The staircase seemed to stretch endlessly downward, disappearing into the darkness.
The light was scarcer as Celeste and Jeremy went deeper into the basement. But they were werewolves. With their convenient night vision, they were able to navigate the dimly lit surroundings.
Celeste's eyes adjusted to the change of environment very soon. Shadows danced around her, and the silence was deafening.
Yet, it wasn't the eerie atmosphere that made her skin crawl. As they descended further into the depths of the basement, the stench of decay grew stronger, assaulting her senses with an almost tangible force. The smell was so repugnant that it almost made her gag. She had to fight the urge to cover her nose and mouth.
But amidst the putrid odor, what set her even more unnerved was a faint yet unmistakable hint of the scar-faced rogue. It was a strange mixture of blood, sweat, and fear. It was a disturbing realization. Despite her best efforts, her heart rate quickened, and her palms grew clammy.
Each step she took seemed to increase the tension within her, and her inner wolf matched her unease. The beast within clawed at her chest, and Celeste felt a sharp pain in the wound. But she should feel the pain. She was healed, wasn't she?
She knew the pain was all her imagination. But it felt so real. Every time she drew a breath, the air went to her lungs and turned into needles falling on the wound, a reminder of the danger that lurked in the shadows.
Jeremy turned to look at her as if he had sensed her change. His face was only slightly illuminated by a beam of light from above, but the concern etched on his features was clear as day.
Celeste pursed her lips and forced a smile at the man. When he was still staring at her, Celeste shook her head to signal to him that she was fine. But deep down, she was a little surprised that Jeremy could even sense her inner turmoil. She couldn't help but feel grateful that he was here by her side.
Jeremy turned back around finally.
Celeste stared at his broad back, grateful for the reassuring presence he provided. Her wolf seemed to calm down a bit, and the pain in her wound subsided slightly, allowing her to breathe easier.
Finally, they reached the bottom of the staircase.
The basement was pitch black, with no lights on, and the walls were close and oppressive.
Jeremy and Celeste were alert, their eyes scanning the area, but they didn't find any lurking threats.
Although the space wasn't large, it was filled with an overpowering, disgusting stench. While the wolf's sense of smell was highly sensitive, it was now causing them pain. As the noxious odor invaded Celeste's nostrils, she was surprised that she hadn't gagged.
The source of the smell was emanating from a wall in the distance. Celeste gazed up at the area, where she saw something lying on the ground. But it was too dark for her eyes to make out any specific details. She only knew there was a vague outline. She focused on all her senses, but couldn't feel any signs of life or hear any sound there.
Feeling uncertain, Celeste turned to look at Jeremy. Despite the darkness, she could sense his attention on her and saw his gaze shift from the other side of the wall to her face.
Their eyes locked for a few moments, and then Celeste nodded her head slowly. Jeremy seemed to understand her unspoken message, and he walked over to the light switch, flicking it on.
Although werewolves possessed extraordinary night vision, it was still not enough for them to discern fine details in the dark.
Celeste narrowed her eyes as the sudden light flooded the room. After a moment of adjustment, she could see the basement clearer.
Taking a deep breath, Celeste turned her gaze towards the outline across the wall.
Despite mentally preparing herself for the scene, when her eyes landed on the figure on the floor, she couldn't help with a jolt of shock. She felt her stomach churn at the sight, but it was not unexpected. She steeled herself to not look away from him.
Scarface lay motionless in the corner, covered in a thick layer of filth and dried blood. His once imposing figure was reduced to a pitiful heap of fur and flesh. Celeste held her breath and silently watched the wolf from a distance.
She strained her eyes, looking for any signs of life. The wolf's chest remained still, with no indication of breathing. She listened intently, but the only sound was the beating of her own heart. It was a surreal sight. The wolf who almost killed her was now lying lifeless before her.
Her gaze shifted from the wolf to the silver chain lying on the ground.
Her eyes narrowed as she examined the intricate links and the dim light reflecting off the silver surface. She knew that silver was the bane of werewolves, as it had the power to weaken and restrain them.
Turning her attention to Jeremy, she noticed the same look of bewilderment on his face. They both knew that the silver chains were not just ordinary chains.
As Celeste took a step forward to get a closer look, her heart sank. The chains were stained with blood, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. She remembered the stories about silver chains used to restrain werewolves. But growing up in a peaceful town, she always thought such things were restricted to stories.
The blood stains on the silver chains suggested a violent struggle. The glint of the chains in the dim light was like a warning, like a sharp knife's deadly reflection in her eyes. The blood stains on them were a malicious threat from the sharpest blade. She shuddered at the thought of what could have happened.
As Jeremy approached the chains and the wolf lying motionless on the ground, Celeste felt a sudden urge to stop him. But before she could do so, Jeremy had already knelt to touch the wolf's neck. She held her breath, watching intently as he examined the lifeless body.
"He's dead," Jeremy said softly, his voice filled with something complicated.
Celeste was not surprised at the confirmation.
"Those bastards took away my chance for revenge," Jeremy growled. But when his gaze fell on the blood and wounds on the wolf's body, he sighed.
Scarface was now gone forever.
Celeste felt a mix of emotions.
Just as she was about to speak, her phone rang.