Chapter Text
It had been just over a week since Enid had seen Wednesday. Nobody in the school knew where she was. It was almost as if she had disappeared after Parents’ Day. Enid felt it was her fault, but no matter what she said, she could not convince the others that Wednesday had left her.
Especially Yoko. For a reason she had yet to explain, the vampire was Wednesday’s most persistent defender. It was her opinion that something was amiss. Of course, Enid did not believe her and spent most of her time when not in class wallowing in self-pity; she had lost both her potential mate and best friend at the same time and blamed herself causing her to try to figure out what she had done.
So, when Yoko came to get her from her room and dragged her into the trees outside Nevermore in the pouring rain, she was a somewhat reluctant tagalong, but upon reaching the clearing that brought back too many memories, most not good; this feeling changed from confusion and reluctance to horror and fear.
In the centre of the clearing stood someone she did not wish to see, which was not her focus for the moment as at the woman’s feet was a bloody and beaten Wednesday Addams soaking wet and kneeling in the mud. She wore the same clothing she had been the day she disappeared. However, it was now torn and covered with what appeared to be dry blood, her once pristine black and white jumper now hanging off her frame, her leggings torn and cut skin showing in the gaps not covered by mud, her hair was ragged, but she still had her braids.
“Wednesday”, Enid whispered, and the black wolf tried to look up at her.
“That is not your name”, came the voice Enid knew well, drawing back memories she beat back, followed by the metallic sound of someone yanking a chain; Wednesday fell back as the chain went taunt, her hands going to her neck as she gave a pained hiss which only intensified when her fingers glanced across the collar making it clear it was not steel but silver.
This woman had belittled Enid her entire life, but now she held her soulmate in chains, which could not stand. She had to fight to keep her control, her wolf howling under her skin, and she wanted to be free, to dig her teeth into her soulmate’s captor.
Ends claws came out, and Yoko's hand on her arm was the only thing stopping her from diving at her mother. Instead, she looked at Wednesday, who was now crying as the silver burned into her neck; neither had ever seen Wednesday display emotion. To see her outright cry caused them both to gasp; Enid glanced back to her mother as she let out a chuckle and spoke.
“What is your name?” she asked the black wolf on the floor, not even sparing her a glance, her focus on her daughter.
“Wedn…” she did not get a chance to finish. A kick hit her in her side; the chain pulled again as she fell onto her back; this time, she let out a pained howl that made Enid growl.
Her mother eyed her, and Enid nearly recoiled at the glare, but she held her ground; she had to show strength; her mate needed her.
“I asked your name, pup”. Wednesday spoke through her pain, but it was not clear. “Louder pup, let the girls hear you”, she smiled wickedly. “Let Enid hear you.”
“M-mongrel”
“Good girl”, Esther smiled. “You see, Enid, you created this creature, but every new pup needs to know her place; I will admit she was harder to break than most, but in the end, she is still a puppy”, she glanced at Yoko. “You proved useful in bringing Enid here. Now leave” Yoko did not move; Esther just scoffed.
Enid's heart raced as she listened to Esther's words, her mind trying to process the twisted reality unfolding before her. The rain poured relentlessly, mixing with her tears as she watched Wednesday, her once fierce and independent friend, reduced to a broken and battered figure on the ground. Anguish and guilt flooded Enid's chest, mingling with newfound anger towards her mother, but mostly herself; she should have kept a closer eye on Wednesday; she was a puppy, new to the ways of a wolf, however independent Wednesday once was her newfound nature made her vulnerable and her mother had exploited that.
"You're sick," Enid spat, her voice trembling with fear and defiance. "What did you do to her? Why would you hurt her like this?"
Esther's cold laughter filled the air as she stepped closer, her eyes glinting with a malevolence that sent shivers down Enid's spine. "I'm merely teaching her a lesson, my dear. Just as I teach you the consequences of meddling, you should never have bitten her; you did this to her, not me."
Enid tried to speak, but her mother continued. “We have been pure for decades, and I will not let you taint that with a pup created by a wilful little girl who needs to learn her place, I thought for once in your life you wouldn’t be a disappointment, Enid, but I was wrong. Again.” she yanked the chain, and Wednesday screamed as Esther held it at an angle, causing the silver to dig into her neck.
Enid's heart sank as Esther's cruel words sunk in, and Wednesday’s screams echoed through the clearing. The realisation hit her like a wave of icy dread. Esther didn't want to control Wednesday; she aimed to break her spirit entirely, reducing her to nothing more than a tamed animal. Enid's anger toward her mother intensified, fuelling her determination to save Wednesday from this nightmare.
With a malevolent smile, Esther observed Enid's distress with sadistic satisfaction. She revelled in the pain she inflicted upon Wednesday, knowing that Enid, now they were close, could feel every ounce of it.
Enid clenched her fists, her voice trembling with anger and anguish. "Stop torturing her, Mom!”
Esther's laughter filled the air, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Enid's spine. "Torturing her? Oh, my dear Enid, you have no idea what true torment is. This is just the beginning."
Enid's eyes locked onto Wednesday, who cowered on the ground, whimpering in pain and fear. Enid felt her mate's agony as if it were her own, her chest tightening with a suffocating ache. She stepped forward, desperate to protect Wednesday, to alleviate her suffering.
Enid's voice trembled with a mixture of anger and desperation. "Please, Mom. I'll do anything you want. Just stop hurting her. She's already suffered enough."
Esther tilted her head, a sinister smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Enid, how foolish you sound. Begging for mercy, for the life of a mongrel like her. Do you think your words hold any weight? You think I would spare her just because you asked?"
Enid's fists clenched tighter, her gaze never wavering from Wednesday's broken form. "I may be a fool, but I won't stand by and let you break her. I won't let you turn her into a shell of herself. She's stronger than you think."
Esther's eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and disdain. "Strong? Perhaps once, before you. But this pathetic creature? She's nothing compared to me, and she never will be. But you, Enid, have the potential for greatness. The potential to be a true alpha. That's why I won't let her contaminate our bloodline. I won't let her tarnish your legacy."
Enid's voice hardened, her determination resolute. "Our bloodline means nothing if it's built on the suffering of others. I won't sacrifice Wednesday for some twisted notion of power. I won't become like you, Esther."
Esther's smile vanished, replaced by a look of pure rage. "Spoken like an Alpha, but you dare defy me? You dare question my authority?" With a swift motion, she grabbed Enid's wrist, squeezing it tightly. "Remember your place, Enid. Remember who holds power here."
Enid winced in pain, but her gaze remained unyielding. "You may hold physical power but never break my spirit. And as long as I have breath, I will fight for Wednesday, no matter the cost."
That seemed to be what her mother wanted to hear as Esther pressed the chain into Enid’s hand and released her wrist, a sinister glimmer in her eyes. "We shall see, Enid. We shall see just how far your loyalty extends. Keep that chain close, my dear. It's a reminder of your weakness and the futility of your resistance to our nature."
With one last piercing stare, Esther turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Enid standing in the clearing holding a chain connected to her soulmate, her heart heavy with determination and a flicker of hope.
Enid knelt beside her mate, gently cradling her broken form. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered words of comfort and love, promising never to let go or fail her again, but Wednesday wrapped her arms around Enid’s waist and held her tight as if her life depended on it.
As Enid held Wednesday, a familiar voice broke through the tension-filled air. "Enid, we should get her back to Ophelia Hall. She needs dry clothes and some comfort," Yoko suggested gently, stepping closer to the pair.
Enid glanced up at Yoko, having forgotten she was even there, her eyes filled with gratitude for the vampire's empathy. Nodding silently, she carefully helped Wednesday to her feet, her mate's trembling form leaning on her for support. Every step seemed a struggle for Wednesday, her movements slow and unsteady.
Yoko positioned herself on the other side of Wednesday, providing additional support. Together, the three of them made their way through the rain-soaked forest. The journey back to Ophelia Hall felt longer than ever, the weight of the situation pressing down on Enid's shoulders. She could feel Wednesday's pain radiating through their bond, intensifying her own distress; she was just glad it was late, and nobody was in the corridors.
Upon reaching their dorm room, Enid and Yoko helped Wednesday inside, guiding her to her bed. Once she was sure her mate was comfortable, Enid rushed to gather dry clothes from her drawers, her hands trembling with worry and urgency.
As Enid held out fresh clothes for Wednesday, her mate's eyes flickered with gratitude and fear. Enid could sense the hesitation in Wednesday, the remnants of the trauma inflicted upon her. She approached with caution, her touch gentle and reassuring.
"Wednesday, we're here to help you," Enid whispered, her voice filled with love. "You're safe now. I won't let anyone hurt you anymore." She unclipped the chain from the collar and noticed it had a locked latch that required a key, but at least the chain was gone.
Wednesday's eyes met Enid's, searching for any sign of deceit or betrayal. Slowly, she allowed Enid to guide her into changing out of the torn and bloodstained clothing. It was a small step towards reclaiming her identity and finding solace amidst the chaos.
Enid and Yoko worked in unison to make her comfortable; with a slight smile, Enid offered Wednesday one of her jumpers, knowing the black wolf could use the scent for comfort; she was proven right when Wednesday held it close to her chest after which they wrapped her in a warm blanket, shielding her from the lingering coldness that had seeped into her bones.
Once Wednesday was settled, Enid sat by her side, holding her hand tightly. Yoko stood nearby, her presence a source of silent support. Enid's voice broke through in the quietness of the room, a gentle melody of reassurance. "We're here for you, Wednesday."
Though still visibly shaken, Wednesday managed a slight nod, a glimmer of trust returning to her eyes. As Wednesday's eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion, Enid and Yoko exchanged a knowing glance. They understood the importance of allowing her to rest and regain strength before discussing their plan. They decided to wait until Wednesday fell asleep before delving into their next course of action.
Once Wednesday's breathing deepened and her body relaxed, Enid gently withdrew her hand and motioned for Yoko to join her near the window. They spoke in hushed tones, mindful of not disturbing Wednesday's slumber.
"We need to find a way to remove that silver collar," Enid whispered; she stared out the window, raindrops tracing intricate patterns on the glass. Yoko stood by her side, their reflections blending with the darkening sky. Silence fell over the pair; the only sounds in the room were Wednesday’s soft breathing and rain pattering against the window.
Yoko's voice broke the silence, gentle yet persuasive. "Bianca. I've seen a different side of her when it comes to Wednesday; she’ll help if we ask,” she smirked and looked at Enid. “Anything to get her fencing partner back”.
Enid's lips curved into a reluctant smile. Yoko's playful remark brought a brief moment of levity, "You might be right," Enid replied; unlike her and Yoko, she could touch silver and would likely know some way to remove it since they did not possess the key.