Page 49 of Beast and Remedy
Directing my attention toward the keep, a familiar face appears.
There, in all his glory, all his beauty—Ifinallysee him.
His tall, muscular build and presence stands out amongst his guards, enough for me to depict the small hints of bronze in his complexion from the countless hunting trips he’s taken since he was a child.
Even in the crisp early signs of night, sunlight comes off him in waves, emphasizing yellow-blond hair.
And his eyes… Fuck, how they are resplendent, golden, and heated as they pierce through my very soul.
But I break his stare, twisting to the person on the ground.
He follows my line of sight, immediate recognition catching him off guard, and he lunges into action toward her. The woman.
Marian.
He lowers in a flash, light encasing them. Brightness illuminates the entire keep.
Pebbles dig into my paws, a new need to have my feet rubbing against dried leaves and damp cold soil prickling an urge up my spine. A low rumble builds in the depths of my chest, magic summoning the bear to its sanctum.
“Bow to the Protector of Beasts, you fools,” the king orders, still hovering over my sister, light dimming around them.
Soldiers surrounding me lower their swords and take another step back. Their humming heartbeats fill my ears before the sultry voice speaks again.
“And open those damned gates.”
Metal scrapes against the hinges of the barriers.
I should turn my focus there, but instead, I beg the magic to let me linger onhim. I still struggle to utter his name, disbelieving he is really here.
His scent tantalizes my senses, a lure for my beast and a trap for my heart.
My mouth salivates, drool dripping down my snout.
And when his eyes find mine again, time ceases. His golden honey irises sparkle, and my soul abandons my body.
A coy smile, one I’ve known and loved my whole life, grows as a barely audible whisper leaves his lips. “Hello, Rosebud.”
More footsteps sound, and I veer toward the keep, my old friends halting and blanching at me. A beast.
I huff, satisfaction whirling and feeding my magic, kindling a need to strike fear. To enforce rule.
The temperature drops with the darkening sky, and a chilling breeze seeps into my fur, lingering as everyone waits with still breath.
I brave another glance at the love of my life. He cradles my sister, color returning to her cheeks.
Beau’s eyes never leave mine as he offers me a subtle nod, and I hope it means he’ll watch over my sister so I can escape.
Drifting backward, I assess everyone as they remain unmovable. A united force to be reckoned with should I attack.
Rocks dig into my paws as I shuffle on all fours, never giving my full back to any of the humans as I pass through the archway.
Torches in the gateway light the forest, and when the wind picks up, I let it carry me and my power through the full charge I break into.
I turn into the shadows and dark depths of the woods, relying on them to veil me from sight.
Spring, The Makers Year 1011
Dear Beau,
