Page 90 of WitchBorn

Everything is really dark. Can you find me?

I’m not worthy of you.

You are, honey. Please, find me.

A flicker, faint and distant, burst to life like a tiny candle flame lit in the depths of the darkest cave. I latched onto the glimmer of hope, pulling myself toward it with desperation. The light intensified, cutting through the darkness like a blade. It was warm and familiar as I drew closer. But it burned.

Too hot.I flinched, hesitating in the dark with the barest touch of the brightness against my skin blistering as though it burned like a furnace.

Honey?

I trembled, crawling a few more inches toward the light, mind screaming as it burned away the dark. I had to stop again, the pain too much.

It’s okay, honey.

Wesley.I clung to the memory of him with every last ounce of strength I had.It hurts.The pain blacked out the clarity for a few seconds as the beast forced me to retreat back into the dark.

Love,Wesley whispered, his voice faint.Don’t go.

The beast snarled and fought, dragging me back into the dark, its rage clawing at my sanity. Common sense would have the wolf and I hiding in the dark to ease the pain, but that’s what the beast wanted. It thrived in the dark, demanded control.

No.I growled at it, forcing myself to inch toward the light again. The beast basked in pain, grew in strength as the darkness overrode everything. I hated it.

It’s part of you,my mind reminded me. I’d been born with this nightmare.Witchborn.

It’s only as dark as you let it be. Wesley whispered. But there was nothing but darkness. How could he see anything beyond it?

Please, help me.I thought, the word a cry from the depths of my soul.

I’m right here, waiting for you.

Tired.I desperately wanted to hold him, bask in his strength, but feared he’d be ripped from me as well.

I’m no damsel to be saved, Finn. You saw what I could become.

The shift to his Stag during the battle echoed in my memory, a rage I’d never expected from the majestic beast, and yet he’d grown as large as the forest, his hooves and antlers deadly.

You are so fucking beautiful.I thought, hoping Wesley would catch it.

Then why are you hiding in the dark?

Because the light hurt.

Why are you letting the past keep us apart?

I stared at the light, so close, and yet so far away.

Wesley.

Yes, honey. I’m right here.

I’m not perfect.

I could sense his snort.No kidding.

Was it still okay to love him?

Yes.