Bella

The hound shifts forms and I find myself pinned under the weight of a Fae man. I gasp for breath for a moment before using magic to push him off of me. I kneel next to him and check his pulse, it's steady. I sigh with relief and look him over.

He's wearing tattered clothes, and there’s a pendant of a howling hound around his neck. I pick the pendant up; it thrums with it’s own magic. I shake myself and drop the pendant to take stock of his injuries. He’s unharmed but his body is too thin, even for a Fae. I need to get him back into town and out of the cold.

I stand up and look around, there’s nothing nearby to use as a sled. A gust of wind sends my cloak billowing around me. I look at the edge of the cloak and sigh. I shed the garment, and with it my remaining warmth. With some maneuvering and more magic I get him situated.

I sit next to him centering myself and reapplying my glamour. It takes a few tries but I manage to cover the marks that brand me. Looking over at my charge I see he's still out cold. Standing up I drag him back into town.

I knock on Ian's door and he pulls it open a moment later. His mouth drops open when he sees what I'm carrying. "Is that..." he trails off.

"The Hound, yes." I finish for him. "We could both use some warmth."

He nods and helps me carry the Fae inside. Marcus and the others come into the room as Ian and I get the man situated on the couch. "That's the monster?" Troy asks.

I roll my eyes, "He was never a monster. Just a poor Fae who'd been cursed. He'll be fine now." I check his pulse and turn to Carrie, "Can you get some blankets? He's cold, and a bit emaciated, he'll need the extra insulation."

Carrie nods and hurries off.

Sarah kneels next to me, "Are you okay?" she asks quietly.

I nod, "Yes, I'll be fine. Took a little doing, but I was able to help him."

"How long will you be staying then?" Marcus asks from the kitchen.

I don't look at him, just watching the slow breaths of the Fae Hound, "I'll stay until he wakes and I make sure I've gotten the whole curse handled then we'll see."

"Well," Ian says, "You're both welcome to stay here for the time being. We're more than happy to help."

I smile up at him, "Thank you." I stand up and sway, almost falling on my face.

Sarah steadies me and tsks at me, "You need to lie down. Come on, Sally is worried about you."

I nod and let myself be led away, but steal a glance back at the other Fae, all seems well.