Page 32 of Beast and Remedy
“What if I could help?” I blurt out.
“How?” he asks, eyes wide.
“What if—” I swallow thickly, thoughts churning for a reasonable explanation and possible solution. “What if I stay here to help Jean and Pierre? Help protect our troops while in my bear form? And when I’m home, I could gather ingredients, study anyone or any creature infected, and create something that could help?”
“You mean like a remedy?” Papa asks, and I nod. “Vi, surely you could work in Palaena. Where it’s safe—”
“I have everything here already. Why fill a room with my belongings when our people need it? If I could make something,anything, it could help. Not only our people but wildlife.Please, Papa.”
His brows furrow, deep in thought, the faded freckles across his nose and cheek rippling. But he runs his fingers through his tousled muted-red locks, hesitation stealing his breath.
“Sweetheart, I—”
“We will guard her with our lives, Bernie,” Pierre says, voice deep.
I meet Pierre’s stone-cold features, his blue eyes staring deep into mine, clinging onto something hopeful. Grateful, I incline my head. But when I face my father, sadness and uncertainty swirl in the small flecks of gold in his green irises.
“You will help our people in the evacuation to Palaena first with your sister and me. Then you can travel home.”
Relief floods through me, hope blossoming for the chance to right everything. “Thank you, Papa.” I hug him, his sweet scent comforting me.
“If she is coming back, so am I,” Marian interjects, voice tight and determination set in her features.
Jean straightens and crosses his arms, unable to hide his smirk.
“Do you honestly think I don’t know my own children?” Papa says. “Of course I know you’ll be joining her.”
Marian’s expression lifts, and I feel lighter knowing she’ll be here to help me.
Withdrawing from my father, I ask, “Have you sent word to other kingdoms to warn them?”
“We reached out to Palaena, Unterkirch, and Northtry to report a rise of animal attacks within our borders but nothing more,” Pierre answers.
“You need to tell them everything. Others could be getting harmed or sick already,” Marian says. “Vi and I can’t be the only ones working on a potential remedy.”
“Yes. It will be pertinent to correspond with healers, gather evidence anywhere we can. Especially if the animals venture beyond our own borders,” I add.
“I agree with telling them about the sickness. Although we cannot tell them how to navigate the infection within their own kingdoms,” Jean advises. “But I’d like to think we can find a solution together.”
I dip my chin, hesitating momentarily at the one kingdom left unnamed. “What about Torgem?”
“Don’t even start, Vi,” Papa warns.
He tightens his fist, anger rolling off him in waves and drawing in an awkward tension to the room.
“But people’s lives are at risk. All kingdoms should be notified. Regardless of our relations. Not to mention, you know the King of Torgem is more well-read on medicine and treatments than I am. He could help me create a cure faster.” I peer between my loved ones, needing their support.
But Pierre scratches the stubble along his jaw, a subtle sign of his apprehension at upsetting his king and friend with memories of the past. And Jean regards me with caution, wanting me to leave it be.
But when I hold Papa’s stare, I can tell he hears my logic. Papa encouragedhimto show me everything he knew about healing when I was younger because I was so fascinated with the subject.
The King of Torgem’s help could drastically change our predicament. Deities, even his ability could bring astronomical results.
But his gifts are a secret I’ve vowed to guard with my life, and I will honor that promise until I meet Yeva herself.
My father’s features soften, his temper easing and flickering with understanding and hope has me clinging to the possibility he will finally—finally—listen to logic versus his grief.
“Torgem can handle themselves for all I care,” he snarls, and I slump in defeat.
