Page 263 of Born of Blood and Ash

I heard him. I understood. But all I could think about as Istared at him was that he knew. His features were stark, and…

And I felt like I was going to break.

I couldn’t.

I couldn’t break.

I wouldn’t.

My lungs seized. There was no air as the chasm that hadcracked open in the Dying Woods split wide, sending a rush of every emotionthrough me. But it wasn’t the long-buried pain and loneliness that rose,rearing its head and taking shape like a wraith that haunted every thought. Itwas anger, sorrow, and shame that coated my skin like thick, choking oil. Thefury of being made helpless. The sorrow of all those who had come before me andthe control, freedom, and everything else Kolis had taken from me—from us. The godsdamn shame I knew—I fucking knew—shouldn’t bemine but still was because that fucking voice in the back of my head whisperedthat I should’ve been smarter when I dealt with Kolis. I should’veprepared myself better. I should’ve been stronger. If I had, Icould’ve handled Kolis better. I would’ve realized that The Star was above methe whole time. I would’ve freed Ash sooner. If I had been stronger, he neverwould have felt my desperation and torn at his flesh to get to me. If I wasstronger, there wouldn’t still be a piece of me locked in that cage.

I would’ve been able to deal with this. Would have gottenover it.

All of it was too much.

My throat sealed. Panicked, I started to back away. Icouldn’t breathe.

I needed to get away from here—from it. I had to. I had to.I had—

The panic was snuffed out instantly, crushed by somethingferal and powerful. Instinct took over, and it was primal. Ancient. Wild.

And it wanted out. Needed to take back control.

Ash’s eyes were wide and bright—too bright. “I’ve got you,”he swore. “Always.”

I could feel that wild, primal, ancient thing inside mestretching, and I knew it understood Ash’s words.

A hum suddenly filled my ears. My blood. Heat swamped everypart of my body. I noticed Ash’s mouth moving and his features sharpening untilI saw the pores of his skin and the faint shadows beneath it. I saw the bloodpumping in the veins of his neck as a distant rumble jerked his head toward thebalcony doors. My skin vibrated. Every part of me buzzed, and in the back of mymind, I knew something was happening.

Something was changing inside me.

A fire hit my flesh, filling my mouth with the taste ofblood and ash. My chest rumbled as the vibration intensified. Gold-tingedsilver light dots appeared on my hands and arms, and then they were everywhere.

Pain flared along the sides of my face as my jaw stretchedand expanded, peeling my lips back. Canines grew. My nose flattened. My bodyspasmed, doubling me over. My lips peeled back more as my jaw popped out of itssocket. My knees cracked and changed shape. My fingers shrank and thickened.Strands of silver-tipped gold fur sprang from my flesh, rapidly covering myhand as my nails grew and sharpened. The straps of my nightgown snapped. Silkslipped from my body as I contorted, bones cracking at the joints and thenfusing back together. My back bowed as I changed. Shifted. I fell forward,my…paws landing on the stone floor with a soft thud.

My breathing slowed.

My heart calmed.

Taking a step back, I shook myself. The feeling was amazing.I did it again, letting out a pleased purr.

The air shifted around me, and I reacted. Sinking back, mytail swooshed over the smooth stone, and a sound came from within me thatturned deeper and raspier. I bared my fangs, my muscles tensing as I preparedto leap—

The threat backed off, giving me space. Muscles twitched asI held myself still, staring at leather-clad legs. Neither of us moved forseveral moments.

A cool breeze sifted through my fur, drawing my attention tothe swaying drapes. To the outside. Muscles twitched more. Anticipation poundedthrough me, becoming a need.

My claws rapped off the stone as I moved slowly toward thedoors, and then I took off.

Crossing the balcony, I leapt onto the railing, balancingmyself as I quickly scanned my surroundings. I jumped, landing on the groundbelow.

I didn’t even feel the impact.

This time?

I shook my head. It didn’t matter. I was free. I picked upmy pace, breaking out into a run.

“Open the gates!” a voice shouted from behind me. “Now.”

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