53 Something's Wrong

RETH

He was holding himself together by the tips of his claws. He stood at the edge of the path, less than a day's travel from the city, shuddering. His skin quivered and his beast tore at his insides. But he had to speak to them. He wouldn't be able to keep it together long enough to get to Aymora. He'd accepted that now. But that meant he needed a plan.

He called to the pride males again. They were coming on swift feet, but they'd kept their distance as they were instructed, leading him in the right direction, but not getting close enough for him to feel threatened. It was a risk to bring them in, but he had to do it.

He couldn't go back to Elia like this—and his beast0-self was driven by nothing else. He'd terrify her. She didn't even know he could shift. He needed Aymora and her soothing tincture. And he needed Behryn, and his steadying presence.

Damn. What was happening to him?