Kamrynn's POV
Marwynn's chanting grew louder, her voice taking on an almost frenzied rhythm. She picked up the knife, its blade gleaming dangerously in the flickering candlelight, and approached me with purpose. My eyes widened in alarm.
"What are you-" I started to ask, but she cut me off.
"Stay still," she ordered. "This is part of the process."
With practiced precision, she made small, shallow incisions along my arms, shoulders, and legs, carefully avoiding my stomach. Each cut sent a fresh wave of agony through me, and I couldn't stop the sob that tore from my throat.
"I can't-" I choked out, my voice trembling. "This-this might've been a mistake-"
"Endure," Marwynn snapped, her voice cutting through my despair. "You are stronger than the poison within you."
Her words were like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge. I gritted my teeth, clinging to her belief in my strength. Then, something strange began to happen. From the cuts she had made, a thick, black liquid started to ooze out of my skin. It moved slowly at first, then faster, pooling into the water and darkening it until it was an inky black.
"What is that?" I gasped, my voice filled with shock and revulsion.
"Wolfsbane," Marwynn said, her chanting momentarily pausing as she met my gaze. "It has been poisoning your body, keeping your wolf asleep. But no more."
The sight of the viscous liquid pouring from my body filled me with equal parts horror and relief. The pain began to ebb as the last of the wolfsbane drained out, the burning sensation in the water fading until it was completely gone. The room fell silent, save for my ragged breathing.
Marwynn lowered her hands, her chanting ceasing as she let out a deep, steadying breath. Her shoulders relaxed, and a small, satisfied smile crossed her face. "It is done," she said simply, her tone tinged with quiet triumph.
The air in the room felt charged with an otherworldly energy as Marwynn helped me out of the tub. My legs trembled beneath me, the sheer weight of what had just happened making it hard to stand. The old woman's hands were surprisingly steady as she supported me, guiding me toward a small wooden bench while she drained the inky black water.
"The cleansing ritual is completed." She confirmed softly, her voice carrying an air of finality.
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could speak, a ripple of warmth spread through the back of my mind. It was visceral, soothing, and impossibly familiar. My breath hitched, and tears welled up in my eyes as the presence solidified.
"Kamrynn?" The voice echoed within me, tentative yet filled with wonder. "Is that really you?"
"Aryna?" I whispered aloud, my voice trembling with disbelief and joy. Tears spilled freely down my cheeks. "It's me. I've missed you so much."
Her presence grew stronger, enveloping me like a warm embrace after years spent in the cold. Her voice softened, the affection in it wrapping around my heart. "I feel like I've woken from a long, dark dream. The last thing I remember is… Sherelle's death, us getting thrown in prison. And then… nothing. Only silence."
"It's okay," I said, my voice breaking. "You're here now. That's all that matters."
"I'm so sorry," Aryna whispered, her tone laced with sorrow and determination. "I'll never leave you again, Kamrynn. Not ever."
"I'm just glad to have you back," I replied, my tears flowing freely. "We're whole again."
Her presence shifted, suddenly brightening with incredulity. "We are with pups?" Her voice was filled with astonishment and something bordering on awe.
A soft laugh escaped me through my tears. "Yes. Twins."
Aryna howled, her curiosity practically vibrating in my mind. "I have so many questions."
"I'll tell you everything," I promised, placing a hand over my belly. "But for now, just rest. We have time."
The sound of Marwynn clearing her throat snapped me back to the present. She stood beside the tub, her expression unreadable but her tone patient. "There is still more to be done," she said. "Step into the tub again."
I turned to find she had refilled the tub with warm, clean water. The gentle steam rising from it was a welcome contrast to the icy agony I'd endured earlier. Beside the tub was a small jar of balm with a faintly floral scent.
"Bathe," Marwynn instructed, handing me the jar. "This balm will soothe the incisions. When you are finished, meet me in the living room."
I nodded, my voice thick with emotion. "Thank you," I managed to say, my gratitude spilling into the words. "Thank you for everything."
Marwynn inclined her head and left the room with the same steady grace she'd shown throughout the ritual. I sank into the warm water, the heat washing away the remnants of pain. Carefully, I applied the balm to the shallow cuts, feeling the immediate relief as it cooled and healed the tender skin.
For the first time in over a year, I felt whole. Aryna's presence was steady, a constant hum of comfort and strength in the back of my mind. I closed my eyes, letting the realization wash over me. My wolf was back. I was back. Together, we were unstoppable.