Chapter 91
Iris
"I never thought I'd see you again," I said to Silas.
We were seated in a hut close to the Illyra with Hegar leaning on the doorframe. He had offered to keep watch while Silas and I discussed and I couldn't thank him enough for it.
Elda knew about the Illyra and if he found out that about my sneaky movements, I would never have the chance to rescue the pack from him.
"Had to hide," He responded with a husky voice and downed a bottle of water. "I should have stopped Elda from coming into this pack but I thought that he wouldn't stir up any trouble. I guess I was too short-sighted," He lamented.
"You knew that he was Gradel's cousin even before he pretended to act like a thief and you didn't say anything? Why?" I blasted him.
He massaged his wrinkled forehead. "I regret it so much. Initially, I thought he had good intentions for the pack until he started killing people. Unfortunately, the day I made up my mind to tell the Prince about it, he had already struck and I've been on the run ever since. I know that my action was cowardly, but I had to save myself first and make some plans before returning. That's why I allowed Hegar to find me," He explained.
I waved aside the shock for another time. He was remorseful and that would be used to my advantage. At least he was on my side.
"So what do you know about the poison? Gradel has been injected with it but I was able to stop them from giving him more shots of the poison. But each time I go there to see him, he looks worse than before and I'm scared that he might not make it if we don't find the antidote soon." I expressed my worries.
He brought his bag closer to him and dug into it. I watched him intently and then he produced a transparent bottle that had some brownish powdered substance in it.
"While I was away, I did some research and found the name of the poison. The leaves used in its production are extinct and I wonder how Elda managed to lay hold on the remaining leaves, but the good news is that I've found the antidote," He announced.
Excitement surged through me as my jaw fell open. Even Hegar who was standing by the door couldn't help the grin on his face.
Silas stretched the bottle to me and I snatched it without hesitation, scrutinizing the content of the bottle. "Do you mean that this can cure his paralysis and make him capable of fighting again?" I questioned.
He hesitated before responding and my heart skipped a beat.
"It can, but it works very slowly. Since he already has taken a jab he'll have to take this for ten days to return to his normal self. He should skip it for a day or he'll be worse than before,"
Cold chills ran down my spine but I was determined to make Gradel feel better. I couldn't fight against Elda's wicked reign all by myself. We had to do this together.
"I'll ensure that he takes it every day," I assured him and rose to my feet.
It was getting late and there was a need for me to return home before Elda noticed my disappearance. I didn't want to give him any reason to suspect me.
"Thank you very much for your help, Silas."
He waved off my appreciation. "You don't need to thank me. This is the least I can do to atone for my sins. And one more thing,"
"What is it, Silas?" I asked softly.
"Try to get intimate with him while at it. His body needs you now more than ever. His wolf will be more receptive to the drugs when he feels your presence and touch. Find a way to do it," He advised.
Once again, the subject of intimacy had sprung up and I didn't know what to do. First, there was a guard at the gate and then Gradel.
I've hurt him so much that I wasn't sure he'd agree to have me. And for that to happen, he had to be aware of my plans.
What do I do?
"I'll try my best," I responded and traipsed to the door.
Hegar grabbed my hand, preventing me from taking further steps. "You have to do it for us, My Lady. The future of this pack is in your hands right now and only you can save us,"
I inhaled deeply, the weight of the mission suddenly overwhelming me. Once this was over, Gradel and I would go to the human world for a vacation.
"I know that, Hegar and I'll try my best to ensure that Gradel is back on his feet. By the way, when are coming to see Hazel? She keeps calling your name now and then,"
He lowered his head and palmed his face. "Just tell her to be patient. I can't come right now and you know that,"
I nodded in agreement. "Have a good night,"
The woods were quiet and strangely, no birds sang loudly, and neither did I feel the evening breeze. I ignored the eerie sensation, singing a few old songs I could remember while walking briskly.
Suddenly, goosebumps rose on my skin and I felt a presence behind me.
I turned around and found no one, but I was completely sure that someone was stalking me. A rush of adrenaline surged through my veins and I reduced my pace.
I'd barely taken another step when a body jumped on me, pushing me to the ground. My wolf snarled and I smirked, secretly smiling at my attacker's stupidity.
He or she might have thought that I was that powerless girl without a wolf. So I shoved him off roughly, holding my bag tightly. I couldn't afford to lose the antidote.
I spun around to see the face of the attacker, but as usual, there was a mask.
"Who are you and why do you have your mask on? Are you so afraid of me that you don't want me to see who you are?" I laughed derisively.
I heard a snort and then the attacker approached me, predatorily. "Hand over the bag or die,"