The Beast of the Briar Woods

you may cho

t choose the

y sa

n, Nimue, but names do not mean much when you've lived through several lifetimes. There's no one to remembe

mentioned were familiar to me, and I had a feeling I knew who she really was. But I also wa

've helped people like you, of course," she replied.

stically. "You help people out of the

re are always consequences," the old woman replied, wagging her fin

d stop them. I wanted to see if I was correct, but I was also wor

led at me again. "Smart child.

d tell the children of our pack the stories about a fairy witch," I replie

lly through t

seelie court

only de

of boggart

of hel ope

"Yes, that was quite dramatic, and nothing I haven't heard before.

be some part of that was true. "Maybe, maybe I am cursed," I murmured quietly, thin

s really bent over laughing as if she'd heard the funniest joke in th

k of it, I hadn't relaxed since the moment I ran into Nimue.

st smirked at my astounded expression. "I can sense your anxiety. It's rolling off of you in waves. You should know, I won't d

d there. But a part of me was curious. After all, she did say I would have the choice whether or not to turn down

it you're offering?

o your problem! It quite simple, isn't it? I can make you the strongest

ack. I always had that option. But to be the strongest? And to not be afraid? That was not s

me think about this. This i

ave a choice now that I couldn't go back to the pack, and the other wolves we

pped down onto the rock, examining her fin

out, trying to buy myself some time. "What will

ing. I was right where she wanted me. "You believe in stories too much. I don't require any sort of payment –

d out, growing tired and

owerful werewolf in the lands," she muttered, rising from her seat and walking towards me, "you must giv

staring into my own. She pushed a stray strand of my hair aside

fall in love?" I asked, hoping to clari

was a life cha

ll another soul you care for them," the witch whispered as she circled me once m

of the witch nor the deal she offered. But I had to think twice about it. Like I s

s telling you what to do just because they're stronger or bigger than you?" Nimue asked from behi

I would be able to make my own choices. No one would bother me.

ore me with that secret smile resting on