At first, there was only quiet after King Zavan shifted from his wolf. The pained throbbing from my flank was creeping into numbness.
Then, the King staggered in place. I was already running to him when he fully collapsed.
“King Zavan!” My hands were feeble against his drooping body. I would not be able to hold him up if he collapsed entirely. “Try again to walk. We must get you back to–”
He coughed, blood dripping from his mouth. His eyes weren’t focusing anymore.
“King Zavan,” I repeated, desperately.
I had once wanted him dead. Perhaps tomorrow I would again.
But felled by Derek’s hand? While protecting me? I couldn’t live with myself, much less face my brother again.
I tried to lift him– but his hulking form was sunk towards the ground. To his knees, and then he was on his side,
