Don’t bother. We’re only here for you. We’ll find the child eventually. If you comply, everything shall go smoothly.”
She went quiet when she heard Luiza’s footsteps. “This way.”
They followed and turned the corner. When they went past the curtains, Bailey smelled the odor of liquor from the man in the suit. She walked past the man who grew annoyed easily.
”What the fuck is this?! Outsiders?! You’re going to get us all killed!”
“Quiet, Anton!” Luiza shouted. “They helped Leonardo and Elena.”
She pulled out a chair and offered them a seat. Bailey eyed her son and the teen forced Ethan to sit. Bailey had to put her hand over her mouth to restrain herself from laughing at the strange scene. She couldn’t believe that her son, a mere scout and a teen at that, forced a grown man to sit. Felicia took the lantern and went to the bandaged man in the corner. Kai stayed by the fireplace, watching everyone closely. Elena stood beside her father as he focused on his breathing.
”Is this all that’s left of your village?” Bailey asked as she looked around.
Anton rose up from his seat and began to shout, going on about how it was the end of the village now. If the hybrid was being honest, she zoned out as the drunkard began to ramble. There was only a countdown in her head, waiting for the slightest hint of Leonardo’s transformation. When the prayer began, Bailey was so out of it that she didn’t notice Elena usher her closer until Kai tapped her. The team stayed quiet as the survivors began to chant their prayers.
Bailey stepped back with Kai, staying by her best friend was comforting for her. Ethan asked about the old hag, which caught her son’s attention. Elena went to the kitchen to help with the tea.
Ten seconds…
Leonardo began to laugh about the hag, and Bailey sighed. She was off by a few seconds. He slammed himself on the table, scaring everyone. Bailey immediately tried to pull the machete away from him but the man had a firm grip.
Luiza made sure to keep Elena away.
”Father!”
Kairius kicked the lycan away, helping Bailey take the machete. Then she dropped it... Just her luck...
”Come on, you moron! Snap out of it!” Anton shouted.
Anger and rage. That is the only thing that a person could feel while they turned. Talking to him would be difficult. The lycan lunged at Anton, which resulted in Bailey snarling back. The same exact snarl and roar to distract him. As the lycan was distracted, Anton kicked him away and scrambled to the kitchen to hide for safety.
”Get them outa here!” Bailey commanded her crew.
Kairius herded the people away as Bailey distracted Leonardo. The hybrid continued to grind her teeth and growl, snapping her teeth for emphasis. The lycan pounced on her, immediately sinking its fangs into her shoulder. The hybrid managed to push it off before it could get another bite. But now she was injured.
”Stop! No! Let me go!” Elena screamed as she tried to shake Luiza off, barely catching a glimpse to the hybrid.
With her inhuman strength, Bailey punched it off and growled again. It clawed at her face this time, barely missing. She felt the wind brush against her from the swipe.
Then it grabbed Bailey by the throat and pierced its claws into her scarf. It didn't harm her but it was blocking her airway, choking her. It snarled right at Bailey’s face. As much as she wanted to throw it off, she could still see the lycan as Elena’s father. Empathy was a distraction.
”Let her go!”
Bang.
The lycan was blasted off of Bailey and she swiftly got up. The blood splattered on her clothes as she kicked it off. At the doorway, there was Elena wielding a shotgun. The lycan snarled again preparing to pounce again, and Elena shot once more. This time it crawled, weak from the two shots.
”I said no!” She shot it one last time. Her breathing was slow but her voice was shaky. Bailey suddenly heard her heartbeat quicken as Elena came back to her senses, mortified at what she had just done. “O-Oh my god… Father! I’m so sorry!”
She ran to the limp corpse of what used to be her father. With how mutilated it looked, it was hard to tell it was even human before. Bailey comforted her by rubbing soft circles on Elena’s back. She noticed the blood that was beginning to stain her clothes. The lycan was still bleeding. Was it going to get back up?
”Elena,” Bailey hushed. “Go with the group. Help Luiza.” She opened her mouth to argue but Bailey stopped her. “I’m going to take… him outside.” She had to stop herself from saying 'it,' otherwise, she’d sound heartless.
Once Elena left, Kairius and Felicia made their appearance again.
“Allow me to assist you, Blizzard.” He nodded to the blonde and she knelt down.
Felicia put a hand over the lycan’s chest and then closed her eyes, chanting something barely audible. A spot where its heart glowed before it went blank, suddenly sputtering out. Once she was done, the bleeding had stopped and she got up.
”Thank you. Now, please return to your duty.” Bailey dismissed her to help the group once again. Felicia was a reaper hybrid. She often used her gift to release the souls when they were on the verge of death.
Kairius helped carry the body, preparing him for the funeral. As they started digging, Iulian and Koda returned. The human man was about to shout but then bit his lip and silently went inside after noticing that Leonardo was a dead lycan. Koda watched him go before going to the two.
”I have permission to move the civilians to Zero’s base. Draco will assist. It is up to the people if they choose to move.” He glanced at the corpse. “Did you…?”
Bailey shook her head. The blood wasn't on her hands. “We fought, but Kai finished him off. Everyone else is inside. My son is watching the human.”
Koda hummed and then went inside. As Kai and Bailey dug the ditch, he looked back at her.
”So you gave them your real name,” he mentioned. "You're fine with that?"
”I don’t care if they know. I have nothing to hide from them. But it’s up to you on how you introduce yourself. I know how you are with your hell blood.” She stopped shoveling and climbed out of the ditch, putting a coin on each of Leonardo’s eyes. It was a tradition from her culture, but she wasn't sure if these people followed it. Still, it didn't hurt to pay some sort of respect. “Let’s bury him then go inside.”
Kai nodded and helped softly lay the corpse in the hole, promptly burying it. When they dusted their hands, Kairius coughed into his hand.
”You’ve got some blood on your scars,” he said.
Bailey rolled her eyes. “You’re one to talk.” She wiped it with her sleeves, almost scratching her skin in the process. “Blood on your hands.”
“Oi. Unlike you, I don’t go talkin’ with the lycans.”
”Unlike you, I don’t go swinging my knife around,” Bailey retorted back with a chuckle.
”Hush. That thing would’ve come back from the grave if I didn’t kill it.” He was referring to the first lycan they’ve encountered after leaving Trecen. “I can’t save you if the people notice you being different.”
The pair went back inside. Everyone, despite still being shaken, was all in the living room. Elena was still sobbing at the table, and Bailey felt a ball of pity in her throat. Mustering up her courage, she went to console her.
She kneeled down so Elena could see her. Instead of the coldness from before, there was sympathy in her golden eyes. “Listen, what just happened. You couldn’t stop him. That thing that used to be your father, it wasn’t him.” Bailey put her hand on Elena’s shoulder as she got up. The girl was still crying but her tears were shedding less now. “I may not know your father as well as you did, but I know that if you call him your father, then he must’ve loved you dearly. He loved you enough to hope that you would carry on despite the situation.” Her nose twitched at the smell of tea. “I’m going to the kitchen. I promise to come back.”
Esteban was about to follow her but Bailey shook her head. He promptly sat down on the floor again, guarding Ethan. Luiza was there, making another pot of tea while also preparing food. The hybrid looked around curiously. She was about to offer help but the woman stopped her.
”Why are you here?” she asked without turning.
”Ah. I apologize for intruding on you.” Bailey turned around to walk back.
Luiza stopped her movements and looked at the hybrid. “I mean, why are you in this village?” she clarified. “And if I may know, what are you?”
For once, Bailey flinched and slowly turned. She looked at the woman who seemed firm with her words. She was surprised to hear how blunt Luiza was.
”I saw what you did with the lycan. No one in the village could communicate with them so clearly. What are you?” she asked again slowly.
Bailey needed to choose her next words wisely. If she messed up, then it’s to the doghouse for her and her group.