My Beast

12.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, painting the clearing in hues of gold and soft pink, Kieran and Elizabeth made their way back to the hidden sanctuary they called home. The remnants of the night's battle lingered in the air, a bittersweet reminder of the victory they had achieved. Kieran's arm throbbed, the fresh wound a testament to the ferocity of his opponent, but the adrenaline had dulled the pain for now.

"Do you think Luna will be awake?" Elizabeth asked, stealing a glance at Kieran. His expression was a mix of triumph and concern, the gem tucked securely in his belt.

"She never sleeps well before a full moon," Kieran replied, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "She'll be waiting for us, likely pacing the floor and worrying herself sick."

As they stepped into the castle, the scent of herbs and moonflowers greeted them, a stark contrast to the chaos of the arena.

Luna was indeed awake, her silhouette framed by the light of the rising sun. She turned, her sharp gaze assessing Kieran's injuries in an instant. "You foolish boy! What have you done?" Her voice, though filled with concern, had an edge of exasperation.

Kieran raised his hands in mock surrender, wincing slightly as he adjusted his stance. "It's just a scratch, Luna." He said while rolling his eyes

Luna stepped forward, her expression softening as she inspected the cut on his arm. "A scratch that could become infected if you're not careful. You're lucky Elizabeth was there to keep you grounded, as you put it."

Elizabeth felt a warm flush at the praise, but she quickly added, "He fought valiantly, Luna. You should have seen him!"

"I'm sure he did," Luna replied, her tone shifting to one of admiration. "But that doesn't mean he should be reckless. There are still others who will come for him."

Kieran nodded the weight of Luna's words settling heavily upon him. "I know. Lysandra warned me that we've made powerful enemies. I honestly think she said that to warn me that getting the next gems will not be easy"

"If she did then why didn't she just say that?" Elizabeth questioned, looking up to Luna for answers

"I don't know darling, the fae are always extra"

Kieran scoffed, "you used to be a Fae as well before you were cursed. "

"Hush now. Let me fix your arm" Luna attempted to grab his arm to see the scene up close

"No." Kieran snatched his arm back. I can heal myself. I do have magic"

Elizabeth set down across from Kieran looking over his arm. "you know, we can take a break. I'm feeling a bit queasy all of a sudden"

Kieran looked up, "really? You can go rest. I always turn into the beast around midnight. It would be foolish for us to keep looking for the gems."

"You only turn at Midnight. Can't you make yourself turn now if you wanted to."

Kieran chuckled," I could, but I would have to be in distress"

"Oh"

Elizabeth shifted uncomfortably, her gaze drifting to the floor as the weight of the conversation settled between them. "I just... I don't want to be a burden," she murmured, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

"You're not a burden," Kieran said firmly, his voice steady. "We're in this together. Remember what we promised each other? No one gets left behind."

Luna, sensing the tension, stepped in. "You both need to rest. And Kieran, regardless of your abilities, you should allow me to tend to your wound. Magic or not, it's still a risk."

Kieran sighed, the stubbornness in him wavering under the weight of their concern. "Fine," he relented, extending his arm toward Luna. "But only if you promise to be gentle."

With a small smile, Luna took his arm in her hands, her fingers cool against his skin as she examined the cut more closely. "You should really learn to accept help when it's offered. It's a sign of strength, not weakness."

As Luna began to work her magic, Elizabeth leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes for a moment. The exhaustion from the night's events crept over her like a thick fog. She could hear the quiet murmurs of Kieran and Luna, but they faded into a comforting background noise.

"You know, we really should come up with a plan," Kieran said, his voice low, drawing her back into the conversation. "If the next gem is guarded by those who want to take us down, we need a strategy. I can't keep relying on luck."

"We could scout the area first," Elizabeth suggested, her mind racing. "Learn more about the enemies we'll face. Lysandra mentioned a hidden village where information might be traded for favors. Perhaps we can start there."

Luna nodded, her attention still focused on healing Kieran's arm. "That's a good idea. Knowledge is power, especially in your situation. But we must be cautious; every step might lead us closer to danger."

Kieran winced slightly as a warm light enveloped his wound, the magic working to mend the torn flesh. "You always know how to make me feel better, Luna," he said, a genuine smile breaking through the tension. "You should have been a healer instead of a maid to a bratty prince"

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Kieran," she replied playfully, though her eyes sparkled with affection.

Once Luna finished, she stepped back, surveying her work. "There, all done. You should be good as new. Just remember to keep it clean."

Kieran flexed his arm, testing the healing. "Thank you, Luna. I really appreciate it."

Elizabeth stood up, shaking off her fatigue. "I think I'll take that break now. But after that, let's sit down and map out our next move. Together."

"Together," Kieran echoed, a determined look crossing his face. "We'll face whatever comes at us, side by side."

As Elizabeth made her way to her cot, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. They may have faced a fierce battle, but it was only the beginning. With Kieran by her side, she felt ready to face whatever darkness awaited them in their quest for the gems.