Chapter 12
ELARA'S POV
Marceline lingered in the corridor, her gaze darting sharply between Ronan and me like a predator sizing up its next meal. I spotted that piercing spark in her eyes—territorial, furious, scheming.
Ronan adjusted his stance, his shadowy eyes landing on her with a look I couldn't quite decode, but it sure wasn't welcoming.
"Ronan," Marceline said softly, plastering on a grin that never touched her eyes. "I've been searching everywhere for you. What brings you here?"
"Took a stroll," he answered, his tone deep and steady. He slipped a hand around her arm. "Come on, let's head out."
I stood there watching as they pivoted and strolled off together, their strides matching perfectly. A sudden pang twisted in my gut. For a brief second, I found myself questioning what I truly meant to him.
~
The following morning, I stirred awake feeling utterly spent, the sort of fatigue that seeped right into your core. Dragging myself from the sheets, I wandered out into the hall, craving a stroll in the fresh dawn breeze.
Maybe some time outside would shake the fog from my thoughts. Right as I neared the exit, a sentinel came up to me.
Oh, great!
"Elara," he stated firmly. "The Alpha wants you in his office immediately, if you would."
A knot formed in my chest, but I shoved it down. "Fine." I trailed after him without another word, the passages seeming to stretch longer than ever, the buildup of nerves weighing heavier with each step.
Upon reaching the office, the guard moved aside while the pair at the entrance swung the doors wide for me. Inside, Ronan was already there, positioned at his desk.
"Morning," I greeted. I moved closer toward him. Without speaking, he extended a rolled parchment my way.
I stepped up and accepted it, our fingertips grazing in the handover. Right away, a flush of heat climbed from my throat to my face, a surge of warmth racing through me like a blaze.
I yanked my hand away quickly, dropping my eyes. "What's this for, if you don't mind me asking?"
"You'll see once you look it over."
"Alright. I'll get going then." I whispered, dipping my head before turning to go. My pulse raced hard against my chest, the brief touch still tingling on my skin even after I'd left the room.
Back in my quarters, I shut the door softly and unfurled the scroll. It was lighter than it appeared. Opening it up, I discovered a formal note—a call for aid to a nearby pack. They were in need of a medic. I let out a breath and set the parchment aside, starting to pace the floor back and forth.
Should I go for it? The idea knotted up in my brain like a tangle that wouldn't come loose. It wasn't only the risks involved—though the potential dangers were plenty enough to make me second-guess—but the sheer load of what it entailed.
The quiet in my space was pierced only by my ragged breathing. After what felt like endless minutes, I halted my steps and bolted out, making straight for Ronan.
We needed to hash this out first, especially about safeguards. And second, did this other pack know about my blood? Would he be reckless enough to spill that detail? Now that it hit me, my ability wasn't hidden anymore, but I doubted it'd spread beyond our borders to other groups.
I tracked him down outside, where he was circled by his second-in-command and a handful of sentries, their discussion fading as I drew near.
"Could I have a word, please?"
Ronan gave a nod and waved the others off with a simple gesture. As they scattered, leaving just us, he locked his attention on me.
"Can you handle it?"
I drew in a long breath. "Likely, but mind if I ask how another pack caught wind of this?"
"Talk travels, but fortunately, they don't know the method. They figure you've got sharper skills than the average healer, and I backed that up."
My tension eased a bit. "Got it."
He edged nearer, dropping his volume. "You positive you're up for this? If it's too much strain, say no."
"Don't sweat it. It shouldn't be more taxing. The healers back where I came from used to blend my blood with remedies—the effects took longer, but they still did the job."
"So you'd keep it under wraps? Safe enough?"
"Should be. Not straight-up using my blood means I can probably pull it off without drawing eyes."
"I'll send some support along. Backup if it goes sideways. While you're there, check in with me regularly."
"Understood."
No matter what, backing out now wasn't an option. If kids' lives hung in the balance, I had to pitch in. Even with the hazards. I should've seen it coming that once I'd let my secret slip, stuff like this would crop up.
A subtle grin curved his mouth, and he rested a steady hand on my shoulder. For an instant, my insides melted. We lingered like that, wordless and motionless, until I broke the quiet with a cough.
"I ought to get ready."
"What?" His eyes went wide. "Already?"
"While I've got the nerve, better to move."
He didn't look thrilled in the least—I could tell he was on the verge of suggesting I hold off till tomorrow—but I'd locked in my choice the second I'd decided to track him down.
I returned to my space, stuffing whatever I might need into a bag. I also swung by the healing ward for some supplies and botanicals. Could come in useful.
Once I was geared up and set to roll, he demanded that a pair of guards and a trainee healer tag along—Alerza was her name. I'd already heard him mention reinforcements, but not quite this many.
The setup made it clear this was low-key; not the whole palace was in the loop.
We boarded a coach, the axles groaning as it lurched away from the grounds. Alerza sat facing me, her gaze bouncing anxiously from me to the view outside.
"Something eating at you?" I asked, unable to tune out her fidgeting. She was clearly on edge.
"Oh! Nah... first trip out," she said, her face turning pink.
I flashed a reassuring smile. "You'll manage just fine."
As the ride bumped along, out of the side of my vision, I noticed one guard kept glancing around like he was anticipating trouble—or somebody specific. Whatever the deal, he seemed tense, and it started getting to me too.
"Gotta take a leak," the guard finally grumbled.
"Can't hold it?" I asked, peering out at the landscape. "Doesn't look like a smart spot to pull over."
He shot me a glare. "Stop," he ordered, blowing off my warning. The driver reined in the team, bringing us to a halt.
The guard hopped down and wandered off, vanishing from sight. Alerza began squirming in her seat.
"He'll circle back," I said, trying to calm her. "Probably just in a mood."
She stayed quiet, just nodding and wringing her hands. Minutes ticked by with no sign of him, while the other guard stayed up front with the driver.
"Hey!" I hollered. "Where'd the second one go?"
"Taking a piss," the remaining guard snapped back rudely. "What's your issue?"
"Nothing," I muttered under my breath.
Right then, sounds erupted from outside—voices yelling, feet scraping on the ground. Alerza scooted close, gripping my arm tight.
Abruptly, the racket cut off as quick as it'd started. Then a shadow ducked inside—it wasn't either guard or the driver. Before I could move, I saw the blade in his grip, slick and crusted with fresh blood.
I tried to shift or yell, but my body locked up, my mouth opening without a sound. Alerza trembled beside me, burying her face against my side.
"Scream, and I'll cut you both down without a second thought."