The Limits

Wilhemina ran her hands through her hair, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she tried desperately to figure out what to do. Leading an outpost was one thing, leading an outpost while hiding lycanthropy? It was a dangerous tightrope. Ms. Mead was there to prevent any sightings last night, but that could only go so far. Venable grabbed her cane, making her way through the outpost like a patrol. A hound checking the fences to protect the herd, that was her job. Protect the residents from the outside world.

You were in the library, reading up on the paranormal while cuddled up in a mass of pillows in the corner. A shadow hovered over you, prying your eyes from the literature to glance at the figure blocking the light. Wilhemina Venable stood awkwardly, staring at you. Her usual tough exterior was replaced with contemplation of action. "Hello, Ms. Venable." You greeted, breaking the woman from her trance. "Hello Ms. (L/N)." Venable's voice was dry as she spoke, eyes quickly focusing on you. "What brought you to the library?" You inquired, resting the book down. "Ms. Mead informed me you had came to check on me. I wanted to thank you for wanting to make sure I am okay." She adjusted her form, her usually stiff shoulders were quivering in anxiety. "Oh, it's no problem. I just wanted to make sure our leader was okay. I mean, you are the one enforcing rules and making sure we don't die." You explained, laughing a little. Venable seemed to melt at your words slightly, her firm gaze softening at the respect. "Breakfast will be ready in an hour, it's best we get moving." Venable managed to say, her tone getting slightly creepy.

Venable caught her tone after she spoke, straightening up. "See you then." She quickly left, hearing you trail after her. "Wait! Wait, Ms. Venable!" You called out, finally getting in front of her. "I wanted to thank you, for leading the outpost. I've only been here for a day and you're the bravest one here. When there was that growl at supper, you were the only one holding strong. How are you that brave?" You inquired, eyes wide with naivety and admiration.

Venable wanted control over the outpost, but she never signed up for such flattery. Her body grew warm, eyes wide. She expected you to act like the others, but here you were, flattering and seeking her guidance. "I had to be brave growing up." Venable spoke with power, your eyes glistening with admiration. Her body tingled with pride and happiness, a tail wanting to sprout and wag with a fury. "Let's get to breakfast." Venable quickly spoke up, walking once again with you beside her.

Coming into the dining room Venable took a seat, you sitting closest beside her. "I also wanted to tell you the genius of not allowing sexual relations within the outpost." You quickly spoke up, Venable half-expecting you to go on complaining about it. "With so few of us, inbreeding is very likely and can cause issues." You justified her ruling, Venable giving a small grin. "Oh, that was the plan. Cannot have that!" Venable confidently spoke, seeing the others file in. "You're here early." Coco mumbled, glancing to you. "We were just conversing about the rules." Your tone turned formal, Coco quickly rolling her eyes. "They're stupid." She hissed, insulting the rules Venable enforced.

Venable began to open her mouth to speak up, but you jumped to her defense. "I'm sorry, what? Last time I checked, these rules were put in place to keep us safe. Unless you think you're exempt from them like a spoiled brat thinking they can steal candy from the candy store." You hissed, Venable feeling awkward under her skin. "I think the no sex rule is stupid. Let loose a little." Coco sneered, sitting down. "Of course you'd think that, you must think that we have the tools available to prevent pregnancies during an apocalypse." You grumbled, rolling your eyes. "We should!" Coco leaned over the table a little, not liking that you were challenging her. "And what about the risk of inbreeding?" You challenged, getting a cocky grin. "That's enough, you two." Venable grumbled, taking a bite of her cube. "It's unlikely to happen." Coco sneered, leaning back. "Oh, you must be inbred yourself." You teased, Coco quickly getting up. "Oh you-" "I said enough!" Venable roared, slamming her hands down. Her claws dug into the table, eyes a burning gold. "You will all sit down and eat!" Venable snarled, everyone trembling in slight fear. There was no talking, only eating as everyone obeyed. "Coco, don't ever question my rules. As (Y/N) said, they're in place to protect you." Venable's harsh voice was replaced with mockery. Coco nodded in slight fear. Venable was finished, leaving everyone to continue eating.

"She was terrifying." Gallant hissed quietly. "Did you see how her nails changed? Check the table." Coco whispered. You glanced over, seeing clear claw marks in the wood. "How her eyes turned gold, I swore she was going to bite my face off." Stu added, everyone looking to you for an answer. You shuddered in fear, no amount of fire was going to shake the chill that hung in the air.

"There's marks in the table."

"She clawed the table