Professor Marcus proceeded to explain in detail, introducing Liz to Gabriel and providing information about his role in the community.
However, Liz's mind was filled with a mix of confusion and unease, finding it challenging to fully grasp the situation unfolding before her.
The presence of Gabriel, with his eerie smile and intimidating aura, added an unexpected layer of complexity to her experience in Wolfdale.
"Oh, shit!" Liz muttered under her breath, not realizing that the expletive had slipped out of her mouth, not just in her thoughts.
"Liz!" Professor Marcus admonished in disbelief.
Gabriel furrowed his brow in anger.
"Oh!" Liz exclaimed, wide-eyed. "Oh! I mean, darn! I'm not in a presentable state to meet someone as important as him!" She quickly tried to tidy her wavy brown hair, which was disheveled from the wind.
She was only wearing a regular hoodie with her face still showing the bandages from the wolf pack attack two days ago.
Liz wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans and extended her hand towards Gabriel.
"Hello, hi, I'm Liz, a senior transfer student at Wolfdale Academy. I'm interested in Professor Marcus' research on molecular biology, particularly about curing diseases that medical science hasn't been able to heal yet.
Somehow, the patients treated here have reportedly shown improvements," she explained, trying to regain her composure after the awkward start.
Gabriel looked at her with a calculating gaze, his expression inscrutable. Liz felt a mix of nervousness and curiosity as she awaited his response.
Liz's hand, which was awkwardly suspended in the air, felt uncomfortable. She slowly pulled it back, but just then, Gabriel took her hand and pulled her so close that Liz stumbled, almost crashing into him.
Their faces were mere inches apart, and Liz could feel the warm breath from Gabriel's lips on her skin.
Being in such close proximity to Gabriel made Liz's whole body tremble.
Unconsciously, she let out a faint moan, trying to suppress the sudden surge of pain that arose from her body's chemical reaction to Gabriel's touch.
"Your wounds should have healed completely, Liz. Why are you still wearing bandages on your face and hands?" Gabriel whispered directly into her ear, sending shivers down Liz's spine.
Liz was at a loss for words, feeling both intimidated and strangely drawn to him. She tried to compose herself and muster a response, "W-what do you mean?"
Gabriel leaned in even closer, and his lips were so close to Liz's ear that she could feel his words like a caress. "I mean, I can sense your every injury, every pain. There's no need to hide anything from me."
Liz's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to understand the implications of Gabriel's words. It was as if he had some mysterious power over her, one that unnerved her and yet intrigued her at the same time.
As she gazed into his piercing eyes, Liz felt a strange mix of fear and fascination. There was an undeniable aura of authority and dominance emanating from him, and she couldn't help but be drawn to it despite her better judgment.
Just then, Professor Marcus interrupted, "Oh, be careful! If you're still feeling a little dizzy, Liz, it's better to rest at home first. You almost collided with Gabriel!" Professor Marcus gently pulled Liz away from Gabriel's proximity, showing concern for her well-being.
Liz wanted to defend herself, explaining that she wasn't stumbling; it was Gabriel who had pulled her close, and she struggled to avoid colliding with him.
But before she could say anything, Gabriel stood up from his seat and excused himself, "Thank you, Prof, for the coffee. I have another meeting after this." He bid farewell and then turned to look at Liz. "Good luck with your research, Liz."
Gabriel smiled, and his lips lifted slightly, revealing his prominent canniness. He walked past them and left without saying anything more.
Liz watched him leave, feeling a mixture of relief and curiosity. There was something enigmatic about Gabriel that both intrigued and unnerved her.
She couldn't shake the feeling that there was much more to him than met the eye.
Professor Marcus placed a comforting hand on Liz's shoulder, "Are you alright, Liz?"
Liz nodded, trying to shake off her uneasy feelings. "Yes, I'm fine, Prof. It's just that... Gabriel's presence is quite intense."
Professor Marcus chuckled, "Ah, he may seem imposing, but he's a good person. Just give him some time, and you'll see. Now, let's get back to our research discussion."
"Oh, alright," Liz complied, her curiosity still lingering. She tried to put Gabriel's enigmatic presence aside for now and refocus on the reason she was there—to discuss their research.
***
Wolfdale Academy Hospital
Liz stood before the massive sign at the front of the hospital, its imposing presence anchored firmly into the ground.
She parked her bicycle and carefully entered the bustling parking lot, her eyes taking in the busy atmosphere of the hospital on this particularly crowded afternoon.
Amidst the sea of activity, Liz felt a growing curiosity about the peculiar events that had been unfolding.
The unexplainable occurrences had left her puzzled, and as she glanced around the hospital grounds, she knew that today was the day she would gain firsthand insight into the conditions of the patients who had been admitted here.
A gentle breeze brushed against Liz's face. The air felt refreshingly crisp as it filled her lungs.
The ambiance of the hospital was a stark contrast to the congested, pollution-filled city. Towering trees melded seamlessly with the hospital grounds, providing a tranquil refuge from the intense rays of the sun that shone brilliantly following the heavy downpour.
Walking through the slick hospital courtyard, Liz proceeded cautiously, mindful of her steps. She couldn't help but notice several Wolfdale Academy students bustling around the adjacent building.
Their hurried movements suggested a sense of purpose as they went about their business, adding to the dynamic atmosphere.
The rain had left a subtle, earthy scent in the air, and as Liz continued her journey through the hospital grounds, she couldn't help but feel a connection to nature amidst the urban landscape.
The intertwining of nature and healthcare facilities created a unique setting, one that seemed to emphasize the importance of healing and harmony.
Truth be told, Liz's emotions were a storm within her, stirred by the sudden appearance of Gabriel that had caught her off guard.
The memory of that imprint night, with its confusing mix of feelings and unspoken words, replayed in her mind.
She wished she could dismiss it as a mere fleeting moment, a trick of her imagination, but the truth of it lingered, leaving her feeling unsettled.