Page 114 of The Wolf and the Chimera
Yes.
When you return to your realm, you must learn the rest.The witch took a shuddering breath.Seek your history and discover how to right it, young chimera.
I tried to form a response, but my wings and back ached from exertion. I flapped them and steadied myself but winced.
And,Circe added,trust me to protect your parents. Trust that I need you as much as you need me. Don’t come back here until Medea is gone.
My wings stuttered.You can’t expect me to leave themagain—
Circe’s voice was cold.I expect you to do what is right.
But I never told them—
I had never told them our separation wasmyfault. I was the one who had lost my pendant, who had left it behind for the High Witch and the other Leaders to use to track me down.
I had never confessed what I had done, and now Circe expected me to abandon them again.
I was so tired of running and hiding and being afraid. I had finally found a place here to connect with my chimera and my mate, and it was being ripped from me by the High Witch, who was too great of a coward to come to Circe’s realm herself.
I thought back to the maze Circe had crafted. Throughout its course, I had been pushed to use every facet of my power. Each person I had found had required more effort and greater care. The hardest of the challenges had been facing my inner darkness to find the light and put myself back together.
Nothing worth having came easily.
Memories from my chimera flashed in my eyes. In my mind, I witnessed a beautiful woman with a golden crown atop her brow throw out her hands and blind an entire battlefield in light.
My greatest power didn’t lie in tooth or claw or wing. My greatest power was the light that burned in my veins, in my heart, and in the depths of my soul. It was the thing most coveted by everyone who wished to hurt me or use me or trap me.
You want it so badly?I thought.Here it is.
I threw open my arms and unleashed my power.
Light flooded the tundra, and Handmaidens screamed. I willed the magic not to hurt my friends, but to protect them. Though it was time for me to return to my realm, I would do it on my terms, and I would not leave my parents defenseless.
“Leave!”Ryder roared. A Sovereign’s dominance rang in his words.“Go back to your bloody courtnow!”
Circe’s magic surged, and the ground shook.
As my light faded, so did my strength. Down, down, down, I fell. A sudden breeze cushioned my fall, then I landed in strong, warm arms. On the horizon, light flared as our enemies fled through the ripple. I caught glimpses of their burned skin and tattered clothes.
“You could’ve burned them all to ash,” Circe said.
Though my head ached, I lifted my chin and met her gaze.
“I’m not a killer.” I swallowed. “I’m a chimera.”
The ancient witch smiled, and the others surrounded us. Gently, Ryder set me on my feet. I studied him for injuries, then checked my friends and parents. Dad pulled me into a hug, and I embraced him fiercely. In the comfort of his arms, my claws receded, and my wings retracted.
As I studied his bruised and bloodied but whole form, I swallowed. “It was my fault.”
Over his shoulder, Mom frowned and walked closer. Dad released me, and I met both of their gazes. The wolves found other places to look in a flimsy effort to give us privacy.
“The night we docked at Panama City,” I explained, “I snuck out to go to a beach party, and I—I left my pendant there on accident.”
My parents’ expressions were unreadable, so I blazed ahead.
“It’s my fault,” I said. “I’m the reason we were discovered, and you almost died. I’m the reason for our separation.”
Mom ran a hand through my hair and shook her head. Dad smiled softly.
