Forty-Five

Ash jolted up gasping for air. She groaned in pain and watched disgusted yet mesmerized as the gash in her stomach healed itself.

“Ash?”

She looked up and saw a large wolf standing upright staring at her with familiar eyes. “Char-“ her words were interrupted as a wave of nausea came over her and she scooted to the head of the slab to retch.

Charlie watched wide-eyed and unsure if he should touch her while the hole in her back was sealing itself until there was nothing there. She sat back up coughing as he supported her back as she struggled to catch her breath. She stared up at him in wonder while he avoided her gaze. She reached out to stroke his face.

“You leveled up.” She said impressed.

He wrapped her in a hug and she returned the embrace taking in the warmth radiating off of him. After a few short seconds she pulled away opening her hand to find the gold pocket watch in her palm.

“What’s that?” Charlie asked.

“My weapon.” Ash said.