Sage's POV
Everyone out, Lyra ordered.
The wolves hesitated. Cole stepped forward. Lyra, she needs protection
She needs space. Lyra's eyes blazed. Healing this deep requires absolute focus. Your Alpha is dying. Do you want to save him or watch him die surrounded by guards?
Silence. Then Cole nodded. Five minutes. Then I'm checking on you both.
The room emptied. The door closed. And suddenly it was just me, Lyra, and Kael's dying body.
Can you really save him? I whispered.
Lyra looked at me with ancient, tired eyes. I don't know. But you're the only chance he has.
She moved to Kael's side, checking his pulse. The black veins had spread again, covering his chest, crawling up his throat. His breathing rattled.
The poison is in his bloodstream, Lyra explained. To draw it out, you need skin-to-skin contact. Direct contact. The more surface area, the faster it works.
My face burned. You mean I have to
Touch his chest. Yes. She pulled back Kael's shirt, revealing scarred muscle and black poison spreading like spider webs. This will hurt. The poison burns everything it touches, including you. Can you handle it?
I looked at Kael's face pale, sweating, twisted in pain even unconscious. This stranger who'd called me his mate. Who'd looked at me like I was his only hope.
I can handle it, I lied.
I placed my hands on his chest.
Fire exploded through my palms.
Not the warm golden glow I'd felt before. This was agony. The poison fought me, burning through my hands like molten metal. I screamed, trying to pull away, but the Mark on my shoulder blazed and my hands locked in place.
Don't fight it! Lyra grabbed my shoulders. Let the Mark guide you!
It hurts!
I know. But if you let go now, he dies.
I bit down on my lip hard enough to taste blood. The Mark pulsed, and power poured through me ancient, furious, unstoppable. Black poison oozed from Kael's veins into my hands. I watched it crawl up my arms like living shadow.
Minutes passed. Or hours. I couldn't tell. There was only pain and light and the desperate need to save him.
Slowly, the black veins began to fade. Kael's breathing evened out. The terrible heat radiating from his skin cooled.
That's it, Lyra encouraged. You're doing it. Just a little more.
The last of the poison pulled free. My hands blazed one final time, burning it away to nothing. Then the light faded, and I collapsed forward onto Kael's chest, gasping.
Tears streamed down my face. My hands shook. But underneath me, Kael's heart beat strong and steady.
Alive. He was alive.
His eyes opened.
Silver, but clear now. Aware. He looked at me lying on his chest, saw my tears, and his expression softened into something that made my breath catch.
Who are you? he whispered, his voice rough.
Your healer, I managed. For now.
His hand came up, brushing tears from my cheek. The touch sent electricity through me. You're crying.
It hurt.
Something dark flashed in his eyes. Then why did you do it?
Because I can't watch anyone die when I have the power to save them. I sat up, wiping my face. Even stubborn Alphas who collapse in my apartment.
A ghost of a smile crossed his lips. Thank you.
Don't thank me yet. Lyra says this is temporary. The poison will come back.
Then you'll heal me again. His hand found mine, threading our fingers together. The bond hummed between us. And again. As many times as it takes.
It's killing me too, I said quietly. Every time I draw out the poison, it burns through me. I can't do this forever.
Kael's jaw tightened. Then we find who did this. Fast.
Lyra cleared her throat. You should rest. Both of you. That healing took more out of you than you realize, Sage.
She was right. Exhaustion crashed over me like a wave. I tried to stand, but my legs wouldn't hold me.
Kael caught me before I fell. Easy.
I'm fine, I protested weakly.
You just saved my life. You're not fine. He looked at Lyra. She needs a room. Close to mine.
Already prepared, Lyra said. Right next door.
Kael started to lift me. I pushed against his chest. I can walk.
Stubborn, he murmured, but he helped me stand instead.
We made it two steps before the door burst open.
Cole stood there, face grim. Behind him, a young woman with dark hair and calculating eyes watched us with barely concealed disgust.
Sorry to interrupt, Cole said. But there's someone here demanding to see the 'human healer.' He stepped aside, revealing the woman fully. This is Vera Thorne. Kael's aunt. Head of the pack elders.
Vera's smile was ice. So you're the girl who's bewitched my nephew.
I haven't bewitched anyone, I said.
Haven't you? Her eyes flicked to where Kael still held my arm. He's never let anyone this close before. Now suddenly, a mysterious healer appears, claims to be his mate, and he's ready to hand you the keys to the kingdom.
Vera. Kael's voice went cold. Watch your tone.
I'm simply looking out for the pack. Vera's smile never reached her eyes. We know nothing about this girl. Where she came from. What she really wants. For all we know, she's the one who poisoned you.
The accusation hit like a slap.
That's insane, I breathed. I just saved his life!
Did you? Or did you just make yourself indispensable? Vera stepped closer. What better way to control an Alpha than to make him need you to survive?
Enough! Kael's power filled the room, making everyone flinch. Sage is under my protection. Anyone who threatens her answers to me.
Vera's eyes glittered. Of course, Alpha. I meant no offense. She looked at me one more time. Welcome to Shadowpeak, Sage Winters. I do hope you survive your stay.
She swept out, leaving ice in her wake.
Cole waited until she was gone, then moved closer. Kael, we have a problem. I just got word from the patrol. They found another body in the forest. A rogue wolf, poisoned the same way you were.
And? Kael demanded.
The wolf had a message carved into its fur. Two words. Cole's face went grim. 'She's next.'