Antonia nodded and took a step back, not certain what to expect or what to do. It was then that Chedworth sank down on the sand. Pain radiated from his being as he pressed his hands against the sand.
It was nearly too much to stand as her hands and ears began to hurt as she experienced his pain.
Right before her eyes, the fingernails grew longer, and hair covered the back of each hand. He turned his head and groaned and that was when she noticed that his ear was now pointed and covered in hair.
Would this happen to his entire body?
Chedworth remained where he was, his breaths heavy from exertion and pain and then, in a blink, all evidence that he could be a werewolf was gone and pain fled her body.
He rested a few moments longer then sat back on the sand.
Antonia rushed forward. “I will find your answers. I will not sleep until I do.”
Chapter Eleven
Philip hadn’t wanted anyone to witness his changes. Who knew what would happen on the third night?
The first night had been a hand. The second night had been both hands. This was the third, but he saw no other changes, except his ears had pained him.
“Did my ears change?”
Lady Antonia nodded.
Was his nose next? Would he grow a snout? What of long teeth?
None of the changes were pleasant but were only physical. Inside, his thoughts and emotions remained the same, so he didn’t truly turn into an animal. Or that was his assumption, though he had no idea how animals thought or felt.
At least if he turned into a bloody wolf he could still communicate with Lady Antonia.
Bloody hell!
This was her fault.
But, as she may be the only communication he would have left after the full moon, he might as well get used to having her around.
And, if he fully turned into a wolf, he would not allow her to leave. She caused this and would stay with him.
Lady Antonia scooted away from him and wrapped her arms around her body.
When Philip looked at her, she winced.
Likely because it was more of a glare.
“I truly am sorry,” she whispered.
Her eyes were bleak and her skin pale, so much so that he could tell when there was hardly a moon to reflect off the water.
“Why did you collapse?” he asked after a moment. Even though he was angry with her, and scared of what was happening, worry for her had overwhelmed everything when he saw her unconscious in the middle of the entry. Even though he had tapped her face, she had not responded. She hadn’t even stirred when he carried Lady Antonia to her chamber and placed her on the bed. Her eyelashes hadn’t even fluttered. His aunt, however, had not been concerned and had simply stated that Lady Antonia needed rest, though he could not imagine from what.
Lady Antonia looked away. “That is not important. Reversing the spell is.”
Too many times she had avoided his questions, and him, and Philip was not about to allow it to happen now, especially since she had secrets.
He reached out and gently grasped her arm before she could run away from him again.
Lady Antonia winced as if he had struck her when he’d barely touched her.
Philip let his hand fall away. “I am not going to hurt you, and I can’t believe that you would think I would.”
