Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 388

It feels like an eternity of struggle. Of push and pull, and evil over light. Eventually, Grimoire’s cool touch and its guiding force help restrain my magic and pull me back.

The sensation of temptation leaves me ill, but my focus returns to the small patch of ground in front of me.

My hands shake with relief over feeling like myself again, and I pull frigid air in short, panting breaths. "I don’t understand how you resist it so easily."

Who said anything about easy? The taint affects everything it touches. The difference lies in how we respond to its call.

He never seems affected. If anything, it’s like he’s almost removed from the effects.

I refuse to bow to it, that’s all. The same way you refuse to bow to those who would control you.

The comparison kind of stings, knowing how easily he can shrug it off and how I was almost sucked in.

Your insecurities feed its power over you. Stop doubting yourself. You know how to purify. You’ve done it countless times. Focus on that certainty instead of what might go wrong.

I’ve cleansed corruption before. I know the feel of it, how to draw it in and transform it.

I breathe deep, letting the crisp winter air fill my lungs until they twinge in pain. The taint pulses against my senses, but this time I acknowledge its presence without letting it overwhelm me.

My magic rises, familiar and sure. I’ve done this before. I can do it again.

That’s it. Grimoire’s approval washes over me. You don’t need to fight it. Just be stronger than its allure.

The corruption tries to seduce me with whispers of power, but I let them slide past. I know who I am. I know what I can do.

My magic flows smoother now, guided by confidence instead of fear. The small patch of earth beneath my palms begins to warm as the taint retreats before my steady advance.

Power thrums beneath my skin, building with each patch of earth I purify. The sensation reminds me of static electricity, making my hair stand on end. My fingertips tingle, and my chest feels tight, like I’ve swallowed lightning.

"Something’s different."

We need to address the magic you’re storing. Grimoire’s voice carries an edge of concern. But that can wait until we finish here.

The corruption retreats faster now, almost as if it’s eager to be transformed. Or maybe it’s just docile beneath my control. Each time I pull the taint in, more power builds inside me, at a rate much faster than normal.

Selene whines softly. Your scent has changed. The magic is affecting your body.

It doesn’t hurt, though. If anything, I feel stronger than ever. Energy courses through my veins, making me want to run or jump or do something to release this buzzing sensation.