All Chapters of The Healer and The Beast: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Sena's POVThe morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Kael's private dining chamber as we shared breakfast together. The intimacy of the previous night still lingered between us, creating a warm contentment that made even simple moments feel precious."How have you been managing everything while I was unconscious?" I asked, cutting a piece of fruit. "The kingdom, the people... I know it could not have been easy."Kael set down his cup and considered my question thoughtfully. "It has been challenging, but there have been some encouraging developments. After what happened with Lily and her mother's forgiveness, I decided to make more direct efforts to connect with our people.""What kind of efforts?""I have been visiting the villages personally, listening to their concerns, providing aid where needed. I established new laws redistributing some of the royal lands to families for farming. I brought in physicians from neighboring kingdoms to treat the sick and injured." His expr

Sena's POVBefore Henrik could explain what he meant about Lysander, Kael's voice echoed through the dungeon corridor, sharp with concern and authority."What is happening down here?"I spun toward the sound, my heart hammering against my ribs. But what I saw made my blood freeze in my veins - the corridor behind me was empty. Lydia and Dr. Ashford had vanished as completely as if they had never been there at all.The impossibility of their sudden disappearance sent fresh terror shooting through me. How could two people simply evaporate from a stone corridor with only one entrance? What kind of power were we truly dealing with?"Sena?" Kael's voice came again, closer now. "What is going on down here?"I shot a desperate look at Henrik and Marta, silently commanding them to keep quiet about what they had just witnessed. Henrik's eyes were wide with understanding, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod."Nothing is wrong,

Sena's POVDr. Ashford's question hung in the air like poison, seeping into my consciousness and spreading dread through every cell of my body."What do you mean?" I whispered, though part of me did not want to hear his answer."Curses have a way of... affecting bloodlines," he said with practiced detachment. "Particularly when conception occurs while the curse is actively influencing the father's magical signature. The developing child can face certain... complications.""You are trying to frighten me.""I am trying to educate you about the reality of your situation." He moved closer, and I backed toward the door. "Without proper intervention, pregnancies involving cursed blood rarely reach full term. And when they do..." He trailed off with a meaningful look."When they do what?" I demanded, even as terror clawed at my throat."Let us just say that the survival rate for both mother and child is considerably lower than one might hope."The casual way he discussed my baby's potential

Kael's POV"I am pregnant," she said quietly.His pen stopped moving across his notes. He looked up at her with what appeared to be surprise, though something about his reaction seemed carefully measured."Pregnant," he repeated thoughtfully. "How far along do you believe you are?""I am not certain. Not very far, I think.""And you are concerned that the pain might indicate complications?""Yes."Throughout this exchange, I watched Sena carefully. Her entire body was tense, and I could smell the fear radiating from her in waves. But Dr. Ashford's demeanor seemed perfectly normal - concerned, focused on gathering medical information."When did the pain begin?" he asked.“Some minutes ago. It started mild but has been getting progressively worse.""Any nausea? Changes in appetite? Unusual fatigue?""Some nausea, yes. And I have been more tired than usual.""That is quite normal for early pregnancy, though the cramping does warrant investigation." He prepared his instruments. "I will ne

Sena's POVKael's question hung in the air between us like a blade waiting to fall. His silver eyes searched my face with uncomfortable intensity, and I could see that he was no longer willing to accept evasive answers."Sena," he said quietly, his voice carrying the weight of mounting suspicion. "Is there something about Lysander's visit that you think I should know?"My heart hammered against my ribs as I struggled to find words. This was the moment I had been dreading and anticipating in equal measure. The moment when all my carefully guarded secrets would finally come spilling out."Yes," I whispered, the admission tearing from my throat like a confession. "There are things about his visit, about everything that has happened, that you need to understand."Kael's expression shifted to one of grim determination. "Then tell me. All of it. No more deflection, no more half-truths. I need to know what we are truly facing."I took a