'Do it,' I assert to Xander, surprising both him and Warrick. 'Free him,' I say to Xander, my voice steady, and then I walk away. As I turn, I jolt, feeling warm tingly sparks on my wrist that leaves me breathless. I glance over my shoulder, meeting Warrick's eyes.
'Thank you,' he whispers, his touch on my wrist gentle as he releases me.
I nod in response, joining Imogen and Orelious with Mister Kal by my side. Xander, however, remains hesitant, questioning my decision.
'Rose, are you certain you want us to take this risk? It's a monumental risk,' he warns.
'It's already a risk with all of us being here. As you've been reminding us since we arrived in Felderia, the sooner we find the blossom fox, the sooner we can return home,' I affirm.
Xander turns to Janie with evident concern. 'This spell takes a tremendous amount of power. We'll both be weakened if we're even capable of breaking the binding spell together,' he explains, his voice filled with caution.
Janie gazes beyond Xander's shoulder, locking eyes with me, before returning her gaze to him, determination shining in her eyes. 'We can do this,' she asserts, her voice unwavering. Janie reaches out and presses a gentle kiss onto Xander's hand that clasps hers. 'What do I need to do?' she asks.
Xander retrieves his small ancient tome from inside his trench coat, its weathered pages crackling as he flips it open to a specific section. 'We both need to hover one hand over the book and hold each other's free hand as we read this page together,' he explains. 'Our hands clasped represent the chain. As we recite the incantation, you will feel our powers merge. If the spell is successful, our hands will be forced apart, simultaneously breaking the ethereal chain that binds Warrick.'
Janie nods in understanding.
Xander locks eyes with Warrick, his gaze intense. 'Are you ready? He asks, his voice tinged with concern.
Warrick meets my gaze, his eyes filled with yearning, sending my stomach into a flutter. 'Darn butterflies,' I mutter under my breath.
A wide smile spreads across Warrick's face, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. I realise he heard my mumbling. 'Darn werewolf hearing,' I mutter, crossing my arms and looking away, knowing full well that he heard that too.
Janie utilises her levitation spell to make Xander's spellbook hover before them. They position a hand over the page, clasping their free hands together, and begin reciting the incantation in unison.
'With words so true and powers vast,
I call upon the magic's past.
Unbind the chains that hold thee fast,
Release the spirit, break the cast.'
Whisps of blue, green, and purple hues emit from Xander and Janie, swirling around them as they continue the enchantment.
'By ancient lore and sacred art,
I free this creature, set apart.
Ethereal bonds, now torn asunder,
Release the beast. Let freedom thunder.'
The whisps spin faster, multiplying in number as they fly towards Warrick. They encircle him and the ethereal chain, swirling with increasing intensity.
'From realm to realm, let it be known,
No more shall this creature be bound alone.
With this incantation, its spirit untamed,
Return to nature, forever unchained.'
As a burst of radiant light separates Janie and Xander's hands, our eyes widen in awe. We watch in amazement as the ethereal collar and chain shatter, falling to the ground and turning to dust upon impact.
Xander and Janie stagger, their energy depleted, as they gasp for breath. Warrick's hands instinctively reach for his neck, only to find the absence of the collar.
'You did it,' Warrick exclaims, a mixture of relief and disbelief in his voice.
'We did it,' Xander replies, his gaze filled with surprise and amazement as he looks at Janie.
Orelious and Imogen rush to their aid, helping Janie and Xander steady themselves and guiding them to sit beside the stags. As they recover from their weakened states, Warrick and I remain locked in a wordless exchange of emotions, our gazes speaking volumes.
Warrick steps closer with caution, the air crackling with an undeniable lust between us. We stand mere inches apart, Warrick's presence enveloping me. I can feel warm breath brush against my neck, sending shivers down my spine. 'I meant every word, Rose,' he murmurs, his voice filled with sincerity. 'I will get you back home. But no matter how you feel about me, it won't change my desire to touch, kiss, or be with you. I'll respect your boundaries and behave, but I warn you, it might be you who breaks them,' he says, his deep voice trailing off as he walks towards the trees.
'Wait, where are you going?' I call out, my voice echoing behind him.
'To fetch the flower you so desperately need,' he replies, his voice laced with pain.
In one swift motion, he removes his trousers and holds them in his mouth, transforming into his massive ebony-furred wolf form. With a powerful burst of energy, he darts into the depths of the woods. Without thinking, I give chase, my determination driving me forward. Though he outpaces me easily, I manage to stay not too far behind.
We run for what feels like an eternity until I lose sight of him. Inhaling deeply, I smell the air to pick up his trail and forge ahead in the right direction. A shadow catches my eye through the trees, and I push myself to run faster, hoping to catch up to him. But before I know it, I'm hurtling over the edge of a cliff, the ground disappearing beneath me. A scream escapes my lips, but as I brace myself for impact, a strong, masculine arm wraps around my waist, pulling me back onto the cliff's edge.
My back is pressed against Warrickâs chest as I catch my breath and think about how perfectly I mould against him. I shake my head at the thought and push his arm away from me and step away.