ARE YOU ANGRY WITH ME?

Wyatt's POV

I released my grip, but it was too late. Five deep fingerprints marked Harper's neck. She coughed violently.

I stared at my trembling hands and whispered, "Sorry...Harper. I am sorry."

It had been years since I had that dreadful nightmare. Why did it invade my dreams again today? Damn it, what's wrong with me?

Amidst continuous coughing, Harper managed to say, "Wyatt... is... everything... okay?"

A profound self-loathing and guilt surged within me. I nearly killed her, yet she only asked about me. No, I am not okay.

Everything spiraled out of control since Karina captured Harper. Harper shouldn't have anything to do with Karina.

I touched her neck, my voice dry, "Does it hurt?"

She shook her head, and I noticed her chest rapidly rising and falling. Clearly, she lied to spare me more stress.

I averted my gaze and sighed deeply, "I'm sorry, Harper. I feel off. Maybe you should leave to avoid further harm from me."

"It's okay, Wyatt." I noticed a faint frown on her nose as she coughed again.

Damn it. I suddenly wanted to grab Harper's shoulders tightly and firmly tell her that "it's okay" had nothing to do with it. It's the complete opposite of "it's okay." Witches shouldn't meddle between us. Harper shouldn't be a witch, let alone have any connection with Karina,.

"Are you angry with me, Wyatt?" Harper lifted her head, her beautiful green eyes slightly moist.

"Fuck. No, Harper. I am mad at myself." I embraced her, kissed her green eyes, trying to take away the sadness within. It seemed futile. "Let's talk later, okay?" Harper nodded in my arms, and I let her go.

I forced myself out of the room. I needed to immerse myself in work; it wasn't time to worry about Harper and me yet.

Right, there are many enemies in the palace waiting for me to eliminate.

They are the root of all evil.

Once they are all dead, this will all be over.

——

I took care of the last attacking bear-man, tossing his head alongside his comrades. We have to retreat.

"When will the Northern army arrive? We shall begin the attack in King city asap." I impatiently asked, wiping the blood off my hands with the towel Steven handed me. I had no idea what Simon had promised them. These damn bear-men had been surging relentlessly like madmen these past few days.

"I am sorry, Master. General Josh said they encountered a snowstorm on the way. However, they're nearing the border of the King City. They should arrive tomorrow," Steven replied.

I nodded, "Once the Northern army arrives, I'll set out to find Elder Aldricus. You'll be in charge of the camp and organizing the soldiers."

"Understood. I'll get to it then."

After Steven left my office, I pressed my temples and let out a long sigh.

Noah was in a frenzy inside me. I drown myself in work these days. Noah and Mila hadn't seen each other for a week. Their connection had become unstable. He expressed his anger through roars.

"We must find our mate. She needs us. I can feel her unhappiness," Noah shouted at me.

I evaded the key issue, "Harper is alright. The healer checks on her every day."

"Bullshit!" Noah hissed, "You and I both know she doesn't need a doctor!"

Angrily and painfully suppressed emotions erupted from my chest, "Noah, don't you tell me what to do!"

"Wyatt." My body froze. It was Harper's voice. She shouldn't have heard all of this. Slowly, I turned around. "You shouldn't be here, Harper." I questioned Noah. He grumbled in response.

"Perhaps you can consider telling me instead of bottling it up and letting it torment you like this," Harper's voice quivered. "You're worried about my relationship with Karina, aren't you?"

Seeing her pale face, I faltered. The gruesome image of my mother's death resurfaced before me.

Harper's shoulders twitched, "Don't face everything alone, just like you told me, right?"

My fingers dug into my palms as I approached Harper standing by the door. Seeing her tearful eyes, a sense of guilt hit me, "I am sorry, Harper."

Harper shook her head, "No, Wyatt. I don't need your apology. I just want to know why you've been avoiding me." She sniffed.

I stood in front of her, her teary gaze like a silent accusation. "I... am scared, Harper. My mother, I almost watched her die". The nightmare from ten years ago haunted me again. "Every day after that, I lived in darkness. Except for you, you're the only one who illuminated my life."

Harper walked into my embrace, hugging me tightly. I held her close, "I am scared, Puppy. Witches took my mother, and now they want to take you in a different way."

She lifted her head from my embrace, holding my face and forcing us to lock eyes. "Wyatt, look at me. I am what I am. Maybe I have some witch blood, but what does that mean? I'll never hurt you, nor anyone else you love. Witches can't take anything away from me, do you understand?"

Her words filled my anxious heart. Harper is right. She is still my mate. Nothing could change this.

"Let's figure it out, Wyatt. Take me to the Elder," she said.