Chapter 244

Chapter 244
Natasha's POV

Sophia's eyes meet mine before shifting to her father. Looking at her tear-stained face, something clicks inside me.

Before discovering I was a Lunawolf, I always thought I just had a way with children. Now I know differently—this is my special gift.

Her tiny hand squeezes mine as she nods, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. I pull her into a hug, feeling her little heartbeat synchronize with mine.

"Miss Sophia, come along," Grace reaches for her, voice stern yet caring. "You shouldn't be seeing this."

"No! I won't go!" Sophia shakes her head stubbornly, her small fingers clutching Alexander's hand. "Daddy needs me!"

I take a deep breath and place both hands over Alexander's worst wound, closing my eyes. "Astra, help us," I plead silently. There's a faint response, but nothing like the power I felt in the forest.

A weak silver glow appears beneath my palms but fades almost instantly. My jaw clenches as cold sweat trickles down my temple. "Damn it, I can't do this..." I mutter under my breath. "I don't have enough power..."

"Miss, the wound is too deep," the bodyguard anxiously wipes sweat from his forehead. "The blade might be poisoned."

"It takes a Lunawolf's healing power to cure wounds inflicted by the Moonlight Blade," Astra finally speaks up. "But you're growing weaker by the second. Your energy is almost gone, and so is mine. I'm not sure we can pull this off."

I open my eyes in desperation, staring at Alexander's ashen face. "I can't lose him... I just can't..." The words barely scratch their way out of my throat.

"Let's try anyway," I throw my last hope at Astra mentally. "Maybe we can do it. I made Sophia a promise. We have to succeed."

I feel Astra's power strengthen slightly, but it doesn't last.

"This isn't working," a security guard says. "We need more power."

I shake my head. "I'm the one who needs more power. It has to be a Lunawolf to heal him because the Moonlight Blade wounded him, but I just don't have enough strength..."

Just then, Alexander coughs violently, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. Grace gasps, and everyone in the room holds their breath.

Sophia pushes past everyone, climbs onto the table, and kneels beside Alexander. Her small hand grips my wrist tightly. "Let me help," her voice carries unusual determination.

"Sophia, it's dangerous. Get down," Grace says sternly, reaching for the little girl.

But Sophia ignores her, her eyes flashing orange—reminiscent of Alexander's when he's angry. "I want to help mommy save daddy," she insists.

"Mommy?" I hear Grace and the security team exchange surprised glances.

I stare at Sophia in shock—she's never called me mommy in front of so many people before.

Sophia places her small hand over our clasped hands, her tears falling onto the wound. "Please... mommy... save daddy," she whispers, her voice pure pleading.

As she speaks, she places her hand on my arm and closes her eyes, as if trying to transfer all her energy to me. I'm about to tell her this won't work when the silver light within me suddenly intensifies, tremendous power rushing from my core. All the previous pain and nausea instantly vanish, as if they never existed.

I blink in shock, holding back tears, and nod at the weakened Sophia before turning my attention back to Alexander.

I press my palms against Alexander's chest again, and this time silver light flows into the wound like water. His body arches sharply with a painful growl, but I can see the edges of the wound beginning to heal.

"Just a little longer, just a bit more..." I grit my teeth as sweat pours down my face. Power continues flowing from my body. I feel myself draining, but I have to keep going.

The dining room lights flicker, mirroring the energy fluctuations within me. My vision blurs, but just when I think I'm about to black out, Alexander suddenly opens his eyes, his pupils shooting silver light.

In that moment, I kiss him without hesitation. The overwhelming emotion makes me forget everyone around us—the world seems to freeze, like we're the only two people in existence. Until I gently pull away.

I laugh and cry simultaneously, my arms wrapping around his neck, hearing everyone around us collectively exhale in relief.

"Nat...asha..." his voice is weak but clear.

He slowly raises his hand to touch my face, his lips cracked, but light in his eyes. "I saw... Lunawolf..."

Sophia excitedly throws herself into her father's arms, her small hands cupping his face. "Daddy! You're back!" Her smile lights up the entire room.

Alexander smiles as he strokes Sophia's hair, his voice hoarse. "Little princess... sorry... for scaring you."

I lean against the edge of the table, exhausted, letting out a long breath. "I thought... I was going to lose you..."

Alexander takes my hand, saying softly: "Thank you..." His eyes sparkle with tenderness and deep affection.

Grace hands Alexander a glass of water. "Sir, you need to rest. Let us help you upstairs."

Alexander struggles to sit up, with Grace and I supporting him on either side. "Thank you... everyone..." he says weakly.

Sophia bounces ahead, her golden curls swaying with each step. "Daddy, I'll read you a story later, just like you read to me when I was sick!"

Just as we slowly move toward the stairs, heavy dragging sounds and painful half-human, half-wolf moans come from the backyard. Everyone freezes, and Grace frowns: "What's that sound?"

Alexander and I exchange glances. "That sounds like..."

I grip Alexander's hand tightly, my heart racing. "Victor? Impossible..." My voice tenses.

A clearer werewolf howl echoes from the backyard, reverberating throughout the mansion. Sophia curiously tilts her head: "Is someone else hurt?"

A chill crawls up my spine as Astra grows restless within me.