KILLIAN'S POVMy gaze shifted from one Elder to another, lingering on their faces for a few seconds to read what was written there before moving to another. It turned out that the decision to make me choose between my mate and my throne had been discussed and agreed on by all of them. Rejecting my mate was not even an option. I would never do that, not even if my life depended on it. And they are all aware of that. So I only have two options now: let them manipulate her or disagree with that and step down. Providing me with that option only meant one thing: someone among them knew of her power and would want to exploit it. Others that were not aware of the power probably agreed to that option because they felt it was only fair to me. Someone like Matteo, for instance, solely believes I will go for that and the matter will simply end. But would I? Of course not! I know the repercussions of striking a deal with these people. The minute you agree on something with them, you will neve
CELESTE'S POVKillian had completely turned down the idea of appealing to Joan to get his health back. But I knew he was just worried she might hurt me in the process. I can deal with whatever is to come if she will give me what I want. The antidote to the poison. So when Killian left for his meeting with the Elders, I saw that as my chance to visit her again. He wouldn't allow it if he were around. He might be informed later, but at least that would be after I was done. I don't know much about packs and how they are ruled, but I knew enough to understand that an Alpha can't be deformed for long. If he were, he would have to be replaced. A weak Alpha is simply not going to work. And that's what Killian is now, "weak." And although he didn't tell me, I felt like that had been the cause of his worry and distance these past few days. I will help him heal, no matter what the Elders thought of me. The path leading to the dungeon had been improved with additional guards all around. I kep
KILLIAN'S POVI have acquired numerous injuries in the course of defending my lands against invaders. But this particular wound was awfully the worst. Mostly, I just spent a rough hour or two in misery, and the wounds would heal completely, and I would return to normal. This particular wound was not only refusing to heal, it was eating at my inside. The torture was simply out of this world.I can endure the pain, but for how long? I can remain patient while lying in bed, but for how long will that last? I don't have all the time in the world. An alpha isn't granted that freedom. You are either active and capable, or you are as good as a waste bin. That's unfair, but simply how it works. The world itself isn't fair to anyone.
CELESTE'S POV"What?" I tried to smile, but I couldn't find it in me. What was that even supposed to mean? How on earth did I become a distraction to him? He is still weak, they weren't expecting him to go up and about performing pack duties. Were they? And while he is sick, does my taking care of my mate make him weak? Distracted? I shook my head at the conflicting thoughts. Clearly, there must be misconceptions somewhere along the line. I can't believe they are coming up with this.Killian's health improved as the hours went by, and so did my mood. He requested that I help him walk around as the day turned to evening, and I gladly agreed. We were strolling around the estate, with his hand around my shoulder, when the elders approached us.
SAM’S POVElder Corwin stared at me, and I stared right back at him. I have something to say and so does he, but neither of us was willing to pick the first bet. After the not-so-productive meeting, he returned to his house, and I went to see Killian. Just as Logan had mentioned, he was indeed improving, and our point against him might end up being baseless if I don't act fast. I went in search of Corwin the minute I left Killian’s room, which brought us here, seated in his living room, engaged in a staring contest of some sort. “We have something in common.” When I saw that he really wasn’t going to speak first, I sighed and gave in. I was the one in need of support, I shouldn't be acting all cocky. At least not at the moment. “I don't want Killian on the throne.” Even though I spoke first, he did break the overall silence first. This is something we both have in common, but neither of us was willing to admit it out loud. While his dislike for Killian’s regime wasn't a behind-the-s
CELESTE'S POV "Do you want anything?" I beamed happily at Killian, who had sat up for the first time in days. It wasn't the movement that made me this happy, it was the fact that he did it all by himself without needing any help. "Yes." His smile matched mine. "What do you want?" I was up on my feet immediately, ready to provide for him, as it was not common for him to request anything from me. "You." He mischievously responded, still beaming. "Seriously?" I rolled my eyes playfully and sat back down, taking care to steady the pillow behind his back. "I will get back to you." "Spare me, I am helpless." "Your mouth isn't so helpless." I joked. "I can't help it." He shrugged. "So you think you will be able to stand and walk around any time soon?" I couldn't help but ask, the excitement i