Page 218 of Beast and Remedy
The torch light reveals nothing, and the heat of the flame caresses my skin, buzzing in tandem with my power. It scratches underneath my flesh, the impending warning urgent.
But I can’t shift yet. I need to find Marian, get her to the castle, and give her the cure.
Then I can change.
Steeling my focus, I close my eyes and tune out my heartbeat. I listen to the eerie forest, tapping delicately into the magnitude of my magic to guide me toward a trail I could track.
Claws themselves rip apart from my knuckles, power singing.
I bristle as it sweeps up my spine, the heavy weight stealing my breath. Clutching my chest, I fold over, gasping.
I wrestle the force trying to escape, pushing into my own consciousness once more and force my claws to retract.
Shit.
I know I haven’t shifted in a while, but please, Leander, give me a little more time. Please do not curse me. Keep my mind sound and me in control to find my sister—
A hushed voice stops me.
My eyes jolt open, and I spin to the direction of the sound.
Taking another step, and then another, I make out a second voice. Higher. Feminine.
Marian?
I pick up speed, darting through the trees as the noise grows. The distinguishable timbre of Beau calms me as I hear him speaking to my twin. Hefoundher.
Relief swirls in my chest, my body lighter and a soft smile forming—
“You are too late! You can’t help me. Deities, you can’t even help yourself,” Marian says.
My heart stops, and I falter, halting.
I hide behind a bush, unsure of who is armed as I listen carefully.
“Marian, if you’d let me heal you,” Beau pleads. “This is the infection talking.”
Marian cackles, long and dragged out. It’s so wicked it snuffs out my power and lets fear drag me down.
“This isnotthe infection talking. This is me, removing another stupid monarch who doesn’t deserve their gifts. Another monarch who steals the power instead of sharing it.”
“Marian, what are you—”
THWACK!
I cover my mouth as I gasp.
Someone grunts, and the other hisses.
I don’t know who is who.
Tremors rack through my body, my knees wobbling. I reach for my gifts to give me strength, but it’s quiet—silenced by the horror of my loved ones sparring.
Readying my breath, I gather courage before I make my move and break through the clearing, stilling.
Blood fills the air as Beau pulls out the arrow lodged in his arm as Marian launches. They collide and fall, Beau wrestling and evading her attacks, pain evident in his features as my sister’s vicious hysterics grow.
“You’re going to die!” She claws at him and tries to bite him. “Just like Mama.”
