Bitter Water: Ringfall Book 1 by E.N. Laurier

Author:E.N. Laurier [Laurier, E.N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-08-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Fletcher's hands shook, balled into fists on his lap. Though the Viotto family hunting cabin was warm, he was chilled to the very bone.

"You d-don't have to do this, Hazel," he said through a clenched jaw.

Hazel lowered their hood, letting out a sigh.

The trek to the cabin had felt longer than before, though the gentle snowfall and evening sun had cast a different feeling over their steps.

Hazel took a few steps towards the fire, arms folded behind their back."…No. I believe I do."

Fletcher sighed, pushing off the rocking chair to pace the room. Every step was halting and stuttered like an animal pacing its cage.

Their month in Austa had been pleasant enough, but it felt even better to be home again, especially with Ellen and Hazel in tow. But now, only Fletcher, Hazel, and the restless beast were inside the hunting cabin.

"What if-"Fletcher began, trailing off. "I- It's not a pretty sight, my love. I don't want to frighten you."

"…It can't.”Hazel's eyes watched the fire, sparks rising from the wood up the chimney reflected in their eyes."Or rather…you can't."

Fletcher halted at their side, jaw slack. "Do you know what you ask? The process is-"

Why did they have to insist on accompanying him to the cabin? The beast inside him needed to stretch its legs, but it was unthinkable to let it out while Hazel was there. It was a miracle and blessing that they had not seen him transform in Brairgarth.

"It's messy," he finished. "It's painful and unpleasant. I-"Sharply, he inhaled. His skin was already itched with the need to be pulled apart. There had been no chance to transform in Austa.

Hazel turned their eyes to him, their motion slight and intentional.“And you did it to save me,{“they said,”The last time I was here, it was a sanctuary from the howls of that night…but in Briargarth, the howl I heard brought me no fear."

Again, their eyes came to rest on him, a soft expression on their face as they glided across the distance between them. The dress he had bought Hazel fluttered with their movement as a hand came to rest on his.

"Besides it hurts to hold it back, does it not?"

Fletcher averted his eyes, swallowing as he studied the depths of the fire. "Yes. Terribly so."

Squeezing their hand once, he stepped back and shrugged his jacket onto the rocking chair.

"It's like an itch under my flesh," he murmured, shucking off boots. "I just-"Falling silent, he continued to undress until he was nude.

Hazel silently watched, letting their hands fold in front of them.

"Are you-you sure?" Fletcher pressed his hand to his mouth, already sharpening teeth pricking his palm. "Last ch-chance. I do not think I can put it off much longer."

Hazel's voice did not waver.“…I trust you…my love.”

Fletcher shivered despite the stuffy cabin air. "Please don't watch."

It was like exhaling. Fletcher squeezed his eyes shut and simply relaxed. There was no desperation or anger in it. It was just a return to his body's most comfortable shape.

A shudder ran through him.

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