Ashton and Anna walked through the dimly lit corridors of Kernel Tower, their footsteps echoing in the silence. Tarek's room was just ahead, and Anna couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.
"Do you think he'll agree to your proposal?" She asked.
"It'll be a lot easier for both of us if he did," Ashton shrugged. "If he doesn't, then... we'll think about it later."
They reached Tarek's door, and Ashton hesitated momentarily before knocking. The door swung open, revealing Tarek sitting on his bed, his eyes filled with weariness and determination.
"Tarek," Ashton greeted, his voice filled with concern and resolve. "How are you doing these days?"
Tarek nodded, gesturing for them to come in. Ashton and Anna entered the room, taking a seat opposite Tarek. The air was tense as they prepared to discuss the delicate matter. But Tarek tried his best not to show his wariness to his saviours.
"Been worse before," Tarek smiled, closing the book he had been reading. "I suppose you want to talk about something?"
Ashton took a deep breath, his gaze locked with Tarek's. "I know you think you've told us everything that you could, but as I said before, it could be false information-"
Tarek's eyes hardened, his voice laced with frustration. "I've already told you, Ashton. I'm not lying. I'm no longer part of the Cult, and I would never betray you."
"First thing, don't cut me off," Ashton closed his eyes, his fist clenched tightly to restrain his frustration. "Secondly, since I've witnessed what the Cult is capable of, I won't believe a word you say till I know for sure."
Ashton studied Tarek's expression, searching for any signs of deception. He knew Tarek well from the little time they had spent together, and something in his gut told him that there was more to the story. But he also knew that accusations without proof would lead them nowhere.
"I want to believe you, Tarek," Ashton admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "But doubts still linger. And I can't afford to take any risks, not with the safety of the people I care for."
Tarek's eyes widened in realisation, understanding the gravity of Ashton's concerns. "So, what are you suggesting, Ashton?"
Ashton leaned forward, his voice filled with determination and empathy. "I have a proposition for you, Tarek, and I want you to consider becoming a werewolf."
Tarek's lips curled into a mischievous smile as Ashton proposed the idea of him becoming a werewolf. He couldn't help but chuckle, thinking it was some sort of prank or jest.
"A werewolf? What does that have to do with anything?" Tarek's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Besides, who in their right mind would agree to something like that? I mean, the whole hairy, smelly, full moon thing? Sounds rather primitive, don't you think?"
Ashton exchanged a knowing look with Anna, a smirk on his lips.
"Well, Tarek, funny you should mention that," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Because Anna and I happen to be werewolves ourselves. Do we look primitive to you?"
Tarek's laughter abruptly ceased, and his eyes widened in disbelief. He searched their faces, looking for any sign of deception. But the unwavering expressions on Ashton and Anna's faces left him speechless.
"You're... you're joking, right?" Tarek stammered, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"No, Tarek. We're not joking." Ashton shook his head. "But good to know how you view us."
Tarek's gaze flickered between them, surprise, realisation, and a tinge of regret following his sight. His teasing words had unintentionally struck a nerve, and he now understood the weight of his jest.
"I... I didn't mean to offend," Tarek murmured, his voice tinged with remorse. "I was just... I didn't know."
"And to answer your first question," Anna mumbled while looking at Ashton. "Wanna do the honours?"
Ashton took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. "Becoming a werewolf will give me complete authority over you, Tarek.
If the Cult has manipulated your mind, being turned into a werewolf will break their control. I'll be able to see the truth, to know if you've been honest with us."
Tarek's face contorted with uncertainty and contemplation. He looked down for a moment, his thoughts racing. The weight of the decision hung heavily in the air, and Ashton could sense Tarek's internal struggle.
Finally, Tarek lifted his gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "Alright, Ashton. I'll do it. If becoming a werewolf is the only way to prove my innocence, I'm willing to take that risk."
Ashton nodded a mixture of relief and concern washing over him. He knew the gravity of Tarek's decision and the potential consequences. But he also understood that they needed to uncover the truth, whatever it may be.
"Thank you, Tarek," Ashton said, his voice filled with gratitude and determination. "I promise we'll get to the bottom of this and find the truth together."
Anna placed a reassuring hand on Tarek's shoulder, her voice filled with support. "You're not alone, Tarek. We're here for you every step of the way."
Tarek looked between Ashton and Anna, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. At that moment, he knew that he had made the right decision. Together, they would uncover the truth, expose the Cult's manipulation, and free Tarek from suspicion.
"Well, that wraps up everything," Ashton stood up, his voice steady and resolute. "I will contact you about when and how we'll do it later. For now, take a break and do as you please."
"Got it." Tarek nodded, a smile forming on his lips.
With the problem being resolved, Ashton and Anna left the room. Ashton headed for training with Flintmace and Vulcan as usual, while Anna made her way to managing the Ghosts in his absence.
[You're a sick bastard, you know that?]
'Of course, I do.' Ashton smiled.
[Don't you feel bad about using <Incite> to manipulate the poor guy into agreeing with you?]
'Desperate times call for desperate measures. I knew Anna would have fought me tooth and nail if Tarek declined my request, and I didn't want that, so I did what I deemed fit.'
[You're becoming more and more like me~]
'You wish.'