Page 137 of Beast and Remedy
“You have a broken rib and a serious head injury,” Beau says, his honeyed voice a balm, even as he lectures me. “I’m surprised you’re not bleeding.”
“Mmmhmm,” I hum as my coherence returns. “But don’t waste all your energy on me. You need to save it for—”
“Marian’s fine. A little shaken over what she did, but she is stable now.”
Leo hovers above his brother, skeptical. “You alright, Vi?”
I swallow thickly, wishing I could move, but my body is so heavy. “I think so.”
Leo nods, leaving as Beau recalls his power.
“You’ll be sore for a bit, but your rib’s no longer broken, and you can breathe without sharpness. Your head, however, is another story.” Beau cradles my head as he eases me up, allowing me room and time to unwind. “How’s your vision?”
The motions leave me reeling, and I curl into Beau, too afraid to budge. If I move too fast, I might miss something.
“It’s… there.”
A half-truth.
“Do you feel dizzy at all? I am not sure if I did enough. I can do—”
I grip his tunic. “No.”
I can’t jeopardize Marian getting worse because he chose to treat my injury. “I’m fine.”
A tinge of frustration sparks behind his irises, his body tensing like he wants to argue.
“Vi?” Marian’s voice calls.
I whirl, immediately regretting it as the world shifts, sweeping out from under me. I grimace, pausing and gathering my bearings.
Beau doesn’t release me as Marian lowers.
“I amsosorry!” Her features pinch with remorse. The warmth in her complexion is dull, covered in splotches of pink. “I-I didn’t mean—”
“It’s alright. It wasn’t you.”
She sniffs in a daze. “B-But—”
I take her hand and squeeze twice, my voice tight. “The infection is getting worse.”
Her lip quivers, the brave face she fights to keep in place slipping. She struggles, trying to contain her emotions and actions.
But I can see how much she is crumbling—how much her internal battle against the virus withers and breaks down her very soul. Despite the desolation ravaging my heart, I will remain vigilant for both of us.
I send a double pulse her way, reminding her how much I love her and hoping it will also translate toI don’t blame you, andYou aren’t alone.
Beau looks up, taking in the time of day. “Let’s hurry and get to Unterkirch. Alright everyone?”
“Works for me. I’m fucking sweating over here,” Leo says, and our friends agree.
Everyone returns to their horses, snickering, save for Beau, Marian, and me.
Marian’s eyes hold mine. “Are you—”
“I’m okay.” I rise with all my strength, but the solid ground beneath me flips.
Hands catch me, bracing me upright.
