Page 186 of Beast and Remedy
“That doesn’t do much for this injured wolf!”
“So, kill it and move on,” she states, unfazed.
I shake my head, enraged and baffled. “We can’t kill it! And it’s too heavy for us to bring back to the castle!”
“Then, heal it. Use you magic to show you aren’t a threat, let it go, and worry about it later,” she replies.
Beau clears his throat. “Marian, the medicine was meant for the wolf, not you. We wanted to make sure it was ready before giving it to you—”
“You aren’t the one who is dying!” she yells, silencing us.
Her chest rises and falls, fury flaring. But visible tension leaves her body, and I inhale a sharp breath.
It’s happening…
I remain speechless, watching her change before my very eyes, the Marian I know and love creeping forward. Her features smooth out, and she blinks slowly and releases a shuddering breath.
I try to speak—
Marian scrunches her face, all the fight leaving her as she crumples to the forest’s floor. Sobs escape her, and she covers her eyes.
“It’s gone,” she utters. “The pain, the rage, everything.” She cries with relief. “It’s allgone.”
“I-I-I can’t believe it,” I breathe, stunned by the results.
“Rosebud,” Beau whispers, and I twist to him, his eyes shimmering with love and adoration. “Go to her. I can heal the wolf, and we’ll have to cure its infection later.” He summons his magic, starting treatment on the animal.
I bite back my trembling lip, relief crashing through me as I curl into the creature. “I’ll be right back. You’re safe with Beau, and we’ll cure you soon, too.” I caress its snout for good measure, pouring as much tenderness as possible into my touch, earning me another huff of understanding.
I rush to pull my sister into my arms, and her body racks with tremors as she cries.
“Marian,” I murmur when she hugs me back, squeezing me twice.
“Y-You did it, Vi.” She shudders. “Youreallydid it.” She squeezes me again. “I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done, but I always knew you could do it.”
She buries her face into my neck, and Beau fills my line of vision.
He holds up the two arrows removed from the wolf, and I peer to the empty spot it no longer occupies.
I drift my eyes closed, gratitude erupting from my heart for Beau’s gifts. Although we couldn’t give the beast its second dose, I’m grateful Beau was able to heal it to its near-original state. And I can’t help but send the Makers my prayers of thanks.
We’re all walking out of this forest alive.
The cure works for animals.
Andhumans.
I beam at the love of my life, completely lost to happiness as I sag, the stress over everything falling away.
He breaks into a huge grin. “Let’s hurry back and get you the next dose.” He stands first, extending a hand to us.
Marian wipes away her tears, taking his outstretched palm and yanking him into a hug.
He startles momentarily as she says, “I’m so sorry for everything I’ve put you through as well. Thank you for being patient not only with me but for being there for Vi when I couldn’t be.”
He supports her as his eyes hold mine. “Friends look out for each other. Always.”
They part, and Marian sniffs, conceding, and strides for Beau’s bow resting against a tree.
