“Adam lured Austin into the woods before he turned, and then he did some kind of vironoct ritual on him. Now Austin’s broken,” I said, tossing a piece of wood into the fire. “After all that progress, it’s all fucked now.”
Darryl let out a sigh. “I should have forced you all to stay. If I’d have known what kind of town Norwich was—”
“It’s a great town,” Roscoe interrupted. “Full of good people, and Willa ain’t a normal witch. This is just as much my fault, but bein’ out here was the best thing for us.”
“Tell that to Austin,” Darryl snapped. We all sat quietly as he calmed down. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I think I’m taking my own guilt out on you both.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“I kinda always wished something bad would happen to Austin, but knowing what I know now… and with what just happened—”
“Well, thankfully wishes don’t come true,” I said, cutting him off. “What happened was a consequence of neglect, not wishful thinking. We can each blame ourselves, but what’s done is done. Austin’s gone.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Darryl said. “It’s the vironoct, not some kind of curse. There’s always a way to undo it.”
“So, you know how?” I asked.
“No. I never wanted to follow in the footsteps of the elders. If there’s a way, Darius would probably know.”
“That’s what Willa said.” I rubbed the crust out of the corner of my left eye. Neither Roscoe nor I had gotten a decent night’s sleep. “If he can’t fix him, we’ll have to find an elder that can.”
“I got an idea,” Roscoe said. “We still got them herbs. If Mosavi can’t get through to him, I bet the ferals can.”
“That’s a terrible idea,” Darryl said. “After what happened last night, you want to take the chance of going back into the woods?”
“You got a better idea?” Roscoe replied, unusually calm given how on edge Darryl was. “Cause if not, them ferals probably have more answers than anyone here. Hell, they live out there with the witches, and they’re just fine. You think we should go to the A-W-O-O?”
Darryl sighed. “I’d rather us not get involved with them.”
“Ya almost make it seem like they’re some kinda werewolf mafia,” Roscoe said jokingly, but Darryl didn’t even crack a smile. “They, uh, ain’t the mafia, right?”
The larger werewolf shrugged.
“Shit!” Adam shouted from inside the house. We all turned in unison.
“I hope he didn’t mean that literally,” I muttered, prodding Roscoe. “Go see what’s wrong.”
“I ain’t goin’ in there.”
“I’ll check on them,” Darryl said, standing and stretching his arms. “Cody, can you put on some coffee?”
“I was just thinking that.”
We all sat around the table, everyone eating in silence except for Austin, who continued staring at Adam.
“Please stop looking at me like that and eat your food,” Adam said, exhausted, but Austin didn’t respond. “Eat, damn it!”
“Tell him what to eat first,” I said, pointing to Austin’s plate. “You have to be specific.”
“Eat your eggs,” Adam said. Austin picked up his fork and began eating. “I can’t keep doing this. I’m going to go insane.”
“You have to,” Darryl muttered. “He’s solely dependent on you now. Stupid actions have consequences, Adam.”
“I feel awful enough as it is. You don’t have to keep reminding me.” Adam took a bite of bacon, noticing Austin staring at him again. He had already finished off his eggs but hadn’t touched anything else. “Eat your bacon next.”
The werewolf did as he was told.
“Willa texted that Mosavi will be here before noon,” I said.
