As howls fade and glasses clink no more, the beasts that patron Grimtooth Bar and Bunker empty into the moonlit night, leaving Selene to share her intimate secrets with Brick beneath the ancient Moonwood trees. Her sponge mopping away not just spills from the night, but also the weight of her past since that ominous night.
Selene: So there I was. I had about 17 hours left before this illness either ran its course or took full effect, and a journal entry with a supposed werebies cure. I had my poor papa running around Moonwood Mill searching high and low for the ingredients listed in the entry while I experimented on the stove. So when the time—
Random Werewolf: Hey... Are you Monty's son? Brick Darling?
Brick: [Balls his fist] Who's askin'?
Random: Hey don't bite the messenger. I was just sent to let you know you're supposed to report to the Moonwood Mill pack leader.
Brick: I'm in the middle of a conversation with this nice, pretty, smart, young lady and you're all up in my shit, my guy.
Random: I don't want any trouble, just following orders.
Brick: Why don't you let him know he can report to the Ligma pack leader.
Random: Look, whatever dude. [Scurries off]
Selene: Got em'.
Brick: Damn right. [Fist bumps]
Selene: But... Montgomery isn't who you think he is. I don't want to pry in familial business or anything, Brick... but maybe just hear him out. He's fiercely devoted to the pack. I have a lot of respect for him and the whole Collective. In fact, they're a huge part of the reason I have this bar.
Brick: …That so?
Selene: Yes. You see, when I discovered the cure, I aimed to establish a sanctuary, providing an escape for those seeking refuge from our shared fate. The Moonwood Collective and the Wildfangs, despite their differences, united to aid in the creation of this haven. It not only serves as a place for werewolves to gather freely, transcending pack biases, but also offers the werebies cure and houses an operational bunker, extending a lifeline to those enduring the same plight as Lou and I did during that dreadful ordeal.
Brick: Damn you sound like a book, that's so hot haha. But seriously that’s really cool, Selene. You know, I'm a builder, if you're ever needin' help with anything.
Selene: I'll keep that in mind! Feel free to take a look around. I'm especially proud of the bar. It's the heart of the place.
Brick: I mean, solid work. Especially for a beginner.
Selene: Hey, thanks!
As Selene gets back to scrubbing the bar, Brick's gaze drifts over to her shoulders, noticing the severe scars marred across her back.
Selene: ...They're horrifying, aren't they?
Brick: What? No. They're tough. You survived that shit, baby girl. And that ain't easy. You're tough.
Selene: Well sometimes... it feels like after Greg, and then Lou, I...[shrugs] I don't know.
Brick: …You need one of us who's gentler with you?
Selene: Brick... I wanted to be sure of something. I'm not... your fated mate or anything am I?
Brick: I... don't know how to answer that question. Last time I tried I pissed someone off.
Selene: It's not a trick question. Just tell me.
Brick: No. You're not.
Brick: [Whispers] You're gonna have to explain this to me later, because I'm really confused...
Selene: That's fine, it's cute when you're confused. And I think I've done enough talking...
Brick: Now you're talkin' my language...
