Chapter Eighty-Nine
Riven was the first through the door, his chest heaving, his eyes locking instantly on the bed. Avery was already there, trembling, her hands pressed to Lucien’s chest as his body jerked violently. Riven caught her, pulling her against him, then leaned over Lucien, his own energy pouring out in steady waves.
“I’m here, brother. We’re here. Come back to us.”
Lucien’s body thrashed harder, his breaths ragged, his eyes fluttering but unfocused. The healer rushed to the bedside, scanning his vitals, her voice urgent.
“It’s like a seizure — but not. His body and his consciousness are at war. He accepted death, but his body is telling him he’s alive. He’s trapped in the loop of his last moment.”
Avery’s sob caught in her throat. “Then how do we break it?”
The healer’s gaze flicked to her, then to Riven. “He needs all of you. Close. Touching him. The bond will pull him through.”
By the time Kael and Molly burst into the room, the air was thick with panic and magic. Without hesitation, Avery and Molly climbed onto the bed, pressing themselves against Lucien’s sides, their hands clutching his.
Riven and Kael took their places at his shoulders, grounding him, their hands firm and steady. Together, they guided Lucien’s limp arms around the girls, holding them close, binding the circle.
The rest of the room fell away.
Lucien’s family stood frozen, watching as the five of them closed ranks, their bond blazing like a living thing.
Above them, Silver and Violet flitted into place, their tiny wings shimmering as they formed a glowing circle, their vigil unbroken.
Then it happened.
A flare of magic burst outward, so bright it made the air crackle. A bubble of protection swelled around the bed, shimmering with threads of gold and violet, sealing them inside.
The doctor and healer rushed forward as Lucien’s vitals spiked wildly, alarms shrieking — but they stopped dead in their tracks.
Because there, in the center of the storm, Lucien’s eyes opened.
He was awake.
Engulfed in the arms of his mates, his chest rising and falling with ragged, living breaths, his gaze flickering from one face to the next.
Avery’s sob broke free as she pressed her forehead to his. Molly clutched his hand to her chest. Riven and Kael held him steady, their energy pouring into him like anchors.
The bond sang, fierce and unbreakable.
Lucien was back.
Lucien’s eyes fluttered open, his breathing ragged, his body trembling as though he were still caught between worlds. Avery pressed her forehead to his, whispering his name over and over, Molly clutching his hand to her chest. Riven and Kael steadied him, their energy pouring into the bond.
Finally, Lucien’s lips moved. His voice was hoarse, broken, but the words carried like a curse through the room.
“He… whispered to me… as I faded. Londrell will not back down. He said… unity of the races is an abomination. The only way he would consider peace… is if Avery gave up her role… and mated with him.”
The room erupted.
Riven’s growl shook the walls, Kael’s roar followed, primal and furious. Even Lucien’s father snarled, his fists clenched at his sides. The doctor and healer gasped, their own anger breaking through their professional calm.
Above them, Silver and Violet turned a furious shade of red, their wings sparking with light. Their shrieking filled the room, sharp and piercing, echoing down the hall until every soul nearby could hear their outrage.
Lucien’s father didn’t hesitate. He pulled out his phone, his voice like steel as he barked into it.
“Auron. Convene the council. Now. This cannot wait.”
Avery, trembling with relief that Lucien was awake, slowly stood. She stepped away from the bed, her eyes blazing, her magic sparking visibly around her like heat waves.
She turned to the security guard posted at the door, her voice low but commanding.
“Gather everyone in the council chambers. Now.”
The guard swallowed hard, bowing quickly before rushing out.
Riven reached for her, his hand half-extended, but the heat of her magic pushed him back. He glanced at Lucien and Kael, their eyes meeting in silent understanding.
Oh, crap. The storm’s about to break.
Avery didn’t look back. Her steps were steady, her power rolling off her in waves as she walked out of the room.
The council had their summons.
And Avery was done waiting.
The head council member’s office was hushed, the air thick with the weight of politics. Auron sat across from his brother, the King of Werewolves, their voices low as they discussed the night’s revelations.
Then the air split.
Avery appeared in the center of the room, her magic sparking like fire around her.
Her uncle, the king, opened his mouth, his tone sharp. “Child, you cannot simply—”
But one look at her stopped him cold. The rage in her eyes, the raw power rolling off her in waves, silenced him mid-word. He glanced at Auron, and together the brothers subtly stepped back, instinctively giving her space.
Avery’s voice was a whisper, but it carried like thunder.
“Gather everyone. Now.”
No preamble. No room for argument.
She turned and walked out, her steps steady, her magic trailing like heat in the air.
The council chamber was already filling when she entered, her presence striking like a blade. She didn’t wait for ceremony, didn’t wait for order.
Her voice bellowed, echoing off the stone walls:
“I want answers. And I want them now.”
Her mates and their families rushed in behind her, her mothers close at their heels. The sound of her demand had carried through the halls, pulling them like a beacon.
Riven’s jaw clenched, Kael’s wolf stirred, Molly’s eyes were wide with fear and awe. Even Lucien’s family, still shaken, felt the weight of her fury.
The council members froze, whispers dying in their throats. The warriors along the walls straightened, their eyes flicking nervously between Avery and the leaders at the front.
Auron stood tall, but his gaze was steady on his daughter. He knew better than to try to temper her now.
The King of Werewolves folded his arms, his expression grim.