The Beast And The Blessed

Fifty-Seven: Joselin

Joselin’s P.O.V.

I left the crystal hanging from the dagger in the ceiling.

Two guards were tasked with the job of watching and writing down every location Cora went to. Once we had all the data, we would have a better chance of figuring out what she was up to. novelxo Once we found her final location, we could attack. But first, we needed to be prepared for whatever trap she was setting.

The thought that she could be going around and capturing innocent witches, draining them to become stronger, came to mind. But she was moving too fast as she popped from place to place. She was going to exhaust herself and her magic quickly.

I sprinted down the halls, Tobias hot on my heels. The guards opened the door to Natalie's study for me before I reached it, and I barreled in.

They had brought up a bed from the infirmary. Flora and one of the other healers hovered over Cyrus, asking him questions. But his eyes were locked on me, and he didn't answer a single one.

The need to drop to my knees and apologize was burning through me. I wanted to beg for forgiveness, but my regret and guilt turned my stomach to stone.

His pale yellow eyes looked dull and lifeless as he ignored the healers. I stepped toward him, his eyes welled with tears, and my hesitant steps turned into a jog as I rushed across the room.

I had never been one to seek physical affection or comfort from others, novelxo and giving it to them was just as out of character. But seeing the familiar anguish and hopelessness in Cyrus's eyes, I couldn't help myself from wrapping my arms around him and holding his head to my chest as he cried.

The room remained silent; even Tobias didn't react to the intimate moment. I think they were all too stunned by my reaction. Even I was a bit taken aback.

Still, seeing the man, the one who had wormed his way into my family and my heart like the little brother I never had, crying broke me.

My fingers combed through his blonde hair as I pulled myself up to sit next to him on his bed, and he gripped my waist. He felt so vulnerable and weak.

For once, it was something that I didn't hold over him like I would anyone else.

Talia had raised me to see weakness as a flaw, something that made people worth less. She was wrong. She had been wrong about everything.

can still feel it." His words had me holding him tighter, wanting to stop his pain and fight his demons. novelxo My chest was growing wet with what I could

a moment for me to collect myself, to swallow down the emotion that it

open is traumatizing and hurts more than any physical pain ever could." I felt his fingertips press harder into my back,

had been the wrong thing

meeting Tobias's eyes, and I knew he saw

Tell him

cheek on Cyrus's head as I tried to think about what helped me. I had been a tortured soul when I was brought here. The trauma I experienced shaped me into the fucked up person that

and offering me his hand changed my life. He felt and looked like a drop of sun in a dark world.

at me from all angles, but I pressed myself

hope and kept me alive. Have some guards collect Blanche and some of her belongings. novelxo She should stay

was no need for me to wait for a response. I knew Tobias would run it by Killian and then do as I requested immediately. He

it often, but over time it will be less and less. novelxo At first, it may be every night. Then every other night. Until eventually, you only think

It was so hard

No. He couldn't know that this had happened because of me and the blood I had taken from him. Not right now. Not when I was the one he was seeking

unintentionally betrayed him in the worst possible way, I had to be the person he could

it, Joselin!’ He pulled back, his eyes boring into mine. "I could feel her

remembering that feeling. n.ove.lx.o It was horrible. There were times that I would wake up, and for a moment, my bed would feel like stone. The morning Tobias tied me up, the brief second of fear that I was back in the woods being chained up made me feel sick before I realized I was safe because

have reacted differently if it hadn't been over fifteen years since that traumatic experience. I had worked hard to overcome my trauma. Cyrus still had a very long journey

n.ove.lx.o and I heard Natalie sniffle behind me.' How... I can'tJt was so dark in

I whispered, pulling his face back against me. It wasn't just because I wanted to comfort him. I also

he had died a little inside. Part of him had been stolen, and he

support him. People didn't seek me out for comfort, novëlx.o so I had to imagine the

people could survive what he went through. I wasn't the same person I was before, but I

cleared my throat. "You aren't alone. When you are ready, we can even call Blanche

heal." His mutter was heartbreaking,

pull off these marks as