Chapter 19. Emily's Gift of Life

Emily's Pov

I don't take long to fall asleep in Benson's arms. My sleep is peaceful beside him. Even with the cold of the forest and the discomfort of the ground, it's comforting to sleep in Benson's arms. This causes a new awakening in my heart; Benson is protective of me. He didn't want to hurt me while transforming; it was possible to see the pain in his eyes with each bone break. I could never know how painful it must be to carry this curse, especially for as many years as Benson has carried it.

I felt happy to realize that my healing power, which I had never used on anyone but myself, had helped him tonight. I don't know if it broke Benson's curse, but the fact that on this full moon night, he didn't have to suffer made me happy.

When the first rays of the sun invade the crack in the cave, Benson gently wakes me up. His voice is low and hoarse near my ear.

"Emily, Emily..." he whispers my name, and I