Page 77 of Beasts of Briar
“It’s true,” Marcello said. “He’s not himself anymore. Something broke him. Broke his mind.”
My heart stuttered at that. This vision was beginning to feel much too real.
Soloman shook his head, his long dark hair brushing his shoulders. “I don’t agree with this. I won’t. Bell wouldn’t want it.”
Listen to Soloman, I pleaded with them. But, of course, none of them heard me.
“There’s only one way to solve this,” Phoenix said. “With a vote.”
My heart sank.
“Okay.” Jorah nodded. “Then we vote. Everyone in favor of ending this once and for all, raise your hands.”
Ryder’s was the first to shoot up. Killian and Klaus followed. Marcello worried at his bottom lip before raising his hand. Then came Phoenix’s. And finally, Jorah. Soloman was the only one who didn’t raise his hand.
“This is wrong,” he insisted.
“What’s wrong is letting our sister suffer to save us when it’s futile. We can’t be saved. We’re losing more of ourselves every single day.” Ryder swallowed thickly. “Less man and more bird.”
My throat closed up at their decision, so thick I could barely breathe.
“Then it’s decided,” Jorah said.
Soloman stared at the floor, fists balled. “When?”
Jorah’s jaw worked back and forth. “Three days’ time. Three days, and then we’ll dive into the sea and Bell can finally live her life for herself.”
A solemn silence settled over the room. I wanted to hold on, to stay here with them, but I was so very tired. The vision faded into a darkness that took hold of me.
Chapter Forty-Four
BELLAMY
“I’m telling you, she moved her finger,” Driscoll said.
“She hasn’t moved in days,” Leoni said back. “Then I visit the chamber pot, and all of a sudden, you’re telling me she moved? I think you’re tired, and I think we both need sleep.”
I blinked my eyes open, moonlight and starlight twining together and shining into the room. The fire in the hearth blazed. Sweat beaded both Driscoll’s and Leoni’s brows, their faces flushed. They must’ve been so hot in here with the fire going, but I felt cozy, my skin clammy and chilled.
I pushed myself up in bed, wincing at my hands and the pain shooting through them. Leoni and Driscoll both froze, gazes on me.
“Why are you two always arguing?”I signed.
“She’s alive,” Driscoll’s eyes were wide. “You’re alive. She’s?—”
“I think we get it,” Leoni said.
Driscoll surged forward and threw his arms around me. “I’m so happy.” His voice shook.
His reaction was flattering but also confusing. I didn’t even think he liked me that much.
I rubbed my eyes as he settled back into his chair.“What happened to me?”
“Well, it turns out using nettle weed and not treating your wounds is a very, very bad thing.” Driscoll pointed to my bandaged hands. “The poison got into your blood. You’re lucky you’re alive. Spirit Shadow or the god of shadows or whoever he is brought you back here looking like he might tear this castle to the ground if someone didn’t save you.”
I looked away, imagining how terrifying a sight Kairoth must’ve been. Terrifying and glorious.
Driscoll raised up his hands. “His shadows had created this beast with a long snout and sharp teeth and big claws. The same one that took our shadows in the prison cells. Kind of reminded me of Aron, which then reminded me all the good times we had, which then, sort of turned me on.” He shook his head. “It was very confusing.”
