32 : Into the Woods

Days LaterThe sun was high in the sky. The pine trees smelled better than any first candle I've ever tried out. I love being outside in nature more than the city I think.

I splashed water at Logan playfully, laughing as he shook his head. "You're going down!" he teased, his voice filled with warmth.

I chuckled mischievously. "What's the matter, can't handle a little water?" I teased, splashing again.

Logan swam closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You're in trouble now," he warned playfully, reaching out to pull me close. I squealed and tried to swim away, but he caught me easily, wrapping his arms around me as we floated together. "You're mine!" he declared triumphantly, holding me securely.

I blushed, feeling my heart skip a beat. "It really is beautiful here," I whispered, the warmth of his gaze melting my insides.

The water rippled around us as he held me close, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "I'm glad we're here together," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

"Me too," I whispered, leaning into his embrace. I knew I was exactly where I belonged. Logan's arms around me felt like a shield against the world, his presence grounding and comforting.

{I think I hear something.} Scream stirred inside me.

(What is it?)I asked internally, knowing Scream's ability to sense things beyond human perception.

Logan looked at me curiously, sensing the unspoken communication. "Everything alright?"

I nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, Scream's just being cautious."

Logan grinned, amused by the symbiotic bond I shared with Scream. "Always on guard, huh?"

A sudden pinch in my shoulder jolted me. I hissed in pain and reached back, my fingers closing around something small. "Logan," I whispered urgently, holding up the dart for him to see.

Logan's expression turned serious. "We need to get out of the water," he said firmly, his gaze scanning the surrounding woods.

{Elisa.} Scream's voice echoed urgently in my mind. {Something's wrong. I can't fight it.}

The effects of the tranquilizer dart began to take hold. My vision blurred, and dizziness washed over me like a tidal wave. I struggled to keep swimming, but my limbs felt heavy and unresponsive.

Logan noticed my distress and hurriedly supported me, his arms guiding me towards the safety of the shore. "Elisa, stay with me," he urged, his voice tinged with worry as he felt my weight leaning heavily against him.

I fought against the encroaching darkness, clinging to consciousness with every ounce of strength I had left. The world around me seemed to fade into a hazy blur, the sounds of the lake and Logan's voice distant echoes.

He pulled me gently onto the soft grass of the lakeside and knelt beside me, cradling my head in his lap. He checked my pulse and breathing, his hands trembling slightly. "Elisa, can you hear me?" he asked urgently, brushing hair away from my face.

I managed a weak nod, my eyelids heavy as I struggled to stay awake. "Logan," I managed to whisper, my voice barely audible.

"You're going to be okay," he reassured me, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't let anything happen to you."

As darkness finally claimed me, I felt Logan's presence beside me, his strong arms and steady heartbeat providing a last anchor of comfort before I slipped into unconsciousness.

•I woke up groggily, my head pounding. I was lying on a hard surface. Blinking against the brightness I saw Logan nearby, strapped to a chair like me, still unconscious.

I strained against the restraints, panic bubbling up as I realized our predicament. "Logan," I called out softly, hoping he'd wake up. He stirred slightly but remained unresponsive. "Scream."

{Elisa,} Scream's voice interrupted my thoughts, weaker than usual. {I'm here.}

I focused inward, trying to connect with Scream. "What happened?"

{I don't know,} Scream replied, its usual confidence replaced by uncertainty.

I struggled against the restraints again, my heart racing with fear and adrenaline. "Logan, wake up," I urged, my voice wavering with urgency. "Logan."

The sound of footsteps approached from the hallway, and I fell silent, straining to listen. A figure entered the room, wearing a stern expression. "Ah, you're awake," the figure said, their voice detached. "Good. We have much to discuss." Grabbed my chin hard. "Spitting image of your brother." He spat.

"Get your filthy hands off of her," Logan growled, his voice thick with anger despite his grogginess.

The figure holding my chin released me abruptly, turning to face Logan with a cold smirk. "Ah, the protector," they remarked, their tone mocking. "How touching."

(Scream. Get out and help us.) I tried to pull at the ropes.

{I'm trying,} Scream responded weakly. {But there's something blocking me.}

"My name is Dr. Reiss," he began, his tone dripping with arrogance. "And you, my dear, are of great interest to us." He gestured towards me, his eyes cold and calculating.

I tensed. "What do you mean?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

Dr. Reiss stepped closer, his expression twisting into a twisted grin. "You possess something," he continued cryptically. "Something that I want." I swallowed thickly. He grinned. "And I will get it even if I have to cut you open to find it."

He then turns around, lifts his hand, and a loud bang goes off. "NOOO!!" My throat burned as I screamed. Logan's head fell, a hole in his forehead dripping down his face. "Logan!"

Time seemed to slow as Logan's body slumped forward, blood seeping from the fatal wound in his forehead. My scream tore through the air, raw with agony and disbelief.

The Doctor put his gun back in his holster and turned back to me with a grin. "Next is your brother do you don't play well with us." He warned.

My voice choked with tears as I strained against the restraints, desperate to reach him, to hold him. I could barely hear the Doctors words over the roaring in my ears, the world spinning around me as grief and rage surged through my veins like a tidal wave. Logan's lifeless form lay before me, his presence now a cruel mockery of the warmth and strength he had always provided.

"Scream!" I cried out inwardly, my mind racing with panic and sorrow. (Help me!)

{Elisa,} Scream responded weakly, its voice trembling with a mixture of fear and anger. {I... I can't...}

"No!" I screamed aloud, my voice breaking

Dr. Reiss approached me again, his gaze sharp and merciless. "Now, let's talk about how we can make use of your... unique qualities," he said, his voice sending chills down my spine.

Just then, a voice cut through the tension in the room. "I'm afraid that won't be happening."

Dr. Reiss spun around in surprise, his eyes widening as he found himself face to face with Loki, the God of Mischief. Loki stood behind him, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips.

"Wha- what is this?!" Dr. Reiss stammered, his confidence faltering for the first time.

"Loki." I called to him, he glanced at me. Anger burned in his eyes as he looked back to the Doctor.

In a desperate attempt to regain control, Dr. Reiss lunged for his weapon, but before he could reach it, Loki had him pinned against the wall with a flick of his hand.

"Now, Doctor," Loki murmured, his eyes flashing with an otherworldly glow. "I believe it's time for you to leave." Magically the doctor erupted in a green light and vanished.

I stared at Loki in disbelief, my heart racing with a mix of emotions. "Loki..." I breathed, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

Loki turned towards me, his expression softening slightly. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle. I nodded slowly, still processing everything that had just happened as the restraints fell away.

I glanced back at the chair where Logan's lifeless body had fallen. To my astonishment, the chair was empty. "Logan?" I called out hesitantly, my voice trembling. I took a tentative step towards where he had been, my heart pounding with a mixture of hope and confusion.

"Elisa." Loki said softly.

"Logan?!"

"Elisa." He pulled me body to face him. Loki's gaze softened, his expression pained. "I wish there was an easier way to explain," he said softly.

{No way.} Scream gasped slightly.

(What?) I looked up at him, confusion etched on my face. "What is it?" Lokis hand found my cheek. "You were Logan?" I finally came to the same conclusion as Scream.

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