Harold wrapped his arms around Catelyn as they sat outside of Vianna's room. Catelyn's eyes were red and swollen while Harold face showed pure worry no matter how he tried to hide it.
Inside of her room, Vianna was being restrained by shackles. The guards were able to give her a shot to weaken her.
It was normally given to wolves to prevent them from shifting. Dr. Brinks was able to add a heavy sedative to the mixture to temporarily control Vianna's beastly behavior.
"Catelyn, you need to rest. This stress is not good for the baby. I know it is difficult to leave Vianna, but you need to take care of yourself. Harold and I will stay. Sargon is on the way." Dr. Brinks said.
"I can't leave her. Catelyn cried as her voice cracked. She buried her face into Harold's shirt, grabbing his clothing tightly.
"What is happening?" She whispered.
"It will be ok, Catelyn. Sargon is bringing Marie. She will be able to help." Harold said trying to console her, but he was so afraid for his daughter, he couldn't completely hide his feelings.
"How do you know she will be able to help? I have never seen anything like this before." Catelyn said, worriedly.
"Have faith, Catelyn. It is all we can do at this point." Harold said.
Catelyn tried to stand up but fell back down to her seat as her legs buckled beneath her. She was exhausted and weak. Harold stood up and lifted her as he placed his arm under hers to assist her.
"No, you must stay with her. One of the guards can assist me." She said as she hugged Harold tightly before allowing a guard to escort her to her room.
Harold sat down, looking at the floor. He felt completely helpless. Everything was one big nightmare that he couldn't wake up from.
Minutes after Catelyn left, Sargon arrived.
"What's going on?" Sargon asked as him and Marie hurried down the hall towards Vianna's room.
Harold jumped up from his seat.
"Sargon, I don't know what happened to her. She just started trying to attack everyone, like some possessed, monster. At first, we thought it was her wolf prematurely forcing her to shift, but it's not. Her eyes turned black along with her veins and fingers. Her strength is stronger than a full-grown wolf. She has fangs and claws, but they don't look like that of a wolf. Something is seriously wrong."
Harold tried to explain as best as he could but he was still in shock as the images of Vianna spiraled through his mind.
"Is anyone hurt? Is Catelyn ok?" Sargon asked.
"Catelyn is trying to keep it together. I just sent her to rest. Vianna mauled Hannah though. Her arm is pretty messed up. Vianna tried to get to Alaric but Hannah got in the way to protect him. That boy of yours is quick. He ran and went straight for the guards. She was difficult to restrain and injured a couple of them but once she was given the shot, she passed out. We put her in the room. She is restrained with shackles." Harold said as he blinked back the tears that formed.
Sargon placed his hand on Harold's shoulder. He could see that his best friend was trying so hard to keep it together.
"Sargon, I do not know what is happening, but it is serious. There is no medical explanation for any of this. I am sorry I cannot be of more help." Dr. Brinks said looking at Harold and then back at Sargon.
"Can I see her?" Marie quietly asked after patiently listening to all that had happened. Everyone turned to look at her.
"Yes, of course." Harold replied, remembering that Marie may be the one person who could help his daughter.
The guard opened the door as they all began to walk inside of Vianna's room.
"No. Let me go alone for a moment, please." Marie said.
The men followed her instructions as she turned to continue into the room.
Marie knew something was wrong from before she left the castle. She was upset with herself for not trying to stop this before it happened. She was just so focused on helping Harold. She thought she had more time to monitor Vianna.
Marie walked slowly into the cold room. There were bright lights on and Vianna had not awakened yet.
She looked at her body, half covered with her blankets. The shackles seemed heavy on her. It broke Marie's heart to see her in this condition. She couldn't picture this child being anything but sweet.
The energy in Vianna's room felt so different to outside of the room. There was something that didn't belong.
She looked around the room for something that looked like it was out of place or strange, but she found nothing at first glance.
She continued over to Vianna who began to stir. Her little fingers were still dark, and her veins protruded in black.
Marie could tell that she was under a spell. She was not shifting. This was not her wolf. Marie could feel the energy from another witch around Vianna.
Vianna hissed as soon as she opened her eyes. Marie saw the darkness of her stare as it sent chills through her. She quickly jumped back as Vianna lay back down, still not fully awake.
Marie quickly walked out of the room.
"Dr. Brinks, she needs another shot. Do not let her wake up yet. She is under a witches spell. It will be harder to break if she is awake. She will grow stronger and break the restraints if we don't keep her under control."
"Who could have done this?" Harold asked as they all walked into the room behind Dr. Brinks.
"My guess is it's the same witch that cast the spell on you, Harold. The energy feels the same. I must confirm this tonight."
"How do we stop this?" Sargon asked as Dr. Brinks administered another shot to Vianna, putting her into a deep sleep.
"I need some time to put the right spell together. I hope I have all the things I need."
"Whatever you need, you will have. Just let me know." Sargon assured her.
"Thank you , Sargon. Dr. Brinks, keep her sedated until I am ready. No one must go near her otherwise." She said, walking out of the room.
"How long will it take to break the spell?" Harold asked as Marie turned back to speak to him.
"I will be completely honest with you, Harold. She is still a child and she is easier to harm than an adult. I must be very careful with her."