Page 151 of Beast and Remedy
“But how do you know? Me or my sister could rule over Belmur.” I do my best to not feel guilty for luring her into my conversation trap.
She hesitates, pondering a response.
I can’t help but admire her for keeping her magical ability so quiet. Taking a risk, I offer her my secret with the hope she will return the gesture. “I think you know because you’re gifted like I am.”
Sybille’s eyes flash with shock. “Y-Y-You told me—”
“About my gift, yes. Like how Beau is gifted, too.”
“Yes.” She swallows. “I did know that. Mother told me before your arrival how he’s been open about it, like Queen Tove.”
“Indeed. And I’m working on being more open about my magic like them, too.”
“But wh-why?”
The question should not come as a surprise, but it does, and I huff a laugh, looking at Beau conversing with the queen. The constant pull I have to him tugs at my soul as I ogle him, my heart thumping loudly in my chest.
Facing Sybille, I don’t hide how I truly feel. “Because they are my friends. And I don’t want my friends to feel alone in being open about it.”
“What about King Jerrick?”
“What about him?”
“Is he your friend, too? Do you know what his abilities are?” Sybille asks.
“I don’t know him well enough. But through being friends with Queen Tove, maybe one day.”
“I think we should all be friends!”
“You already are my friend.” I laugh.
Her demeanor shifts. “Do you really mean that?”
Through her grim expression, light still shimmers in the depths of her rich brown irises—hope flickering like it could die out at any moment. It makes my stomach sour, wondering if she’s ever had someone to call her friend.
“I do.” I beam, wanting to be truthful. “And do you want to know another secret?”
“Anothersecret?” She squeaks with delight.
“I only give two squeezes to my friends.” I show her on her forearm for emphasis, and she giggles.
She returns the gesture before peering over to her mother and Beau, now deep in a discussion with Marcel, Jules, and Christine.
Turning back and motioning for me to lean in, I oblige her as she whispers, “My secret is, I’m gifted.”
When we pull away, her eyebrows wiggle with mischief and her confirmation a breath of fresh air. Not only that, but her willingness to open up.
I lower to her ear and murmur, “I can shift into an animal.”
She angles toward me, her mouth gaping. “Whoa, really? Can you shift into one right now?”
The painful reminder of what I need to do has me answering quickly, “Unfortunately, I’m still working on that. But I do turn into a bear.”
“A bear!?”
Her hushed voice cracks in astonishment.
I grin and nod.
