Legend of Me

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  My mouth gaped open. “I thought you didn’t like the Wanderers?”

  Gram snorted. “They’re dangerous, but loyal. And Raul, above anyone else, is in the best position to keep you safe. We need to keep you alive so we can find a way to break the curse. If you die, you’ll be reborn again and have to go through this horrible transformation once more. We need to find a cure. To end this, once and for all.”

  “But will Rhyne and Raul be able to keep themselves safe from me?”

  “They can take care of themselves. Tomorrow, when you leave, I’ll tell everyone you and Rhyne have run off together. The village gossips won’t question it, seeing as how you’ve been caught in his cousin’s carriage with him. Not to mention the two of you spend a lot of time together.”

  My gaze wandered to the fireplace, the flames dancing wildly. “What of Gertie, though? She’ll be hurt when she hears Rhyne has run off with me. And Bowman, he won’t forgive Rhyne for going—not if his cousin is along. You know how hard he’s tried to keep Rhyne from the Wanderers.”

  “He will recover. It’s better for him to be angry than to know the truth. Besides, Rhyne’s mother will handle him. She knows of our dilemma. She knows Rhyne and her people might be able to help you. Not to mention, Rhyne has his own reasons for needing to leave.” Gram kissed my cheek. “Now, finish packing your sack, then get some rest. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

  After all the confliction the last few weeks, I was going to leave Dark Pines after all.

  I had to. The longer I stayed here, the greater the chance I had of killing someone I cared about. Whatever ill feelings I had toward my neighbors, I didn’t want any of them dead.

  Worse, Gram said that there might be a way to break the curse. What would I do if someone found me and killed me before we find a way to beat this?

  It was still dark out when Gram shook me awake. “Time to get up, Brielle. Rhyne and Raul should arrive any moment.”

  I rubbed my swollen eyes and took the dress she handed me. Once I slipped out from under my blankets, I tugged the garment over my head then pulled on a pair of boots, fighting back the tears that burned at the edges of my vision.

  “Gram.” My voice choked up as I hugged her.

  “Oh child, don’t fret. You’ll see me again soon. For now, we must keep you safe. You don’t know how horrible it is to watch you die every time. Things have to be different this cycle. We have a few leads now. We will find the blood contract for this curse.” She stroked my hair then kissed my cheek. “Then we can end this for good. Now you wait outside while I fetch your pack.”

  Blood contract? What else didn’t I know?

  The cool air traced across my skin like icy fingers, causing it to pucker with goose bumps. I shivered, then turned to glance at our tiny cottage. Today, I’d say goodbye to everything I knew. There’d be no more sneaking off to the creek to meet Rhyne, or hunting in the woods. I wouldn’t be able to watch Gram make her salves and soaps. A sense of loss washed over me. Soon Dark Pines would be a memory, nothing more. How many times had we gone on the run in order to keep people from discovering my secret?

  In the distance, I heard the carriage, the jingle of the harness loud in the quiet of the morning. Raul reined in the horses, bringing the cart to a stop. With swift, easy movements, he hopped from the seat and came toward me. Behind him, I saw Rhyne in another carriage, accompanied by their grandmother.

  Raul smiled, his hair shimmering in the early morning light. “I told you we’d run off together.”

  Gram snorted behind me. “Don’t make me regret this Raul Tinker.”

  He took my pack from her and slid it into the carriage. “I’ll take good care of her.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of.” She stared him down.

  “Don’t worry, Loreen, I’ll make sure that my cousin minds his manners,” Rhyne said, coming up alongside us.

  “Let’s not forget what we discussed.”

  I glanced between the three of them as they communicated silently with looks and nods.

  “Brielle will be safe with us. I gave you my word and my word is my honor.”

  When Gram seemed satisfied, she shook first Raul’s hand then Rhyne’s before she faced me. “You take care, dear one. Stay hidden as much as possible and stick close to Raul.”

  He grinned, giving me a wink.

  “But not too close,” Gram muttered.

  I gave her a sad smile. “I’ll be fine. No need to worry.”

  She hugged me one last time before Rhyne hefted me onto the front seat of Raul’s carriage, then he hurried back to the second cart.

  Gram walked back to talk with their grandmother. I saw them nodding then heard Rhyne say, “We’ll take care of everything. Grandmother and I will see them passed the borders of Dark Pines and on their way. We’ll part ways before Fire Ridge as to not raise any suspicions. Folks here will think she’s run off with me, so if anyone decides to search for us, they’ll be looking for me too. Which means, I might be able to buy Bri more time.”

  “I know you have your own reasons for leaving, Rhyne, things you need to take care of, but thank you for watching out for my Brielle. Thank you both, I appreciate it.”

  “You’re very welcome. I know you would’ve done the same for my grandsons.” The elder Tinker patted Gram’s hand. “Now, Rhyne, why don’t you ride with Raul and Bri for a bit. I can handle this cart on my own.”

  Once Rhyne, Raul, and I were settled into place, Raul grabbed the reins and gave the horses a light slap.

  The cart jerked forward. I waved to Gram until we disappeared around the bend, away from Dark Pines and away from home.

  I wrung my hands together, wondering if I’d ever come back or if the curse could truly be broken. My gaze shifted to Raul, who sat tall against the still dusky backdrop. Why had he agreed to come with me? And how did Gram expect him to protect himself?

  With a sigh, I turned to Rhyne. “I’m sorry about you having to leave. I know how much you love Gertie,” I said. “You could still change your mind, you know.”

  “I love her, but you’re my best friend, Bri. I’ve known you since we were children. And I have to do what I can to help you. Besides, by aiding you, I’m going to be able to keep her safe.” He sat quietly for a moment, then said, “I’m leaving just as much for me, as for you Brielle. There are things I need to take care of too. Things I’ll tell you about soon.”

  “I’m scared,” I whispered.

  “I know. But I’ll be here for you. So will Raul.”

  Raul cast me a sideways glance. “Things will work out.” He caught my hand in his, entwining our fingers together. “Your gram has already devised a plan. In about a month she’ll announce she’s received word from you and has decided to leave Dark Pines in order to come live in our new home.”

  “How long have you known I’m the Beast?”

  His thumb drew circles across my palm and he glanced at Rhyne. “Since you were twelve and I was seventeen. The first time Kenrick’s family came through.”

  “But you two brought me to see your grandmother.”

  “I brought you to her because I’d hoped she might be able to shed some light on your affliction, or find something your gram and I missed.”

  “Even after everything you witnessed you wanted to be with me?” My brows knit together as I studied him.

  This time he met my gaze. “Yes. You’ve always been a sweet, innocent girl. Back when I first came to Dark Pines, you were the only one who’d even speak to me. Everyone else avoided me, unless, of course, they wanted something.”

  His jaw clenched and he glowered.

  “I recall your grandmother coming to my stand in the market to buy herbs from me with you in tow. And you stared at me as if I were the most interesting person in the world.”

  I smiled. “That’s because you are the most interesting person I’ve ever met.”

  He chuckled as he faced the rut-filled road on
ce more. “You surprised me that day. I never expected us to become fast friends, much to your grandmother’s chagrin. She accused me of spoiling you with gifts and outlandish stories. But I could tell she approved of my actions. Then about a week after my arrival, I happened to be traveling in the woods after sunset when I spotted you wandering through the thicket. Your grandmother followed close behind, carrying a bucket. Then, right before me, I watched the transformation. The sound of your bones cracking seemed to surround me. Your skin stretched, rows upon rows of teeth filled your enlarged mouth … claws … ”

  I closed my eyes; my stomach churning with the thought of anyone seeing me in that state.

  “Within minutes, you tore through the woodland and took down a drunken soldier on his way home from the tavern. I stared as Loreen cleaned you up, whispering that everything would be all right. It was then she noticed me. At first, I thought she might kill me, but instead she invited me back to your cottage, pleading with me not to tell anyone. It was there that she confronted me about my being a witch, and asked me to help find a way to break your curse. Since that night, I’ve traveled everywhere trying to locate not only the cure, but evidence of the blood contract.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I care about you and you didn’t ask for this, nor would you in your right mind intentionally hurt someone.”

  He cared about me? Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. I’d been waiting for so long for him to tell me this, but how could he truly care for me when I was a killer? He deserved better than me.

  “But I’m a monster.” My voice raised several octaves. “Don’t you understand? I could hurt you. Just being with me is dangerous.”

  He squeezed my hand. “My powers protect me.”

  I felt a surge of energy drift up my fingers and arm. My skin warmed instantly as if someone had poured hot water over me. His body glowed against the bleakness.

  My hair stood on end when his power coursed around us, tiny flames igniting the air. A low hanging branch burst into fire, showering sparks onto the road. No wonder Gram said he was dangerous.

  My eyes widened as I gaped at him. “Does anyone else know about this?”

  “Only you, Loreen, and my family.”

  “Is this how you protected me from the wolf?”

  “Yes. I burned his neck when I grasped hold of him.”

  My eyes shifted to Rhyne. “And what about you? Do you have powers too? Is that why I saw your eyes glowing in the village that night?”

  Rhyne nodded. “Yes. I wanted to tell you, but I know how badly my father felt about the Wanderers already, and I didn’t want to chance him overhearing us talking or something. But that’s also why I’ve been spending so much time with Raul and my grandmother, learning to control them. It’s my main reason for leaving the village. So using you as my excuse, actually worked perfectly.”

  “We’re quite the group, aren’t we?” I said, glancing at them.

  “You can say that.” Raul laughed.

  We rode for several hours, stopping only to let the horses rest for a bit and to relieve ourselves in the woods. We kept a steady pace until dusk, when Raul eased the carriage off the road and into the line of trees. Their grandmother followed suit, however I noticed that she’d chosen to stay further down from us. I wondered if it was because she was scared of me or if she had some other reason?

  When Raul saw my watching her, he smiled. “She’s trying to give you some privacy, don’t take offense.”

  He unhooked the horses’ harnesses and led them to the stream for a drink then came back to set up camp. I fetched our bedrolls from the cart while he gathered firewood.

  Once he got back, Rhyne took over and arranged the dry pieces of birch and pine, then he grabbed his flint. After striking it a few times, the fire caught. It roared to life and I realized some of that was his doing.

  “Oh, my—” I gasped as the flames flared higher.

  “This is what Raul has been working with me on. Controlling my ability to use fire. Sometimes, I don’t realize how reactive it is to me.” He grinned as he dug through a leather pouch, securing dried venison, bread, and cheese for our dinner.

  Wind whispered through the treetops, causing dead leaves to float to the ground. The scent of smoke and autumn tickled my nose as I inhaled deeply.

  Raul handed me some food, then sat across the fire from me. He looked at home out here in the forest, as if he thrived off the earth’s essence. I took a bite of the dried meat and watched the shadows shift around us.

  “Should we take turns posting guard tonight?” I focused on the inky black woods.

  “No. I’ll set up a protective circle around the camp before we bed down,” Raul said.

  Wild animals howled and growled somewhere in the distance, and I cringed. I didn’t know why I was so scared. The wolves might be strong, but I knew of a far more horrific creature that roamed the countryside.

  Me.

  I was the Beast of legends, a scary story told around campfires to frighten children. And they had every right to be terrified, the trail of bodies I’d left behind proved as much.

  “Why don’t you crawl into your bedroll and get some rest?” Raul gestured next to him.

  “Wouldn’t it be safer to sleep in the carriage?”

  “You might transform in the middle of the night and it’s easier if you aren’t confined,” Rhyne said.

  “I-I don’t know if I’ll be able to sleep.”

  “In a few minutes you won’t be able to stay awake.” Raul brushed breadcrumbs from his breeches then stood. He took a dagger from the belt at his waist and drew a circle around us in the dirt. Under his breath, I heard him mutter a few words.

  A pop sounded, followed by a whoosh! Fire formed within the ring he’d drawn. The magic was so thick I could almost taste it.

  At last, Raul lay down beside me. “Close your eyes.”

  Rhyne curled into his bedding across from us. “Goodnight,” he said.

  “Goodnight.” I tugged the blankets up to my chin and let my lids drift shut. Raul started to sing a soft lullaby, in a language I didn’t understand, although if I had to guess, it was probably Romany.

  The beautiful tune danced in my ears, soothing me. I felt his arm drape across my hips then fell into slumber.

  I jerked awake as a hand clamped down over my mouth. Scared, I struggled to get free.

  “Stay still, someone is in the woods,” Raul whispered in my ear. When he seemed assured I’d comply, he released me and reached for his dagger. The magic circle dissipated.

  Gertie rushed into the campsite like a rabid animal and went after Rhyne, who’d just climbed from bed. “You bloody arse! What kind of man runs off with a woman when he’s engaged to another?”

  Rhyne grabbed hold of her arms to keep her from swinging at his face. His lips turned up at the corners. “Your family didn’t approve of me, so why would I keep trying to impress them?”

  My heart hammered loud in my ears. Oh no. I didn’t want this for Rhyne. I knew what he was doing, trying to make her think he didn’t love her. How had she found us?

  “What does it matter what my family thinks?” She stood toe-to-toe with him. “I’m the one who agreed to marry you.”

  Rhyne’s jaw clenched. “I realized too late that you’re nothing more than a friend. My da pushed me into it, he wanted to me to marry you. Don’t you get it, I can’t love you. Now get the hell out of here before you force me to do something I might regret.”

  “Please, stop fighting.” I stood and pushed my way between them.

  Gertie turned to me. “Brielle, this is your fault. It’s your fault that he won’t come back to Dark Pines.”

  “What is all this commotion?” Rhyne and Raul’s grandmother came into our campsite, her eyes wild with fright, walking stick in her hand.

  “Everything is fine, Grandmother,” Raul said. “Go on back to your wagon. We’ll handle this.”

  When she
noticed Gertie, she nodded, her gaze flitting over us. “Very well.” She hobbled back into the darkness of the tree line.

  With a sigh, I turned back to Gertie, chewing my bottom lip. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her. But I couldn’t chance putting her in danger. “Gertie, you don’t understand, Rhyne and I are in love. I chose him. You know how much I care for him; you heard the rumors about us. Well, they’re all true. Now be reasonable, don’t embarrass yourself—just go.”

  Rhyne shot me an encouraging glance that said to keep up what I was doing.

  “How could you? Bri, you helped me meet up with him. Why would you do that, if you loved him? You wouldn’t have helped him be with another girl.” Gertie glowered.

  “Wouldn’t I? We needed a cover and you were it. I’m sorry, Gertie, you’re really nice, but Rhyne and are together now,” I said at last.

  Her confused gaze met mine then she turned to Rhyne once more. “This isn’t a game, Gertie. I wanted to leave, can’t you accept that?”

  She gripped hold of his arm, forcing him to face her. “If you can look me in the eye and tell me you don’t care for me, then I’ll leave.”

  Tears blurred my vision. Why did she have to do this now? I didn’t want to be the reason they couldn’t be together, but I knew this curse had to be broken and if Gertie tagged along, it meant one more person I might kill.

  “I don’t care about you,” Rhyne said in an even voice. “Tell me what Dark Pines can offer me? A girl whose family hates me? Your friend Sarah Weaver always talking about how I’m half Wanderer and will never amount to anything? Don’t you understand? I want more than that. I want to see the world. This isn’t about you, Gertie. This is my life and I plan to spend the rest of it with Brielle. I love her and nothing you can say will change my mind. She understands me—she’s always been there for me. And she didn’t need to ask her gram’s permission to marry me. Loreen accepted me for who I was.”

  Pain stabbed through me as I watched the hurt radiate on her face. I didn’t want to do this. But the alternative would be worse.