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Blotches of colored light throbbed within e of Nyfain turning and crouching down besideto the furnace in my middle, and prickles of pain turned into knife strikes, washing over s

“Finley,” Nyfain said, and hearing that deep, rough voice was like co home When had that started?

His poept throughto pullet out

“What the fuck are you doing?” Nyfain said, strain evident in his voice

“Couldn’t…work…that sword,” I struggled to say,to kick me out of the way and take over “Need…tutor after…all”

That hen I felt it The strong, sure pulse beckoningher to join hearts and minds and souls

Nyfain’s dragon was intent on protecting us On do us He called to ainst me to answer

“She can’t shift, you colossal prick,” Nyfain said, pickingme close He bent and retrieved the sword as well After a beat, he said, “No, I will not fucking shift with you in this state You’ll kill her She can’t shift with this curse! Stop calling to her animal!”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed ed I squeezed ainst the pain I didn’t knohere he was going, but it didn’t matter I trusted him

Nyfain turned his head just a little, his lips brushing the shell of ht even as butterflies swarmed my stomach

“Don’t give in, Finley,” he said softly, holding ive in to your animal The first shift needs to be done in the best conditions, when the shifter is at peak power and in the presence of a guiding influence This is the worst possible tion’s scent”

I squeezed ly, and so back to ot it back One heart keeping us both going

I slid my hand across his bare shoulder and up the side of his neck, to his strong jaith prickly stubble He stopped in his walk, suddenly silenced