DEATH WISH

DEATH WISH
Chapter 32

“Hey, you are okay, we will get you to the castle to get some rest,” Clio said as she placed Royanna's hand around her shoulder, despite how drained she was, she desperately wanted to get Royanna to safety. Jira joined in to help balance out Royanna's weight and make their journey back easier.

“T–Thank y–you,” Royanna whispered, her words barely audible.

Suddenly, Royanna's knees buckled, slipping out of their hold, and collapsing with a thud.

“Royanna!” Clio screamed, trying to catch her, but it was too late. Panic surged through her voice; she fell to her side, along with Jira, and they lifted Royanna, tapping her face to bring her awake. “No, no, no! Royanna, wake up!”

Jira grabbed Royanna's trembling hands searching for a pulse. “She’s not responding!” she cried, “We need help!”

The others rushed closer, but they were all shaking, weak, barely able to stand after the ordeal.

Clio pressed her palms against Royanna’s chest, shaking her frantically. “Don’t you dare die on me! Please, Royanna, open your eyes!”

Jira looked around wildly, her face streaked with tears. “Benedict! Go, get the commander. Now!”

Benedict stumbled off with a few others, tiger boots dragging them down even in their attempt to move faster.

Clio continuously shook Royanna, she pressed her palm on Royanna's forehead and felt the heat radiating off her. “She’s burning up!” she gasped, pulling her into her arms.

“Don’t panic, help is on the way” Jira said, clearing the lump in her throat. She was doing her best to keep herself together. Whispering a silent prayer, as they waited for Benedict to return with help.


BACK AT THE CASTLE

Lir sat behind his large desk, his quill scratching lightly against a parchment when suddenly his hand froze mid-motion.

A sharp jolt tore through his chest, causing his wolf to let out a guttural growl in his head.

Something was wrong.

The quill fell out of his hand as his wolf's agitation grew violent. His jaws clenched, his head spinning as the pressure grew unbearable, his instincts roaring at him to move.

“Enough,” he scoffed, wearing a deep frown as he gripped the edge of his desk, his knuckles whitening.

His wolf didn’t stop.

He got off his chair, grabbing and squeezing his head to stop the oppressive force.

The door burst open.

“Alpha!” Beta Lincoln rushed in with a tight and somewhat scared expression. His breath was unsteady.

Lir’s gaze snapped to him. “What is it?” He asked, suppressing the pain in his tone.

Lincoln swallowed, “Commander Saphena… She went too far with the trainees, she subjected them to burning fire for another task to prove their worth. One of them collapsed. I fear she might be dead.”

An eerie silence filled the room, as Lir’s eyes turned dark. His wolf growled, the sound rattling through his chest. “Where are they?” he demanded, his voice dangerously low.

Lincoln didn’t waste a breath. “Outside the eastern grounds.”

Lir pushed past him, taking long strides out of his study. He stormed through the corridors, with Lincoln behind him. Guards parted at the sight of their Alpha.

Stepping out into the open, Lir’s gaze found them immediately, a guard was carrying a limp figure with vivid red hair, her arms dangling lifelessly.

Behind them stumbled the rest of the trainees, their faces pale and streaked with tears, frost, and mild burns. Their eyes were hollow from exhaustion.

Lir’s steps slowed, his heart pounding with an emotion he hated to feel.

Fear.

Lincoln glanced at him, quietly murmuring, “That’s the one, Alpha.”

Lir’s fist clenched, as his wolf stirred wildly.

“Get the healer. Now!” He ordered sharply. His tone was sharp and blunt, leaving no room for hesitation. “ And see to it she does not die.”

Lincoln nodded immediately, barking commands to the nearby guards, who hurried off.

Lir’s gaze lifted, and there she was.

Commander Saphena, standing with her warriors, her face devoid of emotion, arms crossed as if the chaos around her was just a mild inconvenience.

Lir’s face turned stone cold, “Commander Saphena!” He called, grasping the attention of the hard-looking woman, whose face softened immediately.

She marches over to where Lir stood, stiffening her spine to appear more regal.

“Follow me,” He commanded and swerved storming back into the castle.

Once they arrived in his study, Lir's first question popped up faintly. “Why?”

Saphena knew better than to let him repeat himself, “I needed to test their endurance level for Frost Vale and the plague. I wanted them to be ready for anything.”

Lir folded his hands behind his back, his brows creased. “They could have all died.” He said calmly, the serene look on his face would decide a novice, not Saphena.

She instantly fell on her knees, bowing her head.“Forgive me, my king.” She said, clasping her hands. “I was only making sure we had the right people in our midst. I meant no harm.”

“I made you commander of the army because I believed you to be true and just. Not brutal and inconsiderate .”

“These women have been severely battered by the fire, and one of them is holding on to her life. If she loses her life, your title will be stripped from you. Do you understand?”

“Yes Alpha, I understand. Pardon my mistake, I will hold no further tests and welcome them to my army ....”

“You will do more than that.” Lir cut in on her words, and she slowly raised her head to meet his burning gaze.

“You will take them to the main village and parade them as your new warriors, you will sing their praises and tell the villages the tests they had to survive to qualify as warriors. And then you will bring them back safely and see to it that their quarters are upgraded.”

Saphena was stunned, her mouth hanging open, she couldn't believe her ears, and she swore she could ask the Alpha to repeat himself, but that was a near death wish, especially at a time like this.

“Understood Alpha.” She replied, swallowing the protest gurgli
ng in her chest.

“Dismissed.” Lir waved her off, walking away from her and towards his terrace.