The Beast And The Blessed

Seventy-Three: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

Killian leaned over, grabbing my hand as I stared in horror at our pack. They were laughing and talking loudly as they dug into the first course. Drinks were flowing as they celebrated. The noise was deafening, and I heard a high pitch ringing in my ears.

But there was something alarming about the air in the room. It wasn't as dark as it had been in the infirmary, but I felt ill just being here.

I didn't want to offend the men who had risked their lives for me by staring with distrust, and I looked up at Killian as he gazed at me with confusion. "You don't feel it?" I asked.

Killian looked at me for a moment longer before turning and slowly examining the room. He shook his head as he looked back at me, and I turned away from him to meet Joselin's curious stare and Rona's annoyed one.

’You feel it, don't you?"

Both witches shook their heads, and I sank back into my chair.

"It's not right. Something is not right.’

The food in front of me looked delicious, but my appetite disappeared as I watched the pack dig in. The others may not have sensed it, but I did and trusted my gut.

I could not enjoy the evening when I knew something bigger was happening here. Something evil.

eating, and he glanced from me to

his food. They were watching...waiting. They trusted me and

eyes inspected each person for something to

I whispered again, as my stomach tied in a knot. The air felt

her brother and grabbed my hand, squeezing it as she spoke to me through the pack bond.' Don't worry. Nothing will happen here. Everyone had to cross over Joselin's casting to get here tonight, and there

but I also wanted to scream to the pack that they needed to run. Only,

feeling, one that no one else seemed to be having, and I didn't want to ruin their celebration because I was scared. Killian nodded to my plate

knew he was trying to calm me, but from how his eyes turned black and glazed over,

stood as they continued their conversations. But I knew they were on alert

me made my stomach turn, and I couldn't imagine holding anything down until the darkness

to look at

smiled brightly and lifted his glass to me before downing the drink. The way he held my gaze as

and thicker, the room dimming slightly as

Killian tensed further. ’It's here. It's too dark!" My hand grabbed

turn as my panic was noticed. I looked around the room, positive that my

seat, placing his napkin on the plate of food in front of him. Heath's

him to intervene. Several guards stepped forward as I shoved my chair back, allowing it to topple over loudly as I stood.

scream made the dining hall fall silent, and Tobias jumped out of