Her voice is hoarse from yelling, and I’m pretty sure she’s on the verge of a panic attack.
“Louie, breathe. Ezra told me not to let you out until you’re calm, and I really need you out here with me.”
“Where the fuck is that shadow twat? He’s responsible for this! He’s trying to get rid of me!”
“Louie, I know you’re scared. I remember waking up after Jameson attacked me and being terrified. But when I saw you there, I instantly felt safe. I know your body is a little … confusing right now. But I’m here and I want to help you.”
The hellhound pants on the other side of the door, struggling to regain control of her emotions.
She’s not the only one barely holding it together tonight.
If I help her calm down, I can let her out of this stupid room.
Because I really fucking need her.
And it sounds like she really fucking needs me.
“You asked where we are. We’re in Ezra’s house. I didn’t feel safe in the cottage after the attack, so he’s letting us stay here for a little while …”
I wait. Nothing. The bugs under my skin stretch and stir, just enough to set me on edge.
“Louie? You still with me?”
“Yeah, I think I’m alright. Can you tell me what happened? I think it might be best if I hear it on the other side of this door … just to be safe.”
Poor Lou. She sounds heartbroken.
“Sure, although I don’t really know the specifics. When Iain reversed the forgetfulness spell, it kind of broke something magical inside of you. Ezra told me that some hellhounds can shift into humans.”
I’m trying to be careful with my words, so she doesn’t panic again.
“Shit, yeah, that’s right. I feel like my memories are there, but fragmented? I remember some things, but not others. I can’t remember if I’ve ever taken a human form before. I came to you when I was pretty young. And if your mum had that spell put on me … Ugh, my head really hurts.”
Louie sniffles, then whimpers, on the other side of the door.
“I’m so sorry my mother did that to you. I know her intentions were good, but it must be painful to find your way back. I mean, if you’re more comfortable, can you shift back to your hound form?”
I’m so frustrated and feel so powerless to help her.
“I … don’t think I can shift back,” Louie sobs. “I already tried. My mind feels so fucked up. I’m sure I’ll be fine in a few days, but until then, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me in human form. How the fuck do you even live in this hairless meat sack?”
She sounds feisty again, which is a good sign.
Running to the bathroom, I snatch the key Ezra left for me. I jam it into the lock and rip the door open, my arms freezing mid-reach.
Jesus Christ.
Louie’s sitting on the bed, haunches tucked like she’s still a hound, except now, she’s butt-ass naked. Her tangled hair is a mess, her skin smells like wet dog, and—holy shit—she still has fangs!
She leaps off the bed and into my arms, nuzzling my neck and sniffing my hair like a deranged golden retriever. At just five feet tall, human Louie is weirdly tiny, especially compared to her massive hellhound form.
“Aurora! I’ve missed you so much!” she yells, then licks my face.
“I missed you, too! But … um … I think we need to have a quick chat. Maybe I could get you settled in the bathtub, and we can talk while I help you clean up?”
Jesus tap-dancing Christ, this is going to be a nightmare.
Louie has no fucking clue how to be a human. If she’s stuck in this form for days, or longer, her odd behavior could make things difficult.
