'How,' You think, sitting next to Aphmau who looks like she hadn't slept in days. Neither of you slept in days, really.

'How..did this happen?' 

The last few days had felt like a fever dream.

No, not even a dream.

A nightmare.

A hellish, torturous, non-stop nightmare.

You touched your neck and shivered.

The scar didn't hurt anymore.

Not physically, anyway.

But the memory of how you got it..?

Still stings.

Both scars do.

Aphmau pulled you close to her, causing you to flinch.

That broke her heart.

"Are you okay?" She whispeared.

You wanted to snap at her.

Really, you did.

But..you couldn't bring yourself to do that.

She wasn't in her right mind.

Not her, Not Zane, Not Aaron. Not...

...

"No..I'm not." You didn't miss the sob your mother pushed back into her throat.

"I'm sorry..I'm so sorry..." She apologized, beginning to cry.

You were so tired of hearing her sobs. It was starting to wear you down. And saying it's okay would make her stop. It would give her some peace of mind.

But...is it okay?

...

No.

No, it's not.

So you turned away, ears suken to the sides of your head.

....Your thoughts are kind of loud this time around, aren't they? And..they don't even sound like your own.

That's worrying.

But this brings us back to the question,

How and why did this happen? How did things turn south so quick?

...Ah.

That's right.

It all started in the car.

'I think you knew that aready though.'

~~~

"1 bottle of milk on the wall, one bottle of milk!" "You take one down," "Pass it around," "1 bottle of milk on the wall!" You, Kim, and Garroth sang.

The three of you laughed when you finished while Aarons eye only twitched in slight annoyance.

Lucinda had just learned to tune out the noise as the hour long car ride went on and on.

Even if she was squished between you and Garroth.

"Yes...Thanks for that amazing song, Y/n. One we have heard 100 times." Asher groaned.

Nico just clapped with a smile making Sophia shake her heard.

Ethan and Logan had passed out while Rocky and Alex were doing their own thing. You were facetiming your friends most of the way to the ski lodge you were supposed to be fixing up.

But it felt as if you guys had been driving for ages.

I mean, you have switched seats at least 4 different times and had to stop even more times for a pee break.

"I know! Isn't it just amazing? I didn't know songs like that would be so helpful on the road! Thanks, Alex!"

"Yeah...Thanks, Alex." Asher glared. Alex only smirked, "I'm always here to help, Wolfy." "Yeah. Help at being a menace."

You laughed at your friends.

Alexs' room was always so dark for some reason.

There wasn't a shed of light in there.

And when you asked her about it, she said she just liked it that way.

"Another round of it then?" You beamed. "Irene, nooo..." Asher groaned. "100 bottles of milk-" "OKAY! That's enough. No more car songs..." Aaron glared.

He may have earbuds in, but even he was gettibg tired of the same tune being sang over and over again.

"Aww..." You, Garroth, and Kim sulked. Lucinda peeked her head up slightly, "Oh, have you all finally stopped?"

Aaron scowled slightly in her direction, but the witch only smiled his way.

She..wasn't really helpful with the entire situation.

"Well, what else can I do then?" "Keep talking to U-U-U--" Asher suddenly started freezing and breaking up. Infact, all your friends were.

"Guys? Guysss! Aaron, everyone's freezing up! Aaron? Aaron~! DAD!"

"Look, it-it just means were getting closer to our destination." Aaron sighed.

"Guys! I gotta go! You're acting weird for some reason." "Wha-I-Hear you...!"

"Ahh! I'll call you when I get to the cabin, okay?" "But--Kay--Have--Bye!" Alex had waved glitchly as did Sophia, Nico, and Rocky.

Asher just smiled at the camera, "Be safe." Was the last thing you managed to get from him as Logan sat up.

"Is--Y/n--Leaving!? No--Back--Be careful! See-Soon!" "Bye guys!" You quickly hung up before Ethan could wake up and tell you stay.

But also because, him and Logan looked awful adorable sleeping. And you already felt guilty for waking Logan up.

The tablet flashed black as it shut off, already sensing the feeling of boredom seeping into your mind.

The car had been silent.

The most silent it had ever been for this entire trip.

And for once, Aaron felt as peace.

He didn't have you desperatly trying to get his attention, Garroth and Kim acting like total children.

It was nice.

So nice.

Until Garroth just had to ask the dreaded question again after getting your tail snatch away from his hands.

"Are we there yet?" He whined. "No.." Lucinda glared.

You pressed your face against the cold window to see blankets of white coating what you assumed to be the grass.

If the snow touches the window it gets cold.

And snow taste cold.

So will the window taste cold too?

You stuck your tongue out and began to lick up, down, and all around the window causing Kim to cringe.

Aaron just peared in the rear-view window and sighed, "Y/n. Stop licking the window."

You huffed and slumped in the chair, "Are we there yet? I'm bored." "No!"

"...What about now?" Garroth smiled.

"Garroth, Y/n, you've been asking for an hour. Stop! I dealt with the singing. I am not dealing with this." Lucinda snapped, turning to give you both a warning finger.

That made you and Garroth clamp your mouths shut, exchanging a look toward eachother.

But just when Lucinda thought it was over, "Are we there yet?" Kim smiled, making you, her, and Garroth burst into fits of giggles amongst eachother.

"Kim! Don't encourage them! Aaron, can you believe them?" "Huh..? Oh, sorry. I put my earbuds in an hour ago. When Y/n started singing her song and when Garroth asked the first time."

"Seriously?! You are no help."

"Yeah. Kinda like when you 'helped' me with Y/ns little car shanty."

....

"Are we there yet..." "That's it! Kim, switch seats with me!" You laughed at Garroth as he grinned down at you, pulling you closer to his side.

If the car ride was this fun, being at the lodge will be so much funner!

Funner...Is that even a word?

Ah, who cares.

This was going to be a trip you never forget!

...It took a few more hours of driving to arrive at the lodge.

You were drooling on Garroths arm as he leaned ontop of your head, your ears flopping down at his weight.

Kim had decided to take a picture.

"We're here guys." Aaron sighed, making your ear twitch and hit the inside of Garroths mouth.

He shot up, sputtering in disgust at the furr on his tongue.

You, on the other hand, bolted up in surprise and pressed your face against the window.

The lodge!

"We're here!" You cheered. "That is what he said, sweets." Lucinda smiled.

You quickly climbed overtop of Garroth who groaned slightly when you kicked him in the stomach as you faceplanted into the snow.

"Y/n? You alright?" Aaron called, stepping out of the car to grab you. But he couldn't help the smile that came to his face when he saw your tail begin to wag while raising up from the snow.

"There's so much white! So much snow! An-And there's a house made of wood-"

"Cabin." Lucinda corrected with a smile as she stepped out,

"And trees, And rocks! This is gonna be AWESOOOME! Aaron! Aaron, Aaron! Aaroooon!" You groaned, as your father-figure lifted you from the snow and onto the ground to get items out from the trunk.

"Yes?" He chuckled. "Can I eat the snow?" "No." "Whaaat? But..But what if it tastes different than the snow at home?" "That literally makes no sense." Aaron scoffed playfully, ruffling your hair.

You smiled up at him while holding Scrouchy close.

Once all the stuff was out and onto the ground, you all looked at the big job infront of you.

"Well here we are!" "This place is a..." "Total dump." "Huh? I don't understand! Our parents said this place was fantastic." "I think it's fantastic!"

"You think everything is fantastic." "Not true, shut up Garroth!"

"Well, judging by the looks of it this place was fantastic. But that was years ago. Ugh...See why I thought this entire thing was fishy?"

"It did seem too good to be true, Garroth..." "I dunno! Before, it sounded awesome getting paid to vacation..." "Garroth, we are not vacation-ing. Our parents told us to fix things up!"

You continued to examine the place and frowned. While there were a lot of things that could be explored, it..did seem more like a run down old shack than a ski lodge.

"Hm..Did I make a bad choice by convincing you?" "Wha-? No, Y/n. This..You made a good choice. Thank you for convincing me. And hey, being with you? It makes things a hell of a lot easier." Aaron smiled.

You wagged your tail and nodded his way.

That's when Lucinda began to speak,

"Well! Nothing a few potions can't take care of and-..Wa-Wait...Where's my potion bag!?" Aaron went back to the car to look inside for a moment while you raised your head into the sky to sniff them out.

"I don't smell them.." "You can smell the potions?" "Of course not, Aaron, don't be dumb!...I smell Lucindas scent and then I smell the potions. It smells like sweet chemicals."

"I don't want you sniffing anything else."

"Aww..."

"I didn't see any other bags in the car," Kim started, "Maybe you forgot to bring it..?"

"NGH!? There's no way I forgot to bring it...Maybe I put it on the ground and..forgot to pick it up somewhere! Yeah, that has to be it."

"Uhm...Can't we just get you a new bag, Luci?" You smiled.

"That's not the point. My wand and potions are in there." "Ohh I see..."

"Is it hard to make potions? Where would you even go to get the ingredients? I didn't see any stores on the way here."

Lucinda groaned, "I'm sure I can find what I need to make some potions. But it won't be easy."

"Regardless, Lucinda. I heard about your cleaning potions from Dante and...i'd rather not use those here." "You took all his stuff!" You beamed.

"Yeah...And we're supposed to fix the place ourselves. Not make everything disappear and then reappear in the neighbors backyard."

"But-!" "Garroth, I'm here to earn some money for someone I deeply care about. Those things aren't given. They're earned."

You looked at Aaron then back and Garroth.

He did have a point.

There wasn't any point in taking the money if all you guys did was throw potions around and magically cleaned the place.

It looks like you'll actually have to do something.

But you also couldn't help but say, "Jee, Aaron. You really thought you did something there, huh?"

The male sputtered for a moment before grabbing your cheek and pulling it gently, "Hush, you. I don't think I asked you to speak." "Hey, Hey! That hurrrts! Stop it!" You whined, making Aaron chuckle.

"Fair point..." Garroth sighed, earning a small smile from Aaron.

"Still. I feel naked without my wand or potions..." Lucinda frowned with a slight shiver.

"Maybe we should get inside. It is getting kind if chilly." "Right." Lucinda, Kim, and Garroth grabebd their things before going to the rusted wooden door.

You were about to follow, but Aaron grabbed you by the back of your sweater.

"Hey..!" "I want you to stick by me this entire trip." "I was gonna!" "By that, I mean I want you to hold my hand. No matter what. I don't want you to wonder off far." "..Fine, Hand!" Aaron smiled and took your hand in his.

"This'll be fun right?" "Yeah, maybe."

You strapped your backpack to your back and went to walk inside, Aaron following you.

When you two got closer to your group, Garroth seemed to struggle with the door.

"What's wrong?" "The door...Won't open!" "Didn't your parents give you a key to this place?" "Uhhh..Noo..." Garroth cringed.

"Wait, we never got a key?" "Are we gonna freeze to death out here!?" "Don't worry, Kim. I'm great with getting doors open! Just watch!"

"Garroth, I dunno if that's a good idea-" "Stand back everyone!" "Oh-Okay. He's doing it anyway."

Luckily, before Garroth could do anything reckless, Aaron pulled some keys out from under the mat.

"Levin left a key here." "Nice!" "Oh...Okay." "Aww...You can smash
doors later, Garroth!" "I guess..." The blond whined, making you laugh.

You all entered the darkened cabin, a new smell hitting your nose like a tidle wave.

"Ah..." "Too many senses?" "Mhm, yeah. Gimme a..sec." "Alright. Let me know if you need anything." "Kay'." You nodded, gripping onto Aarons hand tighter.

Lots of people had been in here before, obviously.

But the scent of dust was one fimilar to you...however.

One thing did catch you off gaurd.

It smelled like someone had been here recently..?

It was probably just one of your grandparents or something.

Or those two boys.

Levin and Malachi.

Huh?

Haha, that's strange...

Just the thought of those two boys made your tail wag.

Odd.

"Wow...This place really is a dump." "Well, I'm sure this place won't be so bad once the lights are turned on! Here, let me..." Kim paused, attempting to flick the light switch on several times.

But..nothing.

The light seemed to be broken.

"Th-The lights aren't working..We're going to die!" "Now, Now Kim. No one died from a little darkness~"

"Ugh...the circuit breaker must be out."

"Which means everything else must be out in this place."

"Does anyone have an idea where the ciruit breaker is?"

"Wait a second!" You shouted, "What is a circuit breaker?"

"You said it right!" "I know, right? I've been learning to listen more!"

"The circuit breaker is basically an electrical thing that controls everything in the house with little switches."

"Ohh! Okay! So if we find that, the lights will come on?" "Yup. And there usually in a basement or garage. But I haven't been here in years." "So we'll have to search?"

"That's right, sweetpea." "In the dark!?" "Unless it's outside."

"Ohh, Gr-Great! It must be out there, I'll go check out there while you guys check in here!"

"Want me to come with you, Kim?"

"Whaaat? Pfft, Naaaah. I'll search out here! No use in all of us looking outside, ahaha! Be right back!" Kim quickly ran outside without so much as another word, making Lucinds narrow her eyes at where she left.

"Hm..Odd behavior.." "She's just scared." "Mhm. Let her check outside, it wouldn't hurt."

"I have a better idea! Let's just ask our parents where the breaker is."

"Yeah!" You beamed, going to Garroths side.

"Y/n, Hand--Ugh..." "I wanna talk to Zianna and Garte!" "Alright! Lemme give them a call and..."

"..." You and Garroth both suddenly got extremely quiet.

The quietest the two of you have ever been, really.

"Huh?" "Wait.." The two of you tredged futher into the cabin, hoping that what you just saw was due to your position.

"No service..." "Whaaat?! No! Now I can't call Logan and the others! They'll get worried!"

"It's okay Y/n. We just need to get the phones working too and then you can call them. We'll also have to search by ourselves then." Aaron sighed.

You let out a small whine.

Logan and Ethan will be worried when you don't call. Maybe Asher, but he'll probably just come up with some reason you're not calling him.

Your dread was suddenly replaced with curiousity when looking at the stone...thingie that was sitting in the middle of this entire place.

It was warm-ish.

And smelt like smoke.

"Hey, what's this thing? Fire pit? Dangerous..." "Kind of. It's an indoor fire place." "It doesn't look anything like the one back home." "Well, we aren't back home Y/n. Maybe we can start it though. Does anyone have a match?"

"If-If only my fire spells were in my bag..! Heh-heh...Ugh, Darnet." "I don't think that'd even work. This thing looks like it runs off gas."

"It can do that? So we gotta fart..."

"Wha-No..I'll explain later...Maybe we can turn it on with the fuse box. Warm this place up a bit."

"Right! But..maybe we should wait for Kim to finish looking outside." "Yeaah! The fuse box may be out there!"

"Sounds like a good idea. Don't wanna wander around in the dark for nothing."

"Right," Aaron nodded. But he began to smile a thought crossed his mind, "I wonder what Aph's up to? Man..I miss her so much already." "You. Are. The BIGGEST simp I've ever seen, Aaron."

"Whatever. Get a hoodie on over that sweater, I don't what you to get a cold."

"Alright! C'mon, Scrouchy!" "..."

Aaron smiled your way as you crouched to the ground and dug threw your bag wuth Scrouchy.

Lucinda watched by his side. She made sure to keep her voice extra low incase you tried to overhear their conversation.

"Are you sure it was alright to bring her here? No light, No wifi. No Aphmau..?"

"Yeah. I'm sure. She's come a long way. She doesn't need Aphmau. And I trust her."

"If you say so."

"Yeah," Aaron nodded, growing amused when you had a conversation with Scrouchy, "I do say so."

***

You lazily lazed on the couch with Scrouchy playing with his paws with one hand and poking your nonexistent fangs with the other.

Just when were they gonna come in...

Your attention was grabbed again by Aarons voice, "Well, it doesn't look like the fuse box is in here. We should split up into teams to find it."

"Good idea. It's just..this place is so big, it's intimidating..."

You suddenly heard a small ringing in your ear and scratched the inside, jumping when Kim came towards you all screaming like she had seen something terrible.

"Ouch..!" You hissed, pulling your ears down to the sides of your head. It would seem your senses are still adjusting to the new environment.

"Gu-Guys, it's cold and scary outside!" "Yeah..duh." "Did you have the scream though, sheez..." You grumbled.

"I was wondering why you wanted to go outside." Garroth chuckled.

That made Kim get all nervous again,

"It's just..I...Uhm...Not a huge fan of the dark."

"Not many are." "Did you see the fuse box?" You muttered, perching your chin on the chair.

"Uhm...N-No! I don't think it's outside." "Ugh...Then we'll have to stick to the plan." "Right! Kim and I will search around this way."

"Got it. Lucinda, Y/n, and I will take the other side."

"No," You started, making Aaron turn to you, "Me and Scrouchy were going to explore on our own."

"Uhh...Not you aren't. I'm not sending you out alone." "I'm not alone, I have Scrouchy!" "..." "...No, Y/n. That's final."

You furrowed your brows, and folded your arms over your chest.

"Guys..I don't know if you've noticed, but there's something weird about this place...It feels. Weird." "In a bad way?"

"I..Can't really put my finger on it. As a warning, I think everyone should stay in their toes."

You would've agreed, but you were too upset with Aaron to speak..even if Lucinda had a point.

There shouldn't be a reason that your sense should be so sensitive like this.

You get used to the new place and move on but..its like they were being triggered by something. It was growing annoying.

"Th-This seems like the setup for a horror movie. Where someone pops out and kills us!" "Aha! Kim, calm doown. Nothing will do that."

"C'mon, I know this place is old but it's not that bad. Lets get going. Y/n, hand?"

You, begrudgingly, took Aarons hand in yours as him, Lucinda, and yourself went your own way with Kim and Garroth going their own way.

You all looked around for anything that might make your cleaning go by a lot quicker, but ended up coming dry.

You did, however, find a book on souls. Its like the one Asher read!

But it was Volume 2.

You made sure Aaron and Lucinda weren't looking when you shoved it into your backpack.

Maybe he'd like it.

"Y/n, don't lag behind." "I know, Aaron." You groaned, sticking your tongue out at him.

It wasn't too long when you guys made your way back down to eachother, each having different disappointed expressions of your own.

"Ugh, this is huge! I don't even know where to begin..." Lucinda grumbled.

"We decided and only conquered the first floor!"

"Uhm..Oh wait! I forgot that when you guys came out of the car, you dropped these letters. I think they're from your parents!"

"Hm..? Oh those! Yeah, our parents gave those to us before we left." "And you're remembering now?" You glared, making Aaron scowl at you.

You let out a small yelp and hid behind Lucinda.

Maybe you have been mouthing off a bit too much today.

"Let's see," Garroth started, unfolding his letter and smiling,

"Oh! It's from Dad!

'Dear Garroth,
If you are reading this rip up Aarons note from his Dad,'

"Aaron can I rip up your note?"

"No..."

"Fair enough!

'Garroth, I'm sure you've noticed by now, but even though we're friends the Lycans and the Ro'meaves are often very competitive.' "

" 'Aaron,
I know the property is secluded so there's no signal. But we need you to fix up the place!' "

"Can I read the next bit?" You smiled.

Aaron nodded and handed the note over, causing your tail to wag ever so slightly,

" 'We'll..be...sending notes to help! Al..Also. There might not be..any..internent. Up there..!? We didn't wanna tell you before because we didn't think you wou..would..would've gone!'

Wait, So I can't call my friends?"

"Fraid' not, hon'." "Ohh..." You whined, sulking just slightly as your ears and tail began to droop.

"There's...no...INTERNENT!? WE'RE GOING TO DIE!" Kim screeched. "Oh don't be a drama queen." Lucinda smirked.

" 'The first thing you're going to want to do is turn on the power and the boiler. It's located in the garage.' "

"The garage!" Aaron and Garroth shouted triumphantly.

You hopped onto Aarons back before he could get too far as him and Garroth ran straight to the garage for the power and heating system.

"This is it?" You smiled.

"Yeah, should be. Stand back though, Y/n. This thing is pretty old. I don't want you to get shocked." You nodded and climbed off Aarons back before hiding behind Garroth who held your hand.

With a flick of a few switches, the lighs had come on in seconds!

"Great! We have power!" "It's bright now! I can explore more stuff!" "Whoo...this makes things a little better."

"What about the boiler?"

"Hm..." You and Garroth stared at the large tank, both of your eyes filled with curiousity. "Y/n, be careful." "I'll be fine. I've got Garroth!" "Mm..."

You and Garrith looked at eachother and shrugged before Garroth had touched..something. Your eyes widened as the fimilar smell of smoke drifted into your noes. "Should've been careful."

BOOM.

An exposion was cast across the entire room, you and Garroth getting the toughest blows.

Luckily, Garroth had sheilded your body with his so the fall wasn't too terrible.

He had also managed to stuff Scrouchy under his shirt, knowing how much the toy meant to you.

"Garroth! Y/n!" Your three caretakers shouted, quickly going to your sides.

After Garroth was sat up, Aaron brought you up and into his arms.

"I-I'm fine...Just a little shaken. Are you okay, Y/n?" "Ngh...I have a headache." "Oh! Le-Let's get them back inside..."

Aaron stood up, as you looked up at him with tired eyes.

"Dad..my head hurts." "I heard you, Y/n. You and Garroth are gonna lay down now." "Mm..mkay." Aaron let out a shakey breath as the five of you made your wait out of the garage, but stopped with a green shimmer caught his eyes.

"Dad..?" "Hold out, hon'." He bent down to the emerald looking item making you tilt your head.

"What's that..?" "I'm not sure..." Your ear twitched as Aaron picked it up.

Maybe it was because you nearly got blown to bits by a boiler, but the faint calling of gray wolves reached your ears as, yet, another new scent filled your nose.

A scent that wasn't recognizable.

'I hear the wolves talking...and I smell someone new.'

With those thoughts in your head, you quickly drifted into the darkness of unconsciousness.