Chapter 2

Mira’s POV

I came awake slowly. My body felt wrong. Pain throbbed in my chest as I tried to lift my body. I had no idea why the pain had not yet vanished.

Why me?

I look sideway and saw Paula with his arms wrapped around his chest. Her eyes were red. She clearly hadn't slept in hours.

"Oh, you're awake," Paula said. "Do you feel better?"

"No. The pain is still there."

"The healer said the bond-break was too sudden. You might take some days to recover."

I ignored her and tried to sit up. Fire lanced through my ribs. I hissed and fell back onto to the bed immediately.

I closed my eyes and it all came back. Jax’s voice floated in my head as he rejected me in front of everyone. Then he went on to kiss another woman.

My throat closed. I swallowed hard and dug my nails into the bedding.

"How long was I unconscious?"

"Twelve hours."

It felt like an eternity.

“Paula, do you know anything about what he said?”

"What?"

"The cursed blood thing."

Paula shook her head. "Nope. I barely even remember Dad and Mom. We were kids when they died."

"So he lied,” I said. “He needed a reason to dump me and came up with that fat lie."

Paula reached out and squeezed my hand. Her fingers were freezing cold against my skin

“He’s an asshole,” she whispered. “But we should also blame the elders. They believed too easily."

Before I could respond, the door creaked open. The healer stepped in. She was an older woman with gray braid. She carried a small wooden tray with a cup sat on it. Steam curled up from the content.

“Glad to see you're awake,” she said. “Drink this. It will dull the pain.”

She set the tray on the small table beside the bed.

I looked at the cup and scent of the liquid wafted into my nostrils. It smelled pungent.

Paula stood and waved at me. “You might need to rest after this. I'll see you later."

Rest? I only just woke up after half a day.

She squeezed my shoulder and slipped through the door. I was all alone with the healer now.

“Drink,” she said again. “Take it slowly. It works faster that way.”

I nodded and reached for the cup. My hand shook. The pain was yet to subside. I hoped this would take my pains away. I couldn't wait to be back on my feet.

The healer’s eyes followed my movement. My wolf stirred as my palm touched the cup. Katie hadn't spoken since I woke up.

Don’t drink it.

"What?"

You heard me. Don't drink it.

I lifted the cup closer to my mouth and inhaled. My nose pooled with a strong mint smell.

The healer tilted her head. “Is there a problem?”

I forced a small smile. “No. I'm a little dizzy. I feel like I'll throw up if I take this."

She nodded and turned to the door. “You can take it later. The earlier you take it, the better, though."

She left and her footsteps faded down the hall.

I carefully set the cup back on the tray. My wolf gave a low and fierce snarl. I stared at the liquid and watched it steam.

Why was the healer trying to kill me? What did I do?

I looked toward the narrow window high on the wall. The bars were too tight for me to climb through but open enough for the cup’s contents. I stood with my weak legs and gripped the bed edge until I found my balance.

I took one painful step. Then another until I reached the window. I pushed the shutter wider, and the cold night air hit me in the face.

I tipped the cup and watched the dark liquid spill out. It hissed faintly against the stone ledge and then dripped down the outer wall.

It still made no sense that the healer was trying to kill me.

I set the empty cup back on the tray exactly where it had been, then I lay down again and pulled the thin blanket to my chin, closed my eyes, and slowed my breathing until it felt like I was in a state deeper than sleep.

Almost immediately, I heard footsteps near the door.

Then the door opened.

“She drank it?” one guard asked.

“Let me check,” the healer picked up the cup from the tray. “Yes, she took the full cup. She’ll never wake.”

My heart hammered, but I kept my eyes shut and my body limp.

“Good,” the second guard said. “Jax wanted it clean. No mess.”

The healer stepped closer, and I felt her shadow fall over me. Her fingers pressed my neck to check my pulse.

“It's steady,” she murmured. “She will remain in this state. Take her and do whatever you want."

Rough hands grabbed me under my arms and under my knees. They lifted me like I weighed nothing.

They carried me out, down the corridor past flickering torches, through a side door, and into the night.

Seriously, what did I do to Jax to deserve this? Why me?!

It was raining heavily outside. My dress was soaked in seconds. The white dress I should have wedded Jax. Now, he wanted to kill me.

The guards took me toward the outer wall. I knew they were headed to the ditch that ran along the castle’s east side. I could smell the refuse.

“On three,” the first said. "One. Two. . ."

My wolf roared. Now!

I snapped my eyes open and shifted. My bones cracked and claws punched through my fingertips.

I twisted mid-air, catching the guards by surprise, and landed on four paws.

The guards froze. They thought I was dead!

Not so fast! I lunged at then, slashing with my claws. I cut the first guard's face and then my jaws closed on his forearm.

I shook hard and felt the arm tear.

The second guard swung a short sword and came at me. I ducked, slammed my shoulder into his knees, and he buckled. He fell backward into the mud.

I pounced. My claws raked his chest, and hot blood sprayed from the cuts.

He yelled and tried to shove me off. I bit his throat and ripped out his windpipe.

The first guard crawled away, moaning. His arm dangled. I hated that seeing it made me smile.

I stalked after him and growled like Katie used to do.

He looked at me in terror. "Please."

I wasn't interested in showing him mercy. That word no longer existed in my books.

I swiped at him and my claws caught his forehead. He crumpled to the floor and stayed down.

Both guards are down. Excellent!

I shifted back to my human shape and examined the carnage around me.

Blood streaked my arms, my chest, and my face. I couldn't go around like this.

I stripped the second guard and took his cloak. It was big, it covered my face. I pulled it on and tied it tight.

I looked back at the castle.

Jax was somewhere in there with Selene, enjoying themselves.

For now, though. I would come back for them.

I turned and headed to the last gate. I knew the woods waited beyond the gate. I had no extra clothes. No food. No weapons. Just my anger.

The woods were full of rogues and monsters, but I would survive. I would survive and make come back for Jax.