C4

Lydia Hale POV 

"I must pick my own boy because Liam is my son, so you must use him to save the moonborn pup, Ms. Hale," Elder Healing Master Noah Raeken says, smiling with his old teeth. "My boy is the top young pack healer in the whole Lunar Healing Order, and you can trust him with your pack bloodline."

"Fine, Master Noah, I do not have time to argue while my little sister is dying."

"Do not worry at all, Bloodclaw Pack Heiress Lydia," Liam Raeken says, looking very big and proud. "I will use my pack magic and I will not let the Hale Bloodclaw Pack down."

"Just save her, Liam," I say, watching him walk into the Moon Healers Sanctuary room.

"Hey, Derek, why do you just stand there like a scared little wolf?" an old healer asks, tapping my shoulder in the back of the crowd. "You should tell the pack heiress that you have the true healing power, not that bragging boy."

"Yes, Derek, we all know your moon magic is the best in the Beacon Moon Territory," another old healer says. "It is a big shame that Noah uses his family name to push his bad son to the front."

"It is okay, grandfathers," I say, showing a small smile to the old wolves. "Saving a young pup's life is a holy thing, and it does not matter who gets the praise as long as Sydney Hale wakes up and runs in the woods again."

"Erica, go look at the pack records right now," I whisper to my Luna Handmaiden while the guards stand around us. "Find out who the best healers are in this Silver Fang Healing Center, and tell me the name of that quiet boy standing in the back who does not look at me like the others."

"Ms. Hale, Master Noah told us a big lie!" Erica Tate says, running back with her face looking very mad. "Liam Raeken is not a top healer at all, and he does not even know how to fix a small scratch on a pup!"

"My eyes are turning red, Erica, but I will stay quiet if Sydney gets better."

"The boy in the back is Derek of the Hale Moonfang Pack," Erica says, looking at her book. "The old wolves say his moon blessed healer hands are magic, and he is better than any old master in the Crescent Ridge Territory."

"Wow, he looks so young to have such a big name," I say, looking across the hall at him.

"There is more about him, Ms. Hale," Erica says, laughing a little bit. "You know Malia, the Luna Queen of Silvermoon Holdings? People say she kept this Derek like a weak little pet wolf in her den, but she just threw him away today to mate with Jackson Whittemore!"

"He is so strong and pretty," I say, shaking my head. "If he worked on his pack magic instead of being a silly girl's pet, he would be a great alpha. It is a sad thing he picked a bad path."

"Help! Help!" two young nurse wolves scream, slamming the sanctuary doors open. "The pup's heartbeat is going away fast, and she cannot breathe the air!"

"What did you say?" I yell, my heart going super fast. "Where is the master? What did you do to my sister?"

"We are so sorry, Ms. Hale," Noah and Liam say, running out with white faces. "The pup's blood is too weak, and we did everything our magic can do."

"Yes, the first spell looked good, but then her breath just stopped," Liam says, shaking his hands. "It is not because I am a bad healer, it is just an impossible thing to fix!"

"You stupid boy!" I scream, and I hit Liam right across his face with a loud slap.

"Ms. Hale, why did you hit my son—"

"Shut up!" I bark, my body shaking with big anger. "You told me you could save my Cece, and now she is dying!"

"Master Noah, speak to me right now," I say, looking at the old wolf with sharp teeth. "Is there anyone else in this whole Lunar Healing Order who can save her? If my sister dies, your family will face the wrath of the Hale Bloodclaw Pack!"

"There is... one wolf who might do it," Noah says, his voice shaking like a leaf.

"Who is it? Tell me!"

"Derek Hale."

"Yes! Get Derek right now!" I shout.

"Derek is just a low wolf in my room, and he does not know anything!" Liam screams, holding his red cheek.

"Shut your mouth, Liam," I say, my eyes glowing like fire. "If you speak one more word in front of me, I will cut your tongue right out of your mouth!"

"You do not need to yell for me, I am here," I say, walking up to the pack heiress. "Saving pups is my job, but you need to stop being so mad and help me save your sister. Come inside the room right now."

"How dare you speak to Ms. Hale like that!" Erica shouts, stepping in front of me.

"I care about what is right, not who is a big alpha," I say, walking past them into the room. "If you do not like my words, go find another healer."

"Stay back, Erica," I say, watching Derek go. "His words are very sharp, but I am not even mad."

"Let us save this pup," I say, putting on my gloves inside the sanctuary.