Chapter 16
BEACON CREST HOSPITAL
The night had fallen, making it the first night after Mr. Varane's arrival. The city was shouldering darkness, as Diana and Meera stood outside the hospital where Mr. Varane had been admitted. Dave had left for work, and he told Diana the name and location of the hospital.
The atmosphere was tense, and the events of the day had left them all on edge.
Beacon Crest Hospital was one of the best and biggest hospitals with well-trained medical staff that are professionals in their field.
The hospital had modern technology facilities– automatic glass doors, and discreet security cameras surveying the area. The hospital's sterile scent was unique. The reception area occupies the largest space, It's a place where life's most profound moments unfold.
At the front desk, Nurses in uniforms were behind it, their fingers working on computer keyboards. Patients and their families wait in a sea of cushioned chairs, the expressions on their faces range from hope to worry.
To the right, there was a large information board that offered guidance. It displayed the hospital's layout, from the surgical wing to the maternity ward, etc.
A young couple came in with clenched hands, they searched for the labor and delivery unit as they anticipated the arrival of their child.
There was artwork on the walls— beautiful paintings and serene portraits. They're not just decorations; they're lifelines.
Hospital staff in uniforms keep watch, ensuring safety at all times.
Diana was deep in thought by her newfound abilities and the mysteries that surrounded them. She couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to her abilities, wanting to be discovered.
While Meera, on the other hand, was focused on Mr. Varane's condition. She paced back and forth, her worry was noticeable in every step she took.
Inside the hospital room, ward 6BC, Mr. Varane lay on a sterilized white bed, his injuries carefully cared for by the medical staff. He was weak but now stable, thanks to Diana's unwavering decision.
Diana couldn't help but blame herself for what had happened to him. Maybe if she hadn't insisted on finding Mr. Varane, he wouldn't have been in this awkward situation.
"You know you shouldn't blame yourself, Diana," a familiar voice spoke from the doorway.
She turned to see Logan standing there, with concern evident on his face.
"I know you're worried about Mr. Varane, but what happened was beyond your control," Logan continued. "Steffan's men would have come after him eventually, with or without your involvement."
Diana nodded to Logan's words and was grateful for his consolation. "I just wish I could have done better," she remarked.
Logan moved closer to Diana and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You did everything you could, Diana. You saved his life."
Diana managed a small smile and appreciated him for his support. "Thank you, Logan. It means a lot."
As they stood there, a nurse approached them. She had a tag placed above her nipple, Nora was the name on the tag.
"Are you here for Mr. Varane?" Her expression was kind of dull.
"Yes, we are, how is he?" Diana nodded, curious to know if Mr. Varane was okay and responding to treatment.
The nurse hesitated for a moment before she continued.
"He's stable now, but he sustained some serious injuries. He will then need time to recover. And I want to assure you we're doing our best."
Diana's heart sank at the news, at the same time, she was relieved to hear that Mr. Varane was stable.
"Can we see him now?" Diana asked the Nurse.
The nurse nodded. "Yes of course, but please keep your visit brief. He needs rest." She said and left Diana standing.
Diana and Logan followed the nurse into the room, where Mr. Varane lay, his eyes fluttering open as they entered. Meera remained where she was.
"Diana... Lo..." he tried remembering Logan's name in his weak voice.
Diana rushed to his bedside, her eyes filled with concern. "Mr. Varane, how are you feeling?"
He managed a weak smile. "I am getting better, and I'll pull through."
Logan stood beside Diana, his gaze fixed on Mr. Varane.
"We're here for you, Mr. Varane. And Steffan won't get away with this."
Mr. Varane nodded with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, both for coming to my rescue."
Diana couldn't help but feel a sense of rapport with her friends. They had faced danger together, and their bond had grown stronger because of it.
As they spoke with Mr. Varane, Meera entered the room, her expression relieved. "Diana, how is he?" She gave a concerned look.
Diana told her about Mr. Varane's condition, and they all agreed to take turns visiting him and ensuring he had everything he needed.
Nonetheless, the night passed slowly, and as the early hours of the morning approached, Diana was unable to sleep.
She needed answers to identify the abilities within her, and she couldn't wait any longer to unravel the unknown surrounding her powers.
She left the room quietly, and made her way to the hospital's library, in search of information that could shed more light on her abilities.
Inside the library, she began to search for books on different subjects; from folklore to the supernatural books. She needed to discover the origin of her powers and very importantly how to control them.
After some hours, Diana's frustration grew as she found no solid answers. She was about to lose hope when a voice spoke from behind.
"Looking for something, Diana?" The voice sounded familiar to Diana.
Alarmed, she turned to see Luka standing close to her, his expression indistinct.
"What are you doing here?" Diana asked, surprised to see him.
"I could ask you the same question." Luka came closer, his gaze was focused on her.
She hesitated for a moment and said. "I need answers, Luka. Everything about my powers."
"Diana, You're not the only one with questions." Luka's gaze was still locked on her, with his crossed arms.
"What do you mean?" Diana furrowed her brow, curious to understand what Luka was trying to say.
Luka sighed, he said, "I've been keeping tabs on you ever since I sensed your abilities. There is something about you I noticed the first time I met you, something... unique."
"What are you trying to say?" Diana felt a mixture of emotions- surprise, curiosity, and a hint of fear.
Luka took a step closer, his voice low and serious.
"You are more than just an ordinary human, Diana. I think you have something to do with the supernatural world, just like me."
A flood of questions filled Diana's mind, which made her ask. "What do you mean, 'just like you'? What are you?" Her heart raced at his words.
"I'm a werewolf, Diana. And I believe your powers are linked to something ancient and powerful." Luka said to her, as he started to transform.
Luka's eyes turned yellow, and his gaze held an uncontainable power. He raised his right hand slowly, and as he did, his fingers transformed.
Dark hair sprouted from his skin, forming into a pattern similar to a wolf's paw, the changes affected his body.
Luka's voice now took on an exquisite quality, It echoed in the room. His limbs stretched out and deformed, taking on the powerful form of a wolf. For some moments, Luka had become a magnificent creature, a powerful werewolf, caught between the realms of human and beast.
Diana stood there in disbelief. A Werewolf, with supernatural powers, seems like something from a fantasy novel. Diana couldn't believe what she saw, she had just experienced Luka transform into a werewolf within a few minutes.
"You are real! If what you're saying is true, then what am I?" Diana asked, her voice trembling.
Luka, now back as a human, his expression softened, and he reached out to gently touch her hand.
"We shall figure it out together, Diana. But we need to be very careful because of forces out there that are ready to do anything to tackle your power."
Diana nodded, her determination renewed. There's a long journey ahead of her, filled with unseen danger and suspense.