Page 171 of Beast and Remedy
“Yes, and it should be here within the next day or two. We also took the king up on extra soldiers as we have had an increase of animal sightings over the last week or so,” Pierre comments, and I spare a glance at Beau, finding it a miracle we didn’t encounter any infected animals during our trip.
“Did you receive any reports on how Torgem and the other kingdoms are handling the animal attacks? The infection?” Marcel asks. “Last my father informed me, many beasts lingered near our shared border with you rather than near our home. And he told me they are receiving fewer illness reports.”
Jean releases a long sigh, the exhaustion he wears more visible by the simple cast of shadow over his features. “Torgem is doing the best out of us all. Palaena and Northtry have done well, keeping most of the animals away from their towns and lands, but there are still reports of the sickness happening amongst citizens.
“Unterkirch hasn’t reported many animal attacks, though they told us they are forcing their citizens to stay in their own homes to prevent the infection from spreading. Which is something new we don’t understand, given this happened with animals attacking and biting humans.”
“That’s because human to human, species to human, and even species to species now have different strains of the illness,” I say.
Jean and Pierre’s eyebrows shoot up, and I explain further. “In Unterkirch, their head healer relayed the findings of their own study of the virus. And I’ve taken some time during our journey to note the different strains and see how it has mutated amongst people versus animal.”
Across the table, Marian gapes, a hint of betrayal in her eyes. She grips her silverware, knuckles whitening with how hard she holds it. “You found this out inUnterkirchand didn’t tell me?”
“I wanted to read up on everything they recorded before telling you,” I rush out, scrambling for how I can explain and not upset her. “I-I-I only just got to their findings about the different strains last night before I had to go shift—”
“Whatever,” she spits, her features transforming into a scowl. “I see how it is. Use your magic as an excuse to not talk to me.”
Pierre and Jean regard me and my sister warily, their disappointment adding to Marian’s. Embarrassment has me biting my lip, second-guessing if I should even explain anything further. Heat flushes my cheeks, and the urge to excuse myself creeps up my throat.
Someone’s fingers caress my thigh under the table, grounding me.
Beau.
I move my leg and hope it is enough to evoke my gratitude as Pierre clears his throat. “Back to the discussion.” His eyes meet mine, and I scoot up in my chair and wipe away any guilt from my features. “What do you plan on doing next now that we have everything?”
My waves topple forward, and I tuck the loose strands back. “Work on formulating the ingredients together and ensuring we have the correct amount of each plant.”
“Wait, we can’t split it into equal parts?” Leo asks with his mouth full of food.
“It doesn’t always work out that easily, Leo,” Jules states. “Plus, we have to figure out if we need a balm or a tonic while also determining how potent it needs to be.”
“And how will you know when you’ve found the solution?” Pierre asks, his voice laced with doubt.
“Well, they do have a test subject,” Marian quips, her enthusiasm more passive aggressive as she points to herself. “Or did you forget?”
“We didn’t forget, Marian,” Jean says, trying to offer reassurance.
But she waves off the gesture, swirling her fork in the air. “Of course you didn’t. You know I’m teasing.” She tilts her head toward the window, her smile expanding. “Isn’t that right, Stefan?”
Confused, I look along her line of sight and see nothing.
Leo scoots close, whispering to Marian. “You mean me?”
She scoffs before she whirls on him. “No, I don’t mean you, silly. ImeanStefan.” Her eyes lock on the framed glass, and she hums. “He’s right there, talking with Mama and Papa.”
Everyone’s gaze falls on me as my heart stops.
Chills race up my spine, growing frigid and seeping into my bones when she twists to me, her brow arching. “Come on, Vi. You see them, don’t you?”
I shake my head. “Marian, they aren’t here.” She grimaces, and tentatively, I add, “The prince is in Northtry and Papa has been in Palaena. And you know Mama is no longer with us.”
She recoils as if I’ve slapped her and does a double take, blinking. “B-B-But—” Her brown irises line with tears. “I see her. Right there!”
She throws her fork, launching it at the window.
PANG!
Everyone bristles as her utensil clatters on the floor, but my eyes remain on my sister, her features fracturing at the seams as a wave of fury takes hold of her.
