Catelyn stood on the side of Harold's bed, caressing his face. She gave him little kisses all over his face and spoke to him softly so he could hear her voice. She read to him every day, as he did for her in their garden. Her heart ached so much for her mate.
She wished he could hold her and love her. As much as he would upset her, he was the only one who could give her butterflies.
She kept thinking about their last evening together and how she would have given anything to spend it differently. She knew how much she loved him and needed him. He had her heart, and it was forever.
That morning right before the attack, he held her so lovingly. She could feel how much he loved her. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the memory.
"Hello Catelyn." Doctor Brinks walked in with a woman who she had never seen before.
The woman wore a black, hooded cloak that fell backwards on the nape of her neck and shoulders and black gloves. She was a beautiful woman with thick black hair. Her lavender and green colored eyes were decorated with long, thick eye lashes.
Catelyn was mesmerized by this woman.
"Hello, Doctor." Catelyn replied trying to figure out who the woman was. "Have you seen any improvements today? He asked her. "No doctor. He is the same." She said sadly.
"Alright. This is Marie. She is a solitary witch and a very powerful one. I am hoping she can be of some assistance." Doctor Brinks said as if he was warning Catelyn.
"How do you do?" Catelyn asked. "I am well." Marie said with a smile.
"Marie is here to see if she can figure out what is going on with Harold's wounds. It is very puzzling how they are not healing but not getting worse. It's as though they are stuck in time. It was not easy finding Marie, but I believe it will be worth it. She has extensive experience in these types of symptoms." Doctor Brinks explained as if trying to pacify Catelyn.
"I understand Doctor. Whatever it takes to heal my husband, please do it. I cannot bear to continue seeing him like this. I thank you for all that you are doing." Catelyn said as she walked over to Marie and reached for her gloved hand.
Marie reached out and shook Catelyn's hand. Marie froze for a moment upon being touched by Catelyn.
"Marie, I thank you for coming all this way." She said, holding Marie's hand in both of her hands. Marie became focused again and smiled giving Catelyn a little bow, as Catelyn released her hand and stepped back from Harold to give them both space.
Marie moved closer to Harold looking at him keenly. Stopping for a brief moment, she picked up her satchel she brought with her.
Pulling out black and white candles and incense along with other items, she set up each candle surrounding Harold. She lit each candle one by one mumbling words that did not sound like English.
She lit the incense and set up the additional tools on a tray, next to Harold. When everything was set, she took her hands and placed them over Harold's head, mumbling something again with her eyes closed.
Marie moved her hands over Harold's body with her eyes closed. She began over his head then moved her way down his entire body, spending more time, hovering around certain areas.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a clear colored stone, attached to a chain and held the stone over Harold slowly positioning it over each wound and studying the stones movements. Looking closely at Harold's wounds, her eyes widened.
"I know this magic. This magic is very rare and cannot be reverse unless the witch who cast the spell reverses it." She said, nervously.
"This spell was created specifically for powerful werewolves. It causes the wolf and the human to lose power separately. Once the wolf dies, the human dies right after." She said, putting away her stone.
"So, it is like dying twice then?" Dr. Brinks asked with a furrowed brow.
"In a way, yes. These wounds will kill Harold if they remain without help. His wolf is dying as we speak. I can heal the wounds, but the spell is too powerful for me to break completely on my own. I will need to recruit more witches. Finding witches that I can trust with something like this would be a great challenge." Marie said, still analyzing the wounds.
"Why is that? Would they resist even being paid well?" Dr. Brinks asked her.
"Well, as you know, witches and wolves do not always get along. Some witches may come along to make sure we are not successful with helping a werewolf. I would need to use magic to read the witches intents and even so, powerful witches can block my ability to read their minds." She said.
"Please take your time to find whoever can genuinely help and you will be provided with anything you need to accomplish the task." Dr. Brinks said.
"We can discuss that later. Time is of the essence. I must warn you though. If I heal Harold and close his wounds, he will lose his wolf until you find the witch who cast the spell. Only then will he regain his wolf. His wolf would go into a dormant state, allowing him to survive as a human. Is that something you are willing to do?" She asked looking at Dr. Brinks and then at Catelyn.
"Catelyn, are you comfortable with all that is happening right now? Are you able to make this decision right now?" Dr. Brinks asked her.
Catelyn had tears in her eyes. "So, he will wake up? He will be ok?" She asked with a quivering voice.
Marie walked over to Catelyn. "Please understand that he will not have his wolf at all for the time being. It may get difficult for you both. He is not used to not being a protector. He is the Beta. Also, if we are not able to find the witch who cast the spell, he will remain in his human form and his wolf would die." Marie said, warning Catelyn.
"I understand, she replied, as she looked at Harold. "Why are you helping us, Marie? Catelyn asked curiously.
"I gain nothing from not helping you. I gain everything if I do help you." She said simply. Catelyn looked at her, processing every word that left her lips.
"Are we in accord everyone?" Doctor Brinks asked.
"Yes doctor. Please bring my husband back." She said, barely getting the words out as she covered her mouth to stop from crying.
"Ok, it is set then. Marie please, proceed. Is there anything else you need to complete this part of the task." Doctor Brinks spoke.
"No doctor, I have everything that I need. However, I will need you to step out for a moment until I have finished, Catelyn. This may be difficult to watch and I need to focus. No matter what you hear. Please know that I am doing the only thing that may save your husband." Marie said looking at Catelyn with her mesmerizing eyes.
"Catelyn felt at peace for some reason. Something about this woman was calming. Breaking the connection, she looked at Dr. Brinks as worry began to form on her face.
"It is alright, Catelyn. I will be here the entire time." He said.
"Very well." Catelyn said as she walked over to Harold and gently placed a kiss on his lips.
"I love you with every ounce of my soul." She whispered, as a tear fell from her eyes and onto his cheek. She quietly walked away leaving the witch, the doctor and the Beta alone.