*** WARNING : Blood and Injury ***

Bella

When we get back to Ian’s house, I open the door and shove Troy through in front of me. Sarah rushes to Troy's side, "Where have you been?" she demands, checking him over.

"Being an idiot," I snap, propelling him inside and following after.

Sarah takes me in and her eyes widen, she looks at Troy, "You shot her?" her voice becomes shrill.

Troy looks away, "I was trying to hit the Monster. She wasn't doing anything, just, just... petting it." He spits the last words, "Then she jumped in the way!"

All eyes flick to me, "Is that true?" Marcus asks.

I roll my eyes and sit at the table, "Partially," I reply as I turn to inspect my wound, "I wasn't going to just kill it.” I explain, “I was trying to calm it so I could figure out what was wrong. It appears to be sick." When I prod the puncture, it oozes blood, soaking into my clothes.

Ian approaches with bandages and a basin of water. "Do you need me to pull it out?" he asks.

I grip the arrow for a moment then release it, "Yeah, I don't know that I can get it."

He braces a hand on my shoulder then removes the arrow without warning.

I scream, struggling to contain my magic.

Ian grabs a towel and presses it to the wound, "It might need some stitches." A frown creases his features as he looks at the arrowhead, "The point’s gone." He says.

"Fuck." Looking up at the ceiling, I take a deep breath, "Can you get it out?"

Sarah crouches in front of me, “I should be able to,”

I nod, "I need you to hurry. Fae heal rapidly; if the wound closes around the point it'll get infected."

"But if I-" she starts.

I shake my head, "Speed over precision. The point has to come out. If you have to cut to get it do so, I’ll recover." I meet her gaze, "Please."

She swallows, "Okay." Wincing as she uncovers the wound, Sarah presses her fingers into the wound, causing it to bleed more.

I grit my teeth. Thankfully, it doesn't take long for her to find the arrowhead. She pulls the tip from the wound with a triumphant cry.

I smile and probe the wound with magic, none of the stone remains. I look up at the ceiling, "Can you bandage it now?"

"Take off your shirt," she instructs.

I lean forward and with some help manage to get the shirt off. I lean heavily against the chair as Sarah bandages me up.

Once the wound is bound I smile at Sarah, “Thank you.”

"Are you going to be able to help it?" Ian asks, concern twisting his face.

I look up at the big man, "I think I can. I'd just found what was wrong when Troy so helpfully intervened."

"Are you sure it's worth helping? Why not just put it down?" Troy asks, sounding annoyed.

I give the boy a long look, "Would you want to die because of something outside your control?"

He opens his mouth then looks away, "This is a beast, it's not the same,"

"It's not a beast, he’s a Fae Hound." A wave of dizziness washes over me, "I need to sleep." I struggle to my feet.

Without another word, Sarah and Carrie help me to a nearby room.