Raven - Wenclair (JEMMA)

Control

Enid still wrapped tightly around me, her glowing eyes locked on Yoko like she was some kind of threat. As much as I hated to admit it, Yoko had a point.

"Fine," I said reluctantly, "but don’t come crying to me when she shreds your arm."

Yoko rolled her eyes. "Noted." Taking a slow step forward, she raised her hands in a gesture of peace. "Hey, Enid, it’s me. Yoko. Your friend. Remember?"

Enid growled, her claws extending slightly, but she didn’t make a move to strike. Instead, her grip around me tightened even more.

"Okay," Yoko muttered, her voice slightly higher-pitched than usual. "Progress, I guess?"

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Divina’s voice called out, "Everything alright in there?"

Yoko spun around quickly, her eyes wide. "Divina, don’t—just stay right there!"

Divina stepped into the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. "Oh my god," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she saw Enid’s glowing eyes and extended claws. "What’s going on with her?"

"Werewolf instincts," Yoko muttered through clenched teeth, keeping her focus on Enid. "First transformation, territorial... you know, the usual."

Divina froze in place, clearly unsure of what to do. "Should I... go get something? Like, I don’t know, a steak?"

"Not helping, Divina," Yoko said sharply, though she couldn’t help but smirk faintly despite the situation.

Yoko took another small step forward, her voice softening. "Enid, it’s okay. It’s just us. We’re your friends. No one here is going to hurt you or Raven."

Enid’s growl softened just a fraction, her claws twitching as if she were considering relaxing. It was a small victory, but at least it was something.

Yoko let out a nervous laugh, wiping at the beads of sweat forming on her brow.  "I don’t think I’ve ever sweated this much in my life. And that includes running laps for gym class."

From the doorway, Divina offered a reassuring smile. "You’re doing great, Yoko," she said softly. "When this is over, I’ll buy you all the blood you can drink. Top shelf, even."

"Appreciate it," Yoko whispered back without breaking her focus on Enid.

Enid's glowing blue eyes narrowed slightly, watching Yoko’s every move. Her growl had softened, but the tension in her body was still palpable.

Yoko decided to push forward with a different approach. Her voice became even softer, almost soothing, as she spoke directly to Enid. "Hey, wolfie, listen to me. Raven is yours, okay? No one is going to take her away from you. Not me, not Divina, not anyone."

Enid’s growl faltered, her claws retracting slightly. She blinked, her glowing eyes dimming just a little, and her grip on Raven loosened.

"See?" Yoko said, daring to take another small step forward. "We’re all good here. No one’s a threat. I’m just—" She cautiously reached out a hand toward me. "—gonna borrow Raven for a second, okay?"

The moment her hand inched closer, Enid’s eyes glowed brighter, and she snarled sharply, her fangs visible now.

Yoko immediately threw her hands up again, taking a quick step back. "Oh, for the love of—Enid!" she exclaimed, exasperated. "I’m trying to help you! You’ve got to get a grip!"

Divina snorted softly. "Maybe you should bring her a chew toy next time, Yoko."

"Not helping!" Yoko shot back, though there was a faint grin tugging at the corner of her mouth despite the tension.