Page 45 of Beast and Remedy
“Wait, you know what kind of powers he has?” A flash of betrayal crosses Marian’s features.
I shrink back, wiping the blood off me and hating myself for letting his secret slip out. “Yes.”
“How?” she demands, anger in her voice.
“Queen Tove told me.”
A lie. One I hope my sister will believe.
“And you believe her?” she challenges, and I nod.
Marian huffs in disbelief, and I push more to convince her. “He can help you with this. And now that we know what he can do along with his knowledge, he can also help with the infection.”
“But what about you, Vi? Aren’t you supposed to shift soon?”
I grimace, my magic rousing even more since I tried to command the wolf. But I won’t let it happen. Not when her life is at risk.
I can push through it. I can make it to Torgem. I know I can.
“I’ll be fine. Wehaveto go, Marian. For your sake.”
Uncertainty lingers in her features. This whole mess is uncharted territory.
Even if Marian and I never believed Torgem was behind Mama’s death, we don’t know the full scope of how they feel about us after all these years.
I plead with her, trying to offer reason. “What if you’re infected? Oblivion, what if I’m infected?”
Her gaze darkens as she slaps my hand. “Don’t think like that!”
Rubbing the reddening area, I insist. “Beauvais might be our best chance to fix all of this.”
“What about Jean and Pierre?”
“We can make it to Torgem on horseback and get back before they suspect anything.”
“Then we better hurry before it gets dark.” She scrambles to stand but falters, and I barely catch her.
“Deities, Marian. You can’t ride.”
Her head sways in disagreement. “I’m fine.”
Always the fighter.
“We’ll ride together.” I drape her arm over me, reaching for her weapon and the dagger.
“You better not break my bow.”
I snort. “Glad to know blood loss isn’t affecting your obsession.”
“Hey,” she scolds. “I don’t insult you over your favorite book.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I dismiss with a smirk when we reach the carriage.
Opening the door, I grab the wooden crate. I take off my cloak and make a large sling to place the box inside. Hanging it over my shoulder, I pivot us toward the horses.
We loosen the restraints on one of the steeds, and I guide my sister up first.
I secure her bow across my chest as Marian adjusts in the saddle. With her extended hand, she helps me on the back of the horse before offering me the reins.
