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SageMy mind catalogs everything we've discovered as we return to the packhouse – formulas, experiments, evidence of a conspiracy extending generations. Since the poison transformed my abilities, information organizes itself with crystal clarity, connections forming automatically between seemingly disparate details."She hasn't spoken in hours," I hear Garrett murmur to Alaric. "Is she—""Processing," Alaric replies, his confidence flowing through our bond. "Let her work."His faith in me warms something deep inside, even as I continue sorting through the mental library I've built. Names surface in connection with experimental protocols – council members, noble houses, wolves who have opposed us from the beginning.The packhouse comes into view, Helena and Iris waiting anxiously at the gates. Through our bond, I feel Alaric's relief at seeing them safe, his lingering fear that our enemies might have moved against his family while we were gone."You're back." Iris rushes forward, her us
AlaricDawn paints the sky blood-red as we depart, a small force of my most trusted warriors moving north with practiced stealth. Beside me, Sage rides in focused silence, her evolved senses already reaching ahead, searching for traces of corruption."Three hours to the facility coordinates," Garrett reports, studying the map one final time before we split up. "Based on patrol reports, they've been moving equipment for at least two days.""Which means anything critical is already gone." I scan the northern horizon, frustration simmering beneath my calm exterior. "But they always leave something behind."Through our bond, Sage's agreement flows clear as mountain water. Her powers have been cataloging everything we know about these facilities, finding patterns I would have missed."The main research would be evacuated first," she says, eyes distant as she accesses her mental library. "Transport vehicles described by the patrol are consistent with biological containment.""The mutants," I
SageThe packhouse erupts into controlled chaos when we return, evidence in hand and a plan forming between us. Through our bond, I feel Alaric's strategic mind already adapting to this new information, calculating risks and opportunities."Power extraction?" Garrett's expression darkens as we explain what we discovered. "Not just destroying abilities, but stealing them?""The technology appears experimental but functional." I spread the research documents we recovered across Alaric's desk. "They've successfully transferred minor abilities between test subjects. The convergence site is where they plan to scale up the process."Helena studies the ancient temple location marked on our map. "Sacred ground. Protected by ancient treaties. No single pack has jurisdiction there.""Perfect for their purposes," Alaric notes grimly. "The council can't officially interfere with activities there without unanimous agreement."Through our bond, I feel his frustration at these political complications
AlaricHer fear hits me through our bond like a physical blow – sharp, sudden, then fading as something interferes with her consciousness. My roar of rage silences even the battle around us, warriors freezing at the sound of their Alpha's fury."Sage." Her name tears from my throat as I abandon the diversion, racing toward her last known position. Through our bond, I feel her presence growing dimmer, consciousness slipping away."My King!" Garrett catches up to me, face grim with understanding. "What happened?""They have her." Three words that rip my world apart. "Cassius has her."My warriors rally instantly, forming an attack formation. But as we approach the water access point where she was working, a wall of corrupted energy erupts from the ground – black lightning crackling between ancient stones, forming an impenetrable barrier."They were waiting for us." Garrett tests the barrier, jerking back as corruption burns his skin. "This was a trap."Through our bond, I reach desperate
AlaricThe ancient temple texts pointed to what we needed – ceremonial passages beneath the sacred grounds, pathways for spiritual journeys now forgotten by modern wolves. While Cassius's barriers block all surface approaches, he's overlooked what lies beneath."The entrance should be here." I brush centuries of debris from stone marked with the crescent moon. "Used by spiritual leaders to access the temple heart unseen."My warriors work quickly, clearing the concealed entrance. Through our bond, I feel Sage's growing horror as Cassius reveals more of his plan. The threat to our mate bond sends fury coursing through my veins, but I channel it into focus, into determination.The passage finally opens, narrow stairs descending into darkness. Not all warriors will fit – this route was designed for ritual, not invasion."I go alone," I decide, silencing protests with a look. "The rest maintain pressure on the barriers. Create the illusion of a desperate, disorganized assault."Garrett cla
SageVictory's sweetness lasts mere moments. We've barely left the temple grounds when a scout races toward us, blood staining his uniform, eyes wild with urgency."My King!" He drops to one knee before Alaric, breathing heavily. "The kingdom—mutant wolves—everywhere."Through our bond, Alaric's triumph turns to cold dread. "Report. Clearly.""While you were occupied here, coordinated attacks began across all territories." The scout's voice steadies as he delivers the grim news. "Hundreds of mutant wolves, more advanced than any we've encountered. They struck simultaneously—villages, outposts, even the packhouse itself."Ice slides down my spine as understanding dawns. The temple operation wasn't Cassius's true endgame—it was the distraction."Helena? Iris?" Alaric's voice holds deadly calm."Safe, my King. They led the defense of the packhouse. But many others..." The scout falters.Through our bond, Alaric's strategic mind shifts instantly to war footing. His power fills the clearing
SageThe first wave hits the eastern villages shortly after noon. I arrive with a team of healers to find destruction beyond what we anticipated—houses burning, civilians wounded, warriors engaged in desperate combat with creatures more evolved than any we've yet encountered.These aren't mindless beasts. They move with frightening intelligence, coordinating attacks, setting ambushes, targeting the most vulnerable with eerie precision.Without hesitation, I establish a field hospital in the village square, organizing healers to triage the wounded. But as more injured arrive, I realize traditional methods won't be enough and I can’t be everywhere at once. Or maybe I can. "Keep them stable," I instruct the other healers before stepping into the center of the square.My powers have evolved beyond what anyone—even I—fully understands. As I close my eyes and extend my senses, I feel every injury within range, every corrupted wound, every life hanging in balance.Golden light extends from m
AlaricThree days of relentless battle have transformed the kingdom. Villages smolder in various states of reconstruction, fields bear scars of combat, and everywhere I look, the evidence of both destruction and resilience marks my people.But it's the council chamber that holds my attention now."The evidence is irrefutable." I gesture to the documentation spread across the massive table - research from both the Blackthorn facility and the temple, testimony from captured scientists, records of deliberate attacks spanning generations. "A systematic conspiracy to suppress healing abilities, culminating in Cassius's attempt to weaponize the corruption itself."The gathered council members shift uncomfortably. Some - those we've identified as likely co-conspirators - maintain carefully neutral expressions. Others appear genuinely horrified by what they're learning."These laws." Lord Harrison lifts ancient documentation regarding royal mate requirements. "Created specifically after the he
Lyra"Remember, we're here to request help, not demand it," I remind Alexander quietly. "Royal authority may not carry much weight here."He nods, visibly shifting from crown prince to diplomatic visitor in subtle ways—sitting less formally in his saddle, keeping his hands visible and relaxed, his expression open rather than commanding.A small “welcoming committee” awaits us at the settlement's edge—three people positioned deliberately to assess newcomers before they fully enter the community. The central figure steps forward as we dismount—a gray-haired man with the weathered face of someone accustomed to harsh conditions and hard decisions."What brings the Lycan crown to Blackstone Ridge?" he asks without preamble, confirming they've somehow recognized Alexander despite our lack of royal insignia."We seek Healer Karina," Alexander replies with careful respect. "On a matter of mutual concern regarding her aunt."The man's expression doesn't change, but tension ripples through the
LyraTwo days on horseback through increasingly rugged terrain has taught me several things: palace saddles are surprisingly comfortable, Alexander knows every hidden trail in his kingdom, and watching two grown men try to out-stubborn each other about the best route is both frustrating and oddly entertaining."The eastern path follows the riverbed," Kieran argues, pointing to the fork ahead. "Easier terrain for the horses.""The western route is more direct," Alexander counters, "and less exposed if Vega's agents are watching main thoroughfares."I sigh loudly enough for both to hear. "Maybe I should just flip a coin while you two continue this fascinating debate?"They turn to me with identical expressions of mild offense that make me bite back a laugh. For all their differences, they share a remarkable stubborn streak neither seems willing to acknowledge."The western route is faster," Alexander reiterates, "which means less time exposed to potential—""I get it," I interrupt. "Sec
KieranRather than engaging with the royal physician’s attitude, I turn my attention to Elise. "May I?" I ask, gesturing toward her rounded belly.She nods, and I kneel before her, placing my hands gently on her abdomen.Closing my eyes, I extend my senses to assess the baby's position and Elise's overall condition. The child is indeed awkwardly turned, pressing against her spine in a way that causes significant discomfort without presenting any real danger."The baby's healthy," I assure her, opening my eyes. "Just a bit stubborn about positioning, like its mother."This earns a small laugh from Elise, some tension leaving her shoulders. "Can you help?""A specific stretching routine twice daily and some herbal tea to relax the muscles should encourage proper positioning," I explain. "Plus a firmer sleeping surface—this bed is like trying to rest on a cloud."The palace physician clears his throat. "I recommended complete bed rest to avoid complications.""Which would actually increas
Kieran"Hold still or I'll accidentally stab you with this pin."I glance down at the tailor kneeling by my legs, his mouth full of pins as he adjusts the formal tunic that supposedly makes me look like a respectable court representative instead of a forest healer way out of his depth."How much longer is this torture going to last?" I ask, resisting the urge to scratch where the stiff fabric chafes against my neck."Beauty requires suffering," the tailor mumbles around his pins."I'm aiming for 'not embarrassing' rather than beauty," I correct him, which earns me a dismissive snort."The prince was most specific about the quality of your attire," he replies, expertly pinning a seam. "Royal blue with silver accents to complement Lady Lyra's ensemble while marking you as an official representative of the healing community."The thought of Alexander personally selecting my outfit for tonight's dinner is equal parts amusing and unsettling. Twenty-four hours ago, I'd have bet good money th
Alexander A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. "Enter," I call, expecting another messenger or council member.Instead, Kieran stands in the doorway, hesitating at the threshold as if unsure of his welcome. "Your Highness," he greets formally. "I was told you wanted to see me?"I blink in surprise. "I hadn't sent for you yet, but your timing is perfect. Please, come in."He enters cautiously, his posture suggesting he's bracing for confrontation. I realize with sudden clarity how rarely we've interacted without Lyra present, how much tension still exists beneath our carefully maintained civility."The moonflower essence is secure in the reliquary," he says, clearly assuming this is about the ritual. "Queen Sage confirmed the potency exceeds expectations.""Good," I nod, "but that's not why I wanted to speak with you." I gesture to the chair Dominic recently vacated. "I have a proposition that requires your particular expertise."Curiosity overcomes wariness as he takes the offe
Alexander"They found her, but she's not exactly rolling out the welcome mat."Dominic drops a report on my desk, interrupting my third attempt to write a diplomatic response to the Northern territories. I've been staring at the same paragraph for twenty minutes, my mind constantly drifting back to last night with Lyra."Vega's niece?" I ask, pushing aside the draft to read the new report."Karina," he confirms, dropping into the chair across from me. "Lives in a tiny settlement called Blackstone Ridge at the edge of the Northern territories. Our messengers found her, but she told them—and I'm quoting directly here—'to go fuck themselves and the royal horses they rode in on.'"I can't help but laugh. "Sounds like she inherited her aunt's charming personality, if not her politics.""She's a healer," Dominic continues, "which makes her refusal more complicated. She's not just rejecting royal authority; she's rejecting what she sees as interference in healer business."I lean back in my c
Lyra "I'm glad," I tell Kieran, meaning it despite the complex emotions churning beneath. "That you have someone to talk to."He looks surprised, then grateful for my response. "It helps," he admits. "Figuring out my place here, now that everything's..." he gestures vaguely, "different."The word encompasses so much—our relationship, our community's situation, our very identities shifting in this new context. I reach across the table to touch his hand briefly."Some things aren't different," I tell him. "You're still important to me, Kieran. That hasn't changed."His eyes meet mine, conflict evident in their green depths. "Just important in a different way now."I can't deny the truth of this observation. Before I can respond, a palace page appears in the doorway, bowing slightly when he spots me."Healer Lyra, Prince Alexander requests your presence in the royal study. He says it's regarding tonight's ritual."Kieran withdraws his hand from beneath mine, the moment broken. "You shoul
Lyra The royal sanctuary glows with morning light filtering through its glass walls, illuminating Queen Sage as she tends to rare plants with her own hands rather than delegating the task to servants. She looks up as I enter, a knowing smile touching her lips."Lyra," she greets warmly. "You look well this morning."Something in her tone tells me she's perfectly aware of why I might look "well," and I feel heat rise to my cheeks again. "Thank you for inviting me, Your Majesty.""Sage, please," she corrects, setting aside her gardening tools. "At least when we're alone. We're family now, after all."The casual acknowledgment of my place in her son's life—in the royal family—leaves me momentarily speechless. I've been so focused on the complications of court politics that I hadn't fully considered the simpler truth: I've gained not just a mate but a family connection.I kneel beside the spiral pattern of silver-blue blooms she’s tending, assessing their condition with a healer's eye. "T
Lyra Sunlight streams through the curtains, painting warm patterns across the tangled sheets. I wake slowly, momentarily disoriented by unfamiliar surroundings before memories of the night flood back. The weight of Alexander's arm draped across my waist anchors me to both the present moment and the significance of what passed between us.I study his sleeping face, softer in repose than his usual royal mask allows. Dark lashes rest against cheeks still bearing faint marks where power surges manifested during our separation. The bond between us pulses with contented warmth, stronger and more stable than it's been since the temporary healing at the Cave of Whispers."You're staring," he murmurs without opening his eyes, a smile curving his lips."Just making sure you're real," I reply, surprised by the vulnerability in my own voice.His eyes open then, violet depths focusing on me with an intensity that makes my breath catch. "Very real," he assures me, pulling me closer. "And not going