Chapter 68: The Beast Within

Their frantic footsteps echoed on the pavement, as they approached Mariana’s apartment. They were almost there. The familiar silhouette of her apartment building loomed ahead. "Mariana, what are you doing?" she barked at herself, the words ragged with exertion and indecision. "Bringing a wounded wild animal into your apartment? Brilliant plan!" Tiago stumbled slightly beside her, a low groan escaping his lips. He leaned heavily against her, his weight a stark reminder of his vulnerability. "Maybe it's the full moon," she mused aloud, her voice laced with a desperate hope. "Maybe the injuries are… self-inflicted? Werewolf stuff?" The thought offered a sliver of comfort, a justification for his bloodied state. But the memory of his haunted eyes earlier shattered the hopeful notion. Reaching the doorway, Mariana fumbled with her keys, her hands slick with sweat. Logic screamed at her to turn him away, to let him deal with whatever mess he'd gotten himself into. But the al