Wrapped in My Enemy’s Arms

Chapter Twelve

Ayla’s POV

I spun around, my hand flying to my chest as Kiara skidded into the room. She was disheveled, her breath coming in jagged, desperate hitches as if she’d run the entire length of the territory.

“I found something—” she panted, clutching the doorframe to keep from collapsing.

I stepped toward her, a frown deepening on my face. “Kiara, breathe. You’re shaking. What is going on?”

“There’s a solution,” she rushed out, her eyes unnaturally bright despite the exhaustion shadowing them. “Something that could pull your powers and awaken the Sayer in you briefly.”

I stepped back, the weight of the word Sayer hitting me like a physical blow. I shook my head immediately. “Kiara, no. We’ve talked about this.”

“Wait.” Her gaze dropped, snagging on the packed bag gripped in my hand. Her face fell. “Are you leaving? Now?”

I hesitated, the leather strap of the bag digging into my palm. I nodded slowly. “I’m sorry,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Since I arrived, it’s been nothing but trouble and problems... I think the common denominator is me, Kiara. I think, No—I’m the problem.”

I moved toward the door, intending to slip past her, but she lunged forward. Her grip on my hand was surprisingly firm, her skin burning against mine.

“If you leave, Kael dies,” she snapped. The bluntness of it stopped the air in my lungs. “But if the ritual works... if you can bridge the gap for just a moment... you can save him.”

I blinked, the world tilting. “Ayla, you are the only one who can make or break him. My powers won't take—he’s too far gone. If you still want to leave after this, I won’t stop you. But please. Just help him.” Her voice broke, a raw, jagged sound.

“He’s the only family I have left.”

The defeat hit me then, heavy and cold. I let my shoulders sag, the bag slipping from my fingers and hitting the floor with a dull thud. “Fine. I’ll stay for the ritual or whatever it is. But I’m gone the second he’s stable.”

After all, he saved me first.

My eyes caught on a dark, wet smear on the fabric of her skirt. “Kiara, there’s blood on your dress.” I grabbed her arm, my heart climbing into my throat. “Oh goddess... you went into the forest alone, didn't you?”

I folded my arms, staring her down. She flushed, a soft pink creeping up her neck. “It’s just a scratch from a branch. Besides, Riian came with me. I wasn’t alone.”

I arched an eyebrow. “I thought you hated him.”

“He’s annoying,” she muttered, looking at her boots. “But he... he can be sweet when he isn't trying to be a pest.”

A low, amused chuckle echoed from behind her. I couldn't help the small laugh that escaped my lips as Riian leaned against the doorframe, a smirk tugging at his mouth.

“You think I’m sweet, little witch?” Riian mocked.

Kiara practically jumped out of her skin, nearly elbowing him in the jaw as she spun around to glare at him. “Whatever! Why are you even lurking here?”

“Because time is a luxury you don't have,” Riian’s face went serious, the playfulness vanishing. “Whatever you’re planning to do to jumpstart the Alpha, do it now. The elders are beginning to get restless, and they want to see him tonight”

Kiara nodded urgently, gesturing for me to follow her. I caught Riian’s eye and gave him a short, silent nod of thanks.

“The ritual, Kiara,” I prompted as we ducked into a quiet corner. “Tell me exactly what I’m walking into.”

She paused, her hands trembling as she pulled a small vial from her cloak. “Don’t freak out. Just... listen.”

“I’m already freaking out, Kiara. Speak.”

“Listen carefully, because once you start, I can't follow you. It’s simple, but...”

“Kiara, talk or I’m picking my bag back up!”

“You’re going to die,” she blurted out.

The world went silent. My heart skipped a beat, then another. “What? Tell me you’re joking. That’s a hell of a punchline.”

“Please, Ayla... just hear me.”

I looked at the stone walls, feeling trapped. I was beginning to hate my life and everything surrounding me—but I didn't want to die. Not yet. “Go on,” I managed to choke out.

“It’s temporary. A suspended state,” Kiara explained, her words coming in a frantic rush. “Your heart will stop for five minutes, but if you don’t find your power in the realm... If you aren't back by then,”

“I’d be really dead.” I finished and she replied with a nod.

I stared at the green, murky liquid in her hand. Dying for a man who had spent half our time together wishing I was someone else? It was madness.

“I’ll do it,” I murmured.

You’re out of your mind, Ayla. The voices in my head were screaming, but I silenced them.

Kiara crashed into me, her slim arms wrapping around my waist in a crushing hug. “Thank you,” she whispered against my shoulder. “Thank you for helping my brother.”

“He’s my mate,” I said, the words feeling heavy and strange as I gently untangled myself. “Now, tell me the rest.”

Five p.m. The light was fading, casting shadows in my room.

I stood alone, the air cold against my skin as I stripped away my clothes, peeling the fabric back until I was nothing but flesh. The green liquid sat on the table, looking more like poison than a miracle. Beside it, the timer ticked—a rhythmic, metallic reminder of my mortality.

Apply to the face so I don’t attract bad spirits. Drink the rest. Count to ten.

I picked up the timer, my fingers slick with sweat as I dialed it for four minutes. I couldn't afford the full five. I needed a edge for error.

I took one last deep breath—the taste of real air—and smeared the bitter liquid across my forehead and cheeks. Then, I tipped the vial back. It tasted like rot. I wretched, my throat seizing, but I forced it down, swallowing the putrid liquid until the glass was empty.

I sank to the floor.

“One... two... three...”

My pulse began to sluggishly throb in my ears. The room blurred. I tried to reach for the count of four, but my tongue felt like lead. The thudding in my chest slowed... slower.. until there was a final, echoing thump.. and then silence.

I felt.. weightless.

I tried to push myself up, but my limbs wouldn't respond. It was as if I were trapped inside my skin. I shoved with every ounce of will I possessed, a silent scream tearing through my mind, until something snapped.

I lunged forward, gasping—but there was no air to catch. I turned my head back, and my stomach turned. My body was still there, sprawled pale and lifeless on the cold floor, the timer ticking away beside my own corpse.