6:

At first, nothing happened.

Just silence.

The stares.

The tremble in my fingers as I dropped the spoon back onto the plate.

I looked at them — waiting for someone to say something. To accuse me again. To shout.

Then it hit me.

A sharp stab, deep in my gut — like claws tearing through my stomach.

I gasped.

My knees buckled.

The room tilted sideways. My vision spun like a cyclone of light and shadow.

I fell. Hard.

The tray clattered beside me, food spilling like blood across the floor.

Pain curled in my belly like a living thing. My hands clawed at the ground, desperate for air, for help, for someone to understand—

But they only stared.

Glory’s smirk widened from the shadows.

“Nyx!” someone shouted, distant and muffled— like I was underwater.

Then the world went black.

*******

Alpha Kyo’s POV

The morning air was sharp with frost as I returned from patrolling the Blackmoon perimeter.

Something was off. I could smell it in the trees.

Something magical.

Are they using spells here?

Thorax, I called my wolf silently, why do you keep showing me signs without revealing the full truth?

But he didn’t answer.

That meant only one thing — something was wrong.

I quickened my steps.

As I reached the east wing, I saw her.

Nyx.

Collapsing.

“NYX!” I shouted, running to her.

She was on the floor. Limp. Unmoving.

And they were just standing there. Watching her suffer.

“You fools — get out!” I roared, my voice echoing through the corridor. I shoved past them and scooped her up into my arms. Her body was burning hot, her breathing weak.

I didn’t waste time. I ran toward the pack infirmary, ignoring the guards and servants bowing and gasping as I passed.

Pack Infirmary — Moments Later

The doctors took her instantly, laying her on a glowing exam table. The lights above flickered with healing runes, but I didn’t move from the doorway.

My arms crossed. Rage burning under my skin like wildfire.

What happened to her? What did they do?

A healer approached. “My king… we’ve checked her. There’s no external wound. But her system… something magical is attacking her from within.”

“What the hell are you saying?” I snapped. “Then fix it. Do your job!”

They flinched at my tone and rushed back to her side.

I turned toward the entrance.

And found Alpha Kael standing there.

“Move,” he said coldly. “I need to see her.”

I stepped into the doorway, blocking it fully.

“You’re not going anywhere near her.”

Kael’s jaw clenched. “She’s my mate.”

“I don’t care,” I growled. “Get lost.”

“I haven’t rejected her yet. That gives me the right to see her.”

“And she hasn’t accepted you,” I snapped. “So unless she calls your name, you’re nothing to her.”

“She’s mine. Chosen by the Moon Goddess—”

“If you say one more thing,” I cut in, “I’ll use it against you.”

He fell silent.

Good.

“You already lost her, Alpha,” I said with deadly calm. “The only difference now is whether you leave here with your pride… or in pieces.”

His throat bobbed like he wanted to say more, but my stare pinned him in place.

He turned around and walked away.

And I went back to her side.

Nyx.

Even unconscious, she still looked like fire trying to survive drowning.

Hang on, I thought, just a little longer, Wolfie. I’m here now. I won't let them break you.