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They could not change her back human. Celeste, however was able to heal her mind by nullifying the animal parts. She was able to settle down and respond reasonably, her body didn’t hurt and she understood she couldn’t survive much longer in such a state. Without her magics, Samantha was reconciled to her fate.
Wilder stood back watching the witches work. They were being very cautious of the alchemy, even though Suzanne assured them confidently the alchemy had run its course, and there would be no crossover or interference. He felt no sympathy for the crone. She was an enemy that got what she deserved as far as he was concerned. But he understood the need Velvet felt to help Samantha. In her eyes, it was Jerome’s doing and Samantha was the only one paying for it. Besides, Velvet still had a heart, a heart he longed to feel beating against his body again. Yes, he still loved her and desired her as much as ever. He didn’t need to be her lover. Sex wouldn’t bring them any closer.
Velvet collected the candles and potions and relics, handed them to Suzanne to pack away in her mojo bag. Celeste watched them almost reverently. She longed to be like Velvet. Too bad, Wilder thought, if she failed to see the value of what she was as a natural healer, stronger in that way, than even Velvet.
“Are you ready, Samantha?” Velvet stood between Suzanne and Celeste holding them each by a finger.
Wilder saw the slight rise of Samantha’s head. It was the only response she could manage. He watched Suzanne’s solemn expression. She wasn’t sad or happy, just doing what was necessary for her life to be lived in peace and normalcy. She had indeed managed to attach herself to Velvet’s hip and was proving quite useful. She also had given Velvet a child. That worried him, a human child that came from Samantha. It was good then they were destroying the crone.