Page 110 of Beast and Remedy
Her brows pinch, as if she is in pain or resisting his power. The tension grows across her face, her jaw flexing, fists clenching, and her breathing increasing.
I glance at Beau.
Closed eyes, strained features, and his concentrated grimace do nothing to reassure me.
Licking my lips, I wait, not wanting to disrupt or distract him. But defeat buckles me down as I watch two people I love, feeling utterly and completely helpless.
My magic stirs, vibrating in my bones and seeking to protect me and those I care for.
But my powers are useless here.
Even my own intellect feels useless here.
I clutch my tunic, the sorrow in my heart rousing my magic. But I push it down, my powers restlessness a sign.
I’ll have to shift soon. Maybe then I can dosomething.
My unease dissipates as Marian and Beau relax, her eyes remaining closed by the time the glowing light of his gift fades.
I reach for her once more, noting the rise and fall of her chest, smoothed-out expression, and the slight snore escaping her. Unable to help myself, I touch her temple, my body slumping when I’m met with no fever.
I release a long, shaky breath as relief crashes against me.
A tentative knock comes from the door, and I jolt.
“It’s us,” Jules says softly.
I sag and push my waves from my face before glancing at Beau.
He angles his chin toward the door, a suggestion to let Marian sleep as we talk with our friends. With two squeezes to my twin, Beau and I quietly join the others in the hall.
Leo, Jules, Marcel, and Christine wear somber expressions, ones I wasn’t expecting, and they make it hard to mask my features.
“How are you both feeling? Is Marian alright?” Leo asks, stepping toward me with his hand outstretched.
The concern in his voice draws back the veil I draped over my emotions.
I am not used to him showing much compassion. I hug myself, trying to ignore the knot forming in my gut, fearful I will break down if I say anything.
“It seems Marian will need two healing sessions a day now.”
Beau’s voice pulls everyone’s attention, delivering news I think none of us were fully prepared for.
“Is there anything else we should do? Should we experiment with other treatments until we get back to Belmur?” Christine asks.
“We have the roseroot, and we’ll be near the Unterkirch borders soon for the lavender,” Jules says, her features souring like she remembered something before she adds, “But given what Marcel told me—”
I bristle and focus on Marcel. “What did you find out?”
Marcel has taken on sending and receiving letters by bird to Jean and Pierre, as well as his parents in Torgem, offering to keep track of any pressing news on my behalf to allow me and the others time to strategize and read over potential cures.
And pure hope stirs in my chest at prospective news.
He’s been keeping tabs on everything. Being the son of a spymaster has worked in our favor when we’ve strolled through towns. Between eavesdropping and showing a friendly demeanor toward the citizens, bar owners, and innkeepers, he gets more information about the animal attacks, the spreading infection, and where it’s safe to venture.
But the grimace Marcel wears and the press of his lips is answer enough.
Resignation thickens his voice. “Nothing good, I’m afraid.”
