Page 108 of When Roses Burn

I gently pulled a branch down and stroked one of the velvety buds at its end. The beginnings of an unfurling purple flower were tucked securely within.

“What the fuck?” I muttered.

CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

Knox

“You’ve returned,” Bertie said as she fluttered into the room.

When I released the branch, it settled back into place. “What happened to the tree?”

A beautiful smile lit Bertie’s face. “Briar’s potion is really helping to nourish the plants! They’re all thriving under our combined care.”

This should have pleased me; instead, it only irritated me more. Not only had she and the other sprites disobeyed me, but so had Dromon. “I left instructions that she was not to touch any plant other than the bleeding heart.”

“Yes, but once we realized her potion was working miracles, we believed it best for her to help us with the others.”

“I didn’t ask for your thoughts!” I spat. “I asked for her to be kept away from the other plants!”

Bertie’s curious look vanished as an unfamiliar expression of anger settled over her features. “We can’t keep up with everything and need help. The plants and roses are healthier than they’ve ever been.”

“This isn’t your kingdom!” I roared.

Bertie flinched before her shoulders went back and her chin lifted. I’d never yelled at her before; I never would have dared, as she only meant the best and had the biggest heart of anyone I knew, but this was the final straw in a long line of them.

“No, it’s not, but if it was, I wouldn’t be so foolish as to reject the much-needed help of a woman who clearly knows what she’s doing,” she retorted.

“And when she leaves? What will happen to the plants then?”

“If she leaves, then I’ll get the recipe for her potion, and we’ll continue to use it, though I don’t think it will work as well for us. She has a natural touch and her own brand of magic.”

“She’s leaving, Bertie.”

“Is she?”

“Yes,” I growled. “Once I find somewhere for her to go, she’s going.”

As I said the words, the beast rebelled against them, but fuck him too.

“Why?” Bertie asked.

“Because she’s a caster, and they are not welcome here.”

“I’m not sure what she is, Knox, but she’s certainly not a caster… or at least she’s not like any of the ones you know.”

“What do you mean?”

“I meant exactly what I said. What else is there to mean by that? She’s not a night or day caster; she’s something different. I suspect she has powers we know nothing about… and neither does she. She’s not bound to the sun or moon; she withstood her Needing and, in doing so, became something more.”

“Do you think she could break the curse?”

“She’s different, but I’m not sure one caster alone could ever be powerful enough for that. However, you’d be foolish to send her away before discovering what she can do because you don’t like that she makes you feel again.”

I recoiled from her, uncertain of how to respond, but before I could, Bertie let out a huff and departed with a rapid flutter of wings.

“Oh, and she’s in the healer’s room.”

Bertie’s words drifted to me from down the hallway. I almost yelled after her that I didn’t give a shit where Briar was, but I couldn’t bring myself to utter the lie. I was excited to see her, but I hated myself for it.