Page 169 of Beast and Remedy
I ease down to the grass, the small spikes poking and tickling in different places before I rest against the tree stump.
Beau squats, a flicker of magic at the ready. “I’ll do everything I can to help with the pain.”
“I love you,” I breathe, grateful and fearful I might never have the chance to say it again. “And nothing will ever stop or keep me from loving you.”
I drag his mouth to mine, kissing him earnestly like I did when I first made my affections known to him so long ago. My reckless mindset back then steered me to savor this, melting from Beau’s groan before I pull away.
“I love you, too.” His dimples appear, and I memorize every part of his handsomeness before tucking it away and summoning my magic.
The sizzling soul drifts to my other side, a ghost of heat hovering by my skin.“Breathe in the forest and breathe out the power. The magic and your acceptance will guide you through the rest.”
I wiggle to get more comfortable and close my eyes, listening to the forest.
The smell of moist soil drifts along my nostrils, mixing with Beau’s citrus scent as leaves rustle with the wind. Soft chirps of insects and birds fill my mind as the rough bark of the tree rubs against my spine.
“Good,”the soul whispers.“Now reach for the beast inside of you and evoke understanding as you can with animals.”
The empathy and love of treating others surges forth from my heart as I open my palms, willingly reaching for my gifts.
I startle when power pulses like lightning in response, scorching my veins and making me flinch. But I steel my focus, gritting my teeth as another burst of magic shoots out from my chest, careening to my legs.
“Mightier will and intellect,”the soul reminds.
I shift my mindset from bracing for a broken bone to one of understanding and openness.
And when the first fracture happens, there isn’t a snapping or stabbing sensation. A deep ache takes over, but it’s moremanageable than ever. But the joy is short-lived when my shoulder dislodges.
I wince before sending a wave of awareness and acceptance to the pain.
Sweat protrudes along my hairline as I mentally chase after the gifts altering me, conveying goodwill and being rewarded with merciful changes to my appearance.
The transition expands, muscles stretching, nerves tingling, and bones restructuring. All with more thoughtfulness. More tenderness.
Power caresses me in an embrace, a blast of gratitude rocking through me.
My magic has waited so long for me to listen. So long for me to give up my control. And I can’t help but feel Mama’s presence. Like she’s here watching over me.
I smile and sink into the feeling, letting it surround me.
“I feel your power changing you,” Beau breathes in stunning revelation. “I’ve barely had to do anything to help you because you’re doing it on your own. You’re doing it, my love.”
His praise stirs up a song in my heart, eliciting a purr from my chest as the added weight sinks me further into the soil before fur ripples forth from my pores.
I wrinkle my nose—my snout—bombarded by the heavy scent of Beau as I move to all fours.
The tether of my power and my mind snaps when I involuntarily crack my neck, my eyes blinking open to the sizzling soul and Beau dipping into a bow of reverence, uttering in unison.
“Hail the Protector of Beasts.”
37
Grim Prospects
“You look lighter,” Marian comments as our home comes into view.
“Ifeellighter,” I reply, a smile ghosting my face.
After my first intentional transformation, everything feels more manageable—moreachievable.
