Page 83 of Degradation

“A beast? From the Dark Forest?”

“No, girl. That corruption is from the original wars. This story is from after that. To the north. I can’t remember the name.” She sat, her expression conveying her deep thought. “It’ll come to me. I wonder if she’s still alive. Her story is likely why the queen is obsessed with finding a way to stay young.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rumor says that the caster who changed the man into a beast doesn’t age.”

“And if one caster can do it, then so can another,” I said in understanding.

“Exactly. The queen is trying everything: breeding babies with strong bloodlines and sacrificing them for their powers, blood magic of every kind. She even tried capturing the Hunter.”

“The Hunter?”

“It’s a beast in the Dark Forest,” Garron said. “It’s smart and hunts men who enter its domain. We always avoid that part of the forest.”

“Why does the queen want a beast?” I asked.

“It’s rumored that he’s the original beast,” Getaina said.

“Thank you for your help and for the information,” I said.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad there’s something I can still share that you didn’t already pull from me.”

“Why didn’t she?” Garron asked.

“Sometimes, the little details slip through,” Getaina said. “But it’s often the little details that matter. Don’t forget that, Kellen.”

“I won’t.”

We left with the vials and evaded everyone after dark since I feared Garron’s face would draw too much attention. Arriving at the back door of Philip’s estate, my suspicions were confirmed when Margret answered the door and screamed at the sight of him.

“It’s us,” I said, quickly covering her mouth. “Kellen and Garron.”

She nodded and stepped back from my hand.

“Forgive me. I didn’t…” Her gaze shifted to Garron. “Will he be all right?”

“The spell will only last a few hours,” I said. “He will be fine. Where are the others?”

“In the dining room with this evening’s guests.” Her gaze flicked between Garron and me.

I took his hand. “I believe we’ll join them.”

She nodded and led the way. When we entered, the kitchen help was removing the dishes from the second course of their meal.

“Please add two more settings,” I said as Garron pulled out a chair for me.

Daemon’s attempt to smother his humor in his napkin failed, and I reached up to stroke Garron’s face so he knew I didn’t find him repulsive.

“I know they’re next,” he said softly with a twisted grin.

He took his seat beside me, and I felt the complete shock of the nobles in attendance, all of whom I’d previously met. Not so with the brothers. They didn’t care that I was dressed like a lad in front of the nobles or that Garron’s face wasn’t as it should be. They radiated curiosity.

“I apologize for our late arrival,” I said. “Business kept us a bit longer than we’d anticipated. Lord Hamill, we’ve met with Getaina already, so there’s no need for you to persuade her. As soon as we’re finished here, Garron and I will continue searching for the others on our own.”

Liam’s concern almost matched Garron’s, but neither refuted my words.

A hint of outrage drifted from Lord Hamill, which I found interesting.

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