A tentative knock sounded at the infirmary's door. I was almost sure the ward was void of life with the exception of me, though I couldn't be sure with the white screens blocking my vision at either side. Azriel had left hours ago now, and Dr. Hershel had yet to return.

"Come in!" I called, voice laced with uncertainty. I was the last person to have authority here. Just then, the door creaked open, and suspense crawled to my throat as I strained to see who it was. My heart dropped when I spied a crimson Pelta hanging just above the floor, its golden embroidery gleaming in the light.

Zion rounded around the screen.

I wasn't sure what to think, say, or do. And it seemed he didn't, either, for we stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. His green eyes were hard, regarding me as one would a bug under a microscope; assessing me. Even so, I could see something else in those emerald eyes -- something close to regret.

"I came here to apologize."

I stared. Of all the things to come out that harsh mouth, that was one of the last. I looked at him again. His features were a bit softer than usual, sharp-cut brows scrunched slightly as a troubled look passed his face.

Silence ensued again, and I scrambled for something to say. "I-- I'm sorry, too--"

"No, don't you apologize," he cut in, waving me off. My mouth fell shut, and I watched as he swaggered towards the chair at the end of my bed and sat down. Clearing his throat, he levelled his gaze.

"After my talk with Lord Azriel, and some self-reflection of my own," his eyes darkened, I was reminded again of my earlier thoughts; of what Azriel may had said to him, "--and I have come to the conclusion that I have wronged you, Epsilon. And for that, I'm sorry."

I swallowed, nodding. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to say, so I was thankful when he started up again.

"I shouldn't have used my Ageto on you," he continued. "And I was wrong to say I'd throw you out the pack. For those too I owe an apology."

I nodded again. A few more moments of tense silence passed. Zion cleared his throat. "Azriel has informed me that my methods are a bit harsh, but what I need both you and him to understand is that my methods are appropriate. It are those methods that have raised great Thetas -- Thetas that have fought and died in many wars and skirmishes.

"He asked me to change my methods up, at least for you, but I told him such a thing is not possible. Without my proper training, you will not become the wolf we want you to be. So, after much discussion, we made a compromise..."

He levelled his gaze with mine. Panic clawed to my throat, and for a fleeting moment, I found myself dreading his next words.

"Epsilon, I will not train you until you can master the Turning. Lord Azriel will help you instead. Until then, we will be mere strangers."

I started. "But I did turn," I stammered, knowing I shouldn't speak but unable to help myself anyways. "In the woods -- when I saved the Omegas. I turned into a werewolf."

Zion cut me off with a sigh and a shake of the head. "Do not be mistaken, Epsilon; you turned because you used Emotional Magic, not Lunar Magic. It doesn't count."

"But I still turned!" I sputtered in disbelief, ignoring the warning that flashed through Zion's gaze. "I became a wolf, and I know if I tap into that energy, I can do it again--"

"And look what that did to you," Zion snapped, motioning to my body. "You sustained injury beyond what any wolf could tolerate in a Lunar state. About every muscle in your body was shredded, Epsilon. Do you not recognize how dangerous it is?"

I opened my mouth to retort, but the male beat me to it. "Not to mention the instability! The Emotional state is very unstable, Epsilon. For inexperienced users, it is hard for them to distinguish between friend and foe: you could have mauled your friends as easily as you had those stranger wolf."

My mouth fell shut. Though I wanted to deny his claims, I couldn't. Now that I thought about it, I had attacked the first wolf I'd seen. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't seen that wolf first, or if I hadn't collapsed when I did?

But something didn't add up.

"Lord Azriel said I have a power that could save this territory," I began, locking his gaze. "He was talking about my Emotional Magic. How am I going to achieve that if I'm forbidden to use it?"

Zion sighed, shaking his head. "You are not forbidden, Epsilon, you are just too inexperienced to use it as of yet. You must first learn to control your wolf with Lunar Magic before you try an Emotional state."

It didn't make much sense to me, but I knew arguing would get me nowhere -- especially with a man like Zion. So, I forced my mouth shut and gave him a stiff nod.

Looking something close to pleased, Zion stood, striding towards the door. "I expect your recovery to be quick and efficient. You should be back on your feet within a couple of days. When you are, consult Lord Azriel."

Below the screens, I saw him pause before the door, crimson Pelta hanging just above the ground. "He wishes to see you..."

*****

Another one done.

We're almost up to part two!! After that there will be one more part before the book is done, meaning we can then move on the the sequel. (Exciting, right?)

Anywayssss,, thoughts on Zion?

*****

~ 𝕧𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤, 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 + 𝕔𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕝𝕨𝕒𝕪𝕤 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 ~