Page 112 of Beast and Remedy
It’ll keep going and going and going. Consuming me.Tormentingme. Until there is nothing left of me.
Nothing left to save.
Nothing left to fix.
And if I can’t stop this, who will?
I teeter on the edge of falling apart, wishing Marian was awake and here to help keep my churning thoughts at bay and save me from plummeting into an abyss.
A hand folds over mine, and I shudder, my knees wobbling.
Air. Blessed air returns to my lungs, and I inhale a sharp breath.
A prayer answered by the Makers themselves.
I don’t have to look, nor do I have to guess who it is.
Beau interlocks our fingers, grounding me, supporting me, as he squeezes my hand twice.
The scent of pine and lemon drift close, pulling me back from the chasm of desolation with each new steadying breath.
Beau’s arm brushes against mine as he keeps sending short pulses.
Our eyes lock, the melted honey of his irises soothing and calming me before he faces our friends. “If what you are saying is true, this might be our only chance to get the lavender.”
He doesn’t stop channeling his comfort, nor does he stop his unwavering support. “We all knew the risks before we set out on this trip. We all agreed we were better together than alone. And hearing bad news is part of the journey—part of a journey we all are meant to navigate together because that is what we do for each other.”
My heart skips, my gratitude growing beyond what I ever could’ve imagined. If I attempted to speak, I would have rambled and overcomplicated it. It’s gratifying having someone simplify the muddled thoughts in your own brain.
And Beau has always been like that for me.
“We stay the course. We keep helping Vi to create a cure. We keep pushing for Marian and for Draymenk,” Beau finishes, and I curl into him.
Leo releases a long sigh. “Well, what are we waiting for?” He moves, dragging us all in for a group embrace.
Jules and Christine snicker, Marcel grunts, and each of us stumbles awkwardly. I huddle between Leo and Beau, his fingers still intertwined with mine and sending waves of love my way.
Leo rubs my back, catching me off guard. “If anyone can help your sister, I believe wholeheartedly it will be you.”
I rest my head against him, quietly voicing my gratitude for his reassuring words and comfort.
“I am glad to hear you finally talking sense,” Christine retorts.
Marcel and Beau snort, and his sister, Jules, and I burst into a fit of laughter.
Leo breaks away, flailing his hands and stomping off to his rooms, muttering, “I say one nice thing, and it still gets thrown in my face.”
“Sleep well, brother!” Christine hums before turning to Beau and me. “We’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Vi!” Jules calls back as Christine drags her and Marcel to their chambers, warmth spreading across my chest from the love radiating from each of them.
Beau remains beside me as we wave them good night, still holding hands and watching their door clink shut.
When we are alone, Beau pounces, pinning me against the wall.
25
Emerald Eyes
