Page 163 of Beast and Remedy
“Of course. We can be still friends without discussing our magic.”
She halts, forcing me to stop and meet her. “Really?”
“Really, really.”
“I always dreamed you and I would be friends. But I never knew when it would come true.”
My heart stutters, my chest caving in at her sweet words. Emotion clogs my throat, but I manage, “I’m glad to be your friend, Sybille.”
Queen Verena steps into our proximity, her expression indifferent. “Thank you for visiting us and keeping us informed about everything regarding the virus.”
“That gratitude should be extended to you and your daughter,” I say. “Truly, your healers’ research and the lavender you are sending will be very helpful as we begin formulating a remedy.”
“I should hope so.” She straightens her posture, coldness and expectation lacing her next words. “And I should hope that, when we reunite in Torgem for the king’s name day celebration, we can finally put this matter to rest.”
Sybille squeals, jostling me. “You hear that, Vi? We get to see each other in person again!”
Her mother’s silver-gray irises flash, and her daughter’s enthusiasm ceases.
I mask the joy and excitement over Beau convincing Queen Verena to join up with us again, as well as give me another chance to earn more insight from Sybille.
Inclining my head to the queen, I reply, “The timeline is more than enough, Your Majesty.” I meet Sybille’s brown doe eyes with warmth. “It will be wonderful to see my friends again.”
“I promise to write.” Sybille bounces in place as I step away and mount my horse.
“And I promise to respond.”
Sybille lowers to a curtsy as my loved ones approach, and the Queen of Unterkirch politely waves to us. “Thank you for coming, and we shall see each other again soon.”
“And be careful of the shadows!” Sybille adds with her own farewell, and a shiver of fear latches onto my spine.
I try casting her words aside as we depart, but the warning doesn’t leave.
And when I tell Beau and the others, it remains hanging over us all as we venture toward Belmur.
36
Control
“Are you sure?” I ask Beau for the fifth time as we walk from our campsite and our friends.
Practicing my magic was the plan while we were in Unterkirch, and the very thought of it was dreadful until Sybille’s parting words left my mind reeling.
Now, all I want to do is think beyond what she said.
The farther we trek from our group, the more I rethink intentionally transitioning could be a healthy alternative to my racing thoughts.
But being cursed doesn’t sound any better.
“Learning more about your abilities and helping you make me more than sure,” Beau answers, his voice encouraging and loving, and my heart flutters.
I fight to suppress a grin.
We clear enough distance and come to a stop at a small alcove of trees, finally allowing me to remove my pack.
Nervously, I glance at it, debating whether I should undress. While I’m curious to learn if I can reduce the pain of shifting, I’m alsopetrified.To be so exposed—so vulnerable—so willing to release this control of myself to appease my magic’s whims.
All in front of Beau…
