Kael's POV.
I burst through the packhouse doors, my boots slamming the stone floor, Aria limp in my arms, her wet dress heavy, her silver hair dripping, her face pale as moonlight.
My heart pounded, my chest tight, my side burning from the unhealing wound, but my fear for her was sharper, my wolf, Zeus, whining, his panic loud.
The river's cold clung to me, my ash-gray shirt soaked, my arms shaking as I held her close, her body cold, her breath so faint it scared me.
Guards froze, their eyes wide, maids gasping, their hands over their mouths. "Get the physician!" I shouted, my voice booming, my eyes burning, my heart racing.
"Now!" The guards nodded, their armor clinking, running off, their steps quick.
My heart broke, my fear choking me, Aria's life slipping, my love for her pushing me forward.
I carried her to our room, the halls dim, torches flickering, my boots heavy, my arms tight around her, her weight light but heavy with meaning.
