Page 77 of A Curse So Vile

On the stone benches, the Ossorians sat, shocked by what they were witnessing. They’d been told she would be their savior. Now, they didn’t know what she was.

Brenna took a step towards them and found herself understanding them in a way she hadn’t earlier. Their duality caused them pain, but it didn’t have to.

She just had to get them to accept themselves.

“I understand the nature of your pain. The great shame you feel for merely existing. Over the centuries, you were constantly told you weren’t good enough because you weren’t whole. I’m here to tell you that’s wrong. You are who you are and there is no shame in that.”

Cole was helping the Denithians to their feet as Icaries paced anxiously. She smiled, reaching out to caress his soft fur.

“Constantine told you there was a way out of your shame, and while that is true, that path is not through the blood of innocence. You must embrace change and learn how to live with the duality of your nature.”

“That’s not possible,” someone gasped.

“The humans hate us!” came the voice of another.

“The path isn’t easy, but you’ll be better for it, and as time passes, you’ll grow to love yourselves. Even the parts of you that are human.”

Constantine’s chest rose and fell with molten rage. “You think they’ll ever listen to you?”

“You did say I was an ancient princess.”

“They listen to me, you disgusting little bitch.” He looked to Julian. “Take her to the dungeon.”

Julian looked at Constantine, then to Brenna. “No. I don’t think I will.”

“Excuse me?” Constantine said, offended.

One by one, the Ossorians rose from their seats, their eyes set on their leader.

Brenna could feel them questioning. Their confusion as they took in possibilities they’d never dared dream of. She’d never felt so many emotions, certainly not from others, as she had to rely on scent to know how people felt.

Now she could feel everything.

Ernestine appeared at Constantine’s side, offering a cutting smile. “Perhaps I can gorge my weakness away,” she said with a titter. “Would I be suitable, then?”

“Nothing’s changed,” Constantine seethed. “We have the Denithian’s best men here. The Den is ours for the taking.”

“I don’t think they really care to take the Den,” Julian said in a deadpan tone. “In fact, I don’t think they care to make the river run red with blood, either.”

“You fools!” Constantine backed away from the Ossorians, who were now approaching. “We still have her blood—the lone bloodline.”

Brenna could feel his anger turn to fear as the Ossorians crouched, and for the first time ever, looked at their leader as prey.

“Orrick was right,” Brenna shouted. “Tonight marks a new era. One where we can begin anew, but in order for that to happen, we have to let go of the past so that we can move forward.”

“You disgusting pink pigs!” Constantine shouted as he backed against the cathedral wall.

She looked to Julian. “Your robe?”

He pulled off his black ceremonial robe and gave it to her to don, though it was easily several sizes too big.

“We need to talk,” he said. “With both our pack leaders dead, maybe we can put an end to whatever it is we’re warring over.”

Brenna nodded. “Come find us when you’re done.”

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BRENNA