"I need you to come quickly; there's been an accident." I heard Elias's voice, but the panic in it sent a chill down my spine.
I noticed the annoyance on his face when he saw me kissing Annette. He had his chance to love her, and now she was mine. I kissed her forehead softly, then picked her up and sat her down beside us.
I transformed into my tiger form and raced back to camp, my large paws pounding against the ground. As I entered the camp, I saw Abby lying on the ground, moaning in pain, blood pouring from her leg. I quickly shifted back into my human form.
"What happened, Finn?" My voice was deep, reflecting my authority.
"It was an accident," he replied, looking shaken. "There weren't many snake people, just three in total. I took out two easily, but the last one was more powerful."
"Was he responsive or savage?"
"He acted strangely, almost like a savage, but his eyes were analyzing the situation as if he understood it. It felt like he was pretending."
"Because he knew about my deal with the Greenwood clan."
Finn shrugged. "Or it could have been Devin."
"You are on a three-day lockdown."
"What? That's bullshit! You're not going to punish me like a little kid!" I watched as Finn crossed his arms over his chest.
"I warned you that if you took her out, you were responsible. I told you how hard it is to protect someone while also fighting."
"I have shows to play."
"Looks like you'll have to cancel."
"This is so messed up." He bit his bottom lip in frustration.
"And Elias, I also warned you about hurting Annette and that there would be consequences. You're on a five-day lockdown and are not leaving this forest except to go to school."
"Dude, you're not going to punish me for my sex life." Elias crossed his arms defiantly.
"Finn, go to my tent and grab my first aid kit."
He nodded and headed off.
I knelt beside Abby and gently stroked her hair. Soft moans escaped her lips. I knew she was in a great deal of pain, but her injury wasn't as severe as I had feared. A few stitches and some rest, and she'd be alright.
I heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Annette. Elias reached for her, trying to pull her close, but she broke away from his touch.
"On the count of three, I'm going to pour this cleanser over the wound. One, two, three."
I poured it over her injury, and she screamed. I knew it would sting, and I felt awful for her. Finn grabbed her hand and pressed it to his lips, surprising me with how distraught he seemed to be at her pain.
It only took a few moments to stitch her up, and with the pain medication, Abby started to drift off to sleep. I watched as Finn carried her to his tent instead of hers. Whatever. I shook off the urge to say something.