The Beast And The Blessed

Eighty-Four: Natalie

Natalie's P.O.V.

It was time.

The war was here... or rather, we were going to it.

There were a lot of people depending on me not to fail. I couldn't stay in that room. If I did, I would want to touch Killian, to know that I was safe and hadn't been transported back to the darkness.

I needed to fight through it, to stand on my own as a powerful descendant and not as someone who couldn't go more than a few minutes without touching someone to ground me to their realm. It was humiliating that our people had to see me that way, and I refused to let them witness me acting so weak.

If Killian's father was trying to send me a message, then maybe instead of resisting, I needed to listen.

Killian wanted to ignore what happened and tackle one issue at a time, but I knew in my heart that they were connected.

My pace increased as I stormed down the hall, and Tobias shot me a worried look when he realized exactly where I was heading.

The infirmary doors were still open at the end of the hallway, but there was no movement inside.

I paused just outside Lillian's room.

I didn't know what I was looking for, but my eyes scanned the hallway anyway.

"You have a message for me. I'm listening." I said as firmly as I could. But I still swallowed hard as I waited for a response, terrified that I was making the wrong decision.

whipping through the corridor, and my hair flew up as Tobias placed his hand on my arm. For only

a strong queen. I wasn't going to hide away, scared of the boogie monster.

will not be pleased." George said

closely at my back, all three acting like a protective barricade. But it was pointless as I

to play in this war. This is mine, and I will

the last thought to myself, not needing to encourage them that this was a bad idea any more than they

He shook, and I could see the debate on his face as he tried to decide whether to

knew without him speaking that he was telling me that no matter what happened, he would stick by my side. He understood that I

that realm with me. I didn't want to go at all. But I

I called out again as the faint whisper reached my ears. My guards stiffened, and I

"Darkness runs free."

Killian's lap, I heard the phrase repeatedly. Bound in the blood,

"Darkness runs free.”

protectively behind me, but there was nothing else here

understand. Bound in the blood, darkness runs free. What does that mean?" I turned once more, prepared to push open the door to

"It's too late."

my arms. They had come with me, and now we were all going to face my demons together. Somehow that made it easier than when I had been alone the day before. "No, it's not too late. I am here! I

a dark shadow figure appeared before us, letting out a piercing screech that made my hands fly up to cover my

distance, I could hear a stampede of people running toward us, but

scared of you. Speak! Why is it too late?" I demanded, stepping toward the figure and pulling my

"Darkness runs free!"

seem to come from the creature. It echoed around us from all angles, and I gritted