Page 84 of The Howling
“The thing about the Styne of Golorum is that it can only be used by those who have no use for it,” she says. “It makes it one of the most powerful magical items in the realm. Of course she would give it to you.”
“Oh.” My attention is drawn back to Reavely, who shifts uncomfortably, pain twisting his mouth.
Ellie stares at her brother and then leaves the room. In a short time, she’s back with a blue glass bottle and a beaker made out of horn.
“Try him with this,” she says. “As much as he can drink.”
I blink at her.
“Barghest are pretty robust. Save for when you take us by surprise and slaughter us in our beds,” she says wryly. “If the apothecary says he’ll survive, he’ll survive.” She puts her hand on her brother’s. “Admittedly he’ll most probably milk it for all it’s worth.” she sighs. “But this broth will help with the pain and healing. Our mother swore by it.”
“I am sorry for all you have lost,” I say.
“Mother wanted you to have the jewel. She knew it would mean she had to depart the Yeavering, but look at what it’s done.” Ellie opens her arms. “Look at what you and Reavely have done.” She smiles, although sadness lingers in her eyes. “Yes, we have lost, but the gains are worth it.”
Her eyes trail down my body. I expect I’m pretty filthy, given the battle.
“You will need to go to the apothecary, like she suggested,” Ellie says.
“I’m not leaving Reavely until he’s better,” I respond.
“I think he’d want to find out you’re in pup. And you probably want confirmation too.”
REAVELY
The smell is familiar, albeit tinged with the scent of burning fur. I force my eyes open to come face to face with the Lambton Wyrm.
“Fuck! Fenrother!” I scramble back from the dragon shifter.
“He’s awake,” Fenrother bellows without looking away from me.
My shoulder aches, but her scent is in the room. It’s enough to stop me from falling straight out of bed to look for her.
“Thank you, Fenrother.” Wynter elbows him aside, and I have her arms around me, her head in my neck and my name on her lips.
My insides warm. I’m as weak as a newborn pup, hardly able to lift my head, but the smile which plays across my face is one of being entirely whole.
Here, in my castle, with my mate.
Wynter releases me. I flop back onto the bed.
“How could you?” she snaps.
“How could I what?” I furrow my brow, my head muzzy like the aftermath of wolfsbane.
“How could you try to sacrifice yourself for me!” Wynter growls.
“Yeah,” Fenrother says.
“Thank you, Fenrother.” Wynter turns to him. “I can take it from here.”
“She means fuck off,” I add with a glare and a snarl.
Fenrother blinks at me. I snarl at him. Finally, almost begrudgingly, he steps back and walks to the door.
It’s then I also see Linton and the damned Hedley Kow who are stood behind him.
“How long have they all been here?” I croak.
