Wanderlust Beastkin, Beauty and the Beastkin

Beck’s Perspective

"I refuse to let you leave a mark on me!"

"I wouldn’t even consider it; if anyone were to leave a mark, it would surely be you," I blurted out, only to realize the implications of my words. Did I just imply that she had the power to mark me? What on earth did I just say? She scrutinized me from head to toe, taking a moment to truly observe me for the first time, then placed her free hand on her hip, tilting her head slightly in contemplation.

I cleared my throat, eager to shift the conversation. "Actually, I didn’t come here looking for a partner. My brother sent me on behalf of your friend Perla. She requested assistance to send someone ahead to keep an eye on you and the situation while she makes her way to rescue you." freёweɓnovel.com

In an instant, she dropped the vase and collapsed to the floor, sobbing loudly. "Thank goodness! Perla hasn’t forgotten me; she’s coming to save me! Thank goodness."

Trembling and weeping, she hugged her knees tightly. I gave her a moment to gather herself before kneeling at a distance and rolling one of the healing potions toward her. She looked up, her expression turning to confusion as she picked up the bottle, slowly realizing what it was. Once she recognized it, she quickly uncorked it and drank it down. I then rolled over two more potions, one after the other, and she swallowed the second before tucking the third away.

"You can go ahead and swallow all of them, I have more," I said.

"Do you have enough for Skye?"

"Your bat friend?"

"Yes."

"I have enough."

She extended her hand, anticipating another offering from me, and I responded with a gentle, reassuring smile. It was understandable that she struggled to trust me completely after all she had endured.

I rolled over a few more bottles to ensure her friend had enough as well. After tucking them away, she downed a third healing potion and made her way to the bed, swaying slightly. While healing potions could mend injuries, they often left one feeling fatigued afterward, as the body was working hard to recover so quickly.

"Don’t pull any funny bus...iness," she slurred as she stumbled toward the bed. I couldn’t help but smile indulgently; she was quite adorable.

Once she had drifted off to sleep, I tiptoed over to avoid startling her. My magic horn began to glow, and a delicate stream of medium purple light emerged, wrapping around the collar and dissolving it. I repeated the process for the cuffs on her ankles. I preferred to keep my aura hidden from outsiders unless absolutely necessary, so it was fortunate that I could use my abilities while she rested. I quietly exited the room to give her some privacy, gently closing the door behind me. This should help her sleep more soundly.

After stepping out of the room, I cast a glance at the other door, a heavy feeling settling in my chest. They likely had that poor girl Skye trapped in there as well, and she didn’t seem nearly as courageous. I could only imagine how frightened she must be, and my presence would probably only add to her fear. I noticed a small flap at the bottom of the door, designed for sliding in meals. It seemed intended to allow the staff to deliver food without causing a disturbance. I quietly lifted the flap and slipped in some healing potions, keeping my silence. I planned to have Elara enter the room once she regained consciousness to explain everything. That seemed the wisest choice since Skye didn’t know Perla and had no reason to trust me. Then an idea struck me that might lift her spirits: I could go hunting and bring back something for her to feed on, sparing Elara. That should help mend our relationship significantly.

As I made my way out, I spotted three plates of food set on a table between the two couches. I considered grabbing a bite before heading out to hunt, but as I approached, the aroma of herbs wafted from the dishes. I wasn’t a healer, but I could tell the herbs were added subtly, meant to go unnoticed. Fortunately, having a heightened aura sharpened my senses, and I quickly realized the food had been drugged. Without hesitation, I picked up the plates and discarded the food in a trash bin. I would have liked to burn the food to eliminate any evidence, but who knew what might happen if those herbs were set ablaze? I couldn’t help but wonder what their true intentions were towards me; I would need to tread carefully while I remained here.

I quietly slipped out of house number seven and cast an invisible barrier bubble around the entire manor. This way, I wouldn’t have to fret about anyone entering or leaving while I was gone, unless their aura surpassed mine, which was quite improbable.

As I exited the visitor’s area, I was pleasantly surprised that no one halted me or posed any questions, a refreshing change indeed. I made my way toward the woods, though I had a preference for fishing over hunting land animals; Skye, on the other hand, likely favored draining the creatures of the land.

Wandering through the woods, I noticed adorable little animals scurrying away from me, despite my complete aura concealment. Suddenly, I heard some rustling from behind a bush and, using my heat sensing vision, discovered a large wild boar hidden there. A purple light emanated from my horn as I enveloped the boar in a barrier bubble, gently lulling it to sleep. By removing the air from the bubble, the boar succumbed in mere moments while it slumbered. I truly dislike taking lives, so when it becomes unavoidable, I strive to do so in the least painful manner possible.

I circled around the bush, using my horn to keep it elevated within the bubble as I made my way back to the visitor’s quarters. Surprisingly, no one stopped me or posed any questions, and I entered house number seven without any trouble. It was only moments after stepping inside that I sensed a surge of energy and noticed a yellow light pulsing. Then, I heard Elara’s groan filled with pain; her magic was awakening. It must have been excruciating for her, as her powers were meant to surface long ago but had been stifled by the suppression collar. What a cruel fate to impose on someone.

I placed the boar down and hurried inside, retrieving a healing potion to carefully trickle into her mouth, ensuring she wouldn’t choke. She swallowed and reached for my hands, holding the bottle to her lips as she drank deeply. A sigh of relief escaped her, and after a few moments, she opened her eyes. The vibrant, infinite green of their essence reminded me of a vast, blooming meadow, and I found myself irresistibly captivated, as though I could lose myself in their depths for an eternity, far beyond what was deemed appropriate.

I reluctantly turned my gaze away and focused on the ground. "When you’re ready, I’ve brought a wild boar that we can take to your friend, who I believe is in the other room. I hesitated to check on her, fearing I might surprise her. I thought it would be best if we went together so she could drain the boar. After that, I can prepare the meat, and we can enjoy a delightful meal."

Her eyes widened as they met mine, and I gestured toward the boar I had left just outside the door. It was quite large, enough to satisfy the vampire bat girl until she had enough reserves. After this, she wouldn’t need to feed off Elara.

After glancing at the massive boar and then back at me, she rewarded me with a radiant smile that brightened her entire face. "Thank you! I’m feeling much better now. We shouldn’t delay in bringing the boar to Skye, or the blood will cool and thicken. This will be perfect for her!" she exclaimed, and then her stomach growled audibly, causing a deep blush to spread across her cheeks. "I’m a bit hungry too, so I really appreciate this."

As we walked in silence, I hoisted the boar onto my shoulder, a task I usually wouldn’t undertake in such a manner. I wanted to keep my aura hidden from her for now; it often startled beastkin or made them see me as a potential mate, and I longed for someone to appreciate me for who I truly am, not just for the energy I radiate. There was a hint of absurdity in allowing myself to linger on such thoughts, particularly when my mind should have been solely on the rescue mission at hand. Yet, Elara possessed an enchanting allure that was impossible to resist, and I found myself irresistibly drawn to the idea of getting to know her.

Coming Next Time: Meanwhile in Duarte Village: Elara’s Magic