Chapter 65: Human Again

Koray looked up at the sound of boots crunching in snow and saw a pale-faced Lisay. "The Goddess bid me come," Lisay said. "What in Her name …" He swallowed, moved forward, and knelt beside Brekk. His eyes swept the blood, the peeling skin. Drawing a deep breath, Lisay placed his trembling hands on Brekk's back and let his eyes fall shut as he began to chant.

The soft prayers of healing filled the air and bit by agonizing bit, Brekk grew still. Koray felt it when he slipped into unconsciousness, but did not ease his grip. By the time Lisay finished his prayers, Koray was nearly asleep again himself.

Dragging his eyes open, he looked down at Brekk. His skin was still dark, but lighter than it had been; without the claws, horns, wings, and tail he looked … human. The Goddess had restored Brekk to full humanity. "Let's get him inside," Koray said, too tired to really comprehend what had just happened. "I can't believe the others slept through this, especially Emel."