# Chapter 264:

# Chapter 264:
Melinda's POV

I hurried through the palace corridors. Every second counted, and the weight of Michael's life pressed heavily upon my shoulders.

"Hold on, Michael," I whispered under my breath. "I'll find the antidote."

The guards had told me where Luna was being held. I didn't know what I'd do when I got there—threaten her, beg her, bargain with her—but I knew I'd do anything, absolutely anything, to save Michael's life.

As I approached the section of the palace where the cells were located, I heard a commotion from somewhere ahead. I hesitated, torn between investigating and continuing toward Luna. The antidote was my priority, but something about the noise—voices arguing, the sound of struggle—caught my attention.

"That's... no way," I muttered, turning toward the sound. My pace quickened as hope fluttered in my chest.

Near the main entrance of the palace, several guards surrounded a tall figure. Even from a distance, I recognized the human form of Marcus. The sight of him—someone familiar in this strange place—sent a wave of relief through me so intense I nearly stumbled.

"Let him go!" I shouted, running toward them. "He's my friend!"

The guards turned toward me, their expressions wary. One of them stepped forward, hand still firmly gripping Marcus's bony arm.

"Princess, this creature was attempting to enter the palace unauthorized. We believed it might be an attempt on the Alpha King's life."

"Princess?" Marcus's voice held confusion, but he quickly moved past it. "Melinda, are you alright? Where's Michael?"

The mention of Michael's name brought me crashing back to reality, the brief moment of joy at seeing Marcus overshadowed by the urgency of our situation.

"He's been poisoned," I said, my voice breaking slightly. "Luna stabbed him with a poisoned dagger. The royal physician says there's no known cure."

The guards released Marcus at my insistence, though they continued to watch him with suspicion. I pulled him aside, lowering my voice.

"How did you find us?" I asked, still amazed by his presence.

"I was worried when you both disappeared," Marcus explained, his voice conveying concern despite his expressionless skull face. "I opened the portal and thought you could use my help."

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. There was so much to explain, but so little time.

"We turned Selena into a human," I said, speaking quickly. "Michael was hurt by Luna to save me. The Alpha King... he says I'm his daughter. It's all happening so fast, Marcus. But none of that matters now—Michael is dying, and I need to find a cure."

Marcus's posture stiffened at the mention of Michael's condition. "Let me see him," he said with unexpected authority. "I learned some healing arts during my undying life. I might not be able to cure the poison completely, but I could buy us some time."

Hope flickered within me—a small, fragile thing, but hope nonetheless. "You can help him?"

"I can try," Marcus replied, his voice solemn.

I nodded, feeling a weight lift slightly from my shoulders. "The medical room is that way," I pointed down a corridor, then called over a guard. "Please escort my friend to the medical room. He can help the patient."

As the guard led Marcus away, I gripped his skeletal hand tightly. "Thank you for coming to find us, Marcus." My voice caught with emotion. "You go help Michael. I'm going to question Luna about the antidote. Between the two of us, we'll save him."

Marcus nodded, his glowing eye sockets somehow conveying determination. "Be careful, Melinda."

I watched him follow the guard, then turned back toward the cells with renewed purpose. Outside Luna's door, I paused to gather my courage. I couldn't let her see my fear or desperation—I needed to appear strong and in control.

The guard unlocked the door, and I stepped inside. Luna sat in the corner, looking disheveled but still somehow arrogant. When she saw me, her lips curved into a mocking smile.

"Ah, the princess arrives," she taunted. "I assume you're here about the antidote?" Her directness caught me off guard, but it also confirmed what I needed to know—she was aware of an antidote.

"Yes," I said, keeping my voice steady. "Michael took that knife for me, and now he's dying. Tell me how to save him."

Luna laughed, the sound bouncing off the cell walls and grating against my ears. "You're so naive," she said, her eyes cold. "I never created an antidote for the Unsolvable Poison. That's the whole point—it's meant to ensure death."

I felt the world spin around me, and I had to brace myself against the wall to stay upright. "You're lying," I whispered, but doubt was already creeping into my heart.

"Why would I lie?" Luna countered. "Watching your beloved die in agony is a pleasure for me. Just as your mother took my Alpha from me, now I take your mate from you."

I bit down hard on my lip, fighting back tears. The royal physician's words echoed in my mind—no known cure. Luna was likely telling the truth, but I couldn't—wouldn't—accept it.

"Even if there's no antidote, there must be another way," I insisted, speaking more to myself than to her. "Every poison has a weakness, a way to be overcome."

Luna just smirked. "Comfort yourself however you like. The fact remains, your Alpha will die in pain, and you'll watch helplessly. That's the price for opposing me."

Anger flared inside me, hot and sudden. For a moment, I wanted to lunge at her, to wrap my hands around her throat. But I knew that wouldn't help Michael. It would only bring me down to her level.

"You're wrong," I forced myself to remain calm. "I won't give up. Whatever it takes, I'll find a way to save Michael."

I turned to leave, feeling more desperate than when I'd entered. Luna's words had only confirmed my worst fears—there was no simple solution, no antidote waiting to be found. As I stepped out of the cell, the weight of hopelessness threatened to crush me.

But then I heard hurried footsteps, and looked up to see Marcus striding toward me. There was something in his posture—an energy, a purpose—that made my heart beat faster.

"Melinda!" he called out, excitement evident in his voice. "I've just examined Michael. Luna used the Unsolvable Poison, yes, but I know how to save him!"