Page 100 of Beauty's Beast

She pressed a hand to her back, massaging the dull ache that had been plaguing her since early morning.

“And if the witch agrees, what then? Do you think she can be trusted?”

“I don’t know,” Kristine replied. “I only know I have to try.”

“Caddaric?” Edith looked at her husband.

He shook his head. “I have never known her to have any honor.” He began to pace the room. “She wants the child. She will know that, should she revoke the spell, Erik will not rest in his efforts to get the child back.” He stopped in front of Kristine. “You cannot bargain with her. We can only hope that, should she come here, the wards I have placed around the castle will be strong enough to repel her.”

“I cannot believe you made this decision without consulting us,” Edith said.

“I’m sorry.”

“How long ago did you send the letter?”

“I sent Brandt early this morning.”

Caddaric grunted softly. “I think we must lock Erik up.”

“What? How can you even suggest such a thing?”

“It’s for his own good,” Caddaric explained. “He spends most of his time outside. Brandt will have arrived at Cimmerian Crag by now. Charmion could arrive here at any moment. I do not think it would be wise for wolf and witch to confront each other.”

Kristine shook her head. “I cannot. I cannot lock him up.”

“I will take care of it. Call him.”

Kristine left the room and went out the back door. Was there no end to this nightmare? Cupping her hands around her mouth, she called Erik’s name.

Several minutes passed, and then she saw him running toward her. She forced a smile as he rubbed against her legs.

“Come,” she said, “Caddaric wishes to see you.”

The wolf looked up at her, a question in his dark gray eyes. It was disconcerting, seeing Erik’s eyes in the face of the wolf.

“I don’t know what he wants.” Fighting back tears, she laid her hand on his head. “I love you.”

Whining softly, he licked her hand.

Caddaric was waiting for them in the library. He closed the door once Erik and Kristine were inside.

Erik stared up at Kristine.

“It’s all right,” she said.

“Erik, look at me,” Caddaric said, his voice soft, hypnotic.

The wolf looked at the sorcerer, his eyes filled with suspicion.

“Erik, you must trust me,” Caddaric said. “Listen to my voice.”

The wolf shook his head, his hackles rising.

“Erik, it will be all right.” Kristine knelt beside him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Please, you must do as he says.”

The wolf looked at her, a look of such love, such trust, she thought her heart would break.

She heard the wizard’s voice, speaking in a language she did not understand, felt his power coalesce, felt it brush against her skin. There was a gentle whooshing sound, and Erik was gone.

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