Chapter 67 The Table Turned
Mira pushed open the door to the healing ward with her shoulder, carrying a tray laden with vials of glowing liquid, fresh bandages, and a bowl of steaming herbal paste. The room was dim, lit only by a single candle on the bedside table, casting long shadows across the stone walls. Alberto sat on the cot, head in his hands, the air thick with the scent of blood and herbs from his earlier wounds. His shoulders rose and fell with uneven breaths, the argument with Fernando still echoing in his mind.
Mira set the tray down carefully on a small table. "Alberto, I have the treatment ready."
Alberto looked up, eyes red-rimmed. "Thank you, Mira."
Mira sat beside him on the cot, her presence calming as always. She dipped a cloth into the herbal paste and began dabbing it on the cut on his thigh. "You and Fernando had a fight, did you not? I saw him storm out."
Alberto sighed, wincing at the sting of the paste. "He thinks I am reckless. That I throw myself into danger without thinking."
Mira nodded, her hands gentle. "And what do you think?"
Alberto looked away. "The Alpha is being unreasonable. It is understandable. He is scared for me. But I will not watch him mess up my feelings just so he can feed his ego. I am his mate. Not a child to be protected."
Mira smiled faintly. "Fernando has always shouldered too much. He sees threats everywhere. But you are right. The bond is equal. You protect each other."
Alberto relaxed slightly under her touch. "I just want him to see that."
Mira finished with the thigh and moved to his shoulder wound. "He will. In time."
She applied a glowing vial's contents to the cut, the liquid seeping in and numbing the pain. "Now, about your powers. You almost lost your keeper's power in the yard. You must not use it for the time being, or it will cost your life."
Alberto nodded. "I understand the consequences of pushing the power. I felt it draining me."
Mira's expression grew serious. "The keeper's power is tied to the forest. Overuse is like bleeding the Thornwood dry. You heal, but each time it takes a piece of you."
Alberto flexed his hand, feeling the faint green energy under his skin. "I know. But Kael was innocent. I had to."
Mira bandaged the shoulder. "You saved him. But next time, think of the cost."
Alberto looked at her. "Does excess usage of the power trigger sealed memories?"
Mira paused, vial in hand. "Yes. Depending on the situation. The power draws from your deepest self. It can unlock what is hidden. Why do you ask?"
Alberto leaned back. "I have been having flashes. Nothing clear."
Mira set the vial down. "Have you regained memories of who you were?"
Alberto shook his head. "No. But I remember a name. Dina. I do not know who she is or what she looks like. It comes in dreams."
Mira's eyes widened slightly. "Dina."
Alberto sat up. "You know it?"
Mira nodded. "When you came to the ancient room before becoming the healer, you had a dream. You mentioned a woman's name while crying, begging her not to leave. I assumed it must be your mum or someone dear to you."
Alberto's breath caught. "My mum? I do not remember her face. Only the name now."
Mira placed a hand on his arm. "The power unlocks what is sealed. Give it time. The memories will come when you are ready."
Alberto nodded. "I do not know yet. But it feels important."
Mira finished the treatments and stood. "Rest now. The power needs time to recharge. And talk to Fernando. The bond is strong, but words heal what silence breaks."
Alberto smiled faintly. "Thank you, Mira."
She left, the door closing softly.
Alberto lay back, staring at the ceiling. Dina. Who was she?
Few hours had passed since Alberto's collapse in the training yard. The pack had settled into an uneasy calm, wolves whispering about the keeper's power and the Alpha's rage. In the healing ward, Alberto lay on the cot, his body aching from the overexertion. The green veins under his skin had faded, leaving him pale and weak. He stared at the ceiling, mind replaying the events, the screams, the blood.
The door opened softly, and Mira entered carrying a tray with bread, cheese, a bowl of broth, and fresh vials of medicine. She set it on the table beside him and sat on the edge of the cot.
"Eat up," Mira said gently. "You need strength. And use the medicine. It will help rebuild what you lost."
Alberto sat up slowly, taking the bowl. "Thank you."
Mira watched him sip the broth. "Are you ready to see Kael? To explain why you think he is innocent?"
Alberto set the bowl down. "Yes. Lead the way. Once I am back, I will eat more, use the medicine, and rest as you say."
Mira nodded. "Come then. He is in the yard, under guard."
Alberto stood, testing his balance. The room swayed briefly, but he steadied himself. They walked through the corridors, Mira supporting his arm when he faltered. Wolves bowed as they passed, murmuring respect for the keeper.
They reached the elite training yard. The sun hung high, the ground still marked from the previous chaos. Fernando sat on the podium, flanked by Darius and Samael. Kael knelt in the center, chains on his wrists, head bowed. The elite wolves formed a circle, their faces a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Alberto entered and walked straight to the podium, ignoring Fernando's piercing gaze. He stopped and bowed low, fist to chest, the proper salute of a slave to his Alpha.
"Alpha Fernando," Alberto said formally.
Samael and Darius exchanged surprised glances.
Fernando's voice was cool. "Rise."
Alberto straightened. He turned to Kael and raised his hands. Green light flared, unlocking the chains with a soft click. They fell away.
Alberto coughed suddenly, blood spattering his hand.
Mira yelled from the edge. "Alberto stop using your powers!"
He waved her off. "I am fine."
Darius nudged Fernando. "Help him."
Fernando glared at Darius and stood to his feet. "Alberto, you are being rude. You will be punished for not asking permission before releasing Kael." He announced with a stern voice.
Alberto met his gaze calmly. "I will gladly accept all punishment accorded to me."
Fernando's jaw tightened. "Present your evidence that deems Kael innocent. Your words alone will not save both of you."
Alberto turned to the crowd. "Lucia."
A female warrior wolf named Lucia stepped forward, confusion on her face. "Keeper? Why me?"
Alberto ignored her question and asked instead. "Do I have permission to touch you?"
Lucia nodded. "Yes."
Alberto moved behind her and gently opened the back of her tunic, revealing a big scar running across her back and neck, jagged and old.
The crowd murmured.
Alberto went to Kael and pulled his tunic aside, showing a similar scar on his shoulder.
"They tasked themselves to see who is stronger," Alberto explained. "They ventured into the forest beyond the borderline and met the midnight wolf. To save Lucia, Kael gave up his ability to reproduce as a male wolf and also to claim his mate. It happened eight years ago, before Mira was appointed pack healer. The issue was kept secret, or Kael would have been evicted from the elite warriors. He could only follow rumors of Lucia being his mate while she masks her scents to prevent getting her own mate."
Samael stepped forward. "How do you know? You were not even in the pack then."
Alberto replied. "I am the forest keeper. The forest has been here long before the pack existed. That is why I stepped in."
Kael dropped to his knees, begging. "Forgive me, Alpha. I kept it secret because a male wolf without pups and mate is regarded as a curse and is always banished."
Lucia knelt beside him. "Judge us with mercy, Alpha. We meant no harm."