Darius's POV
The road had been calm—too calm. The sun dipped low behind the trees, the castle towers already in sight, and Sera’s weight rested easily in my arms as the mare kept a steady trot. Then, without warning, her shoulder tensed beneath my hand.
“Something wrong?” I murmured near her ear.
“No… just cold. Probably the wind.” She tried to sound casual, but her voice was thin.
I didn’t think much of it—until something warm and viscous slid across my wrist. Not water. Not sweat.
Blood.
“Stop!” I snapped, dragging the reins. “Cassian, halt!”
The escort tightened formation instantly, wolves circling us in a protective ring. Sera slumped forward; I caught her before she fell.
“Sera!” I shook her gently. “Look at me!”
Her bandage was soaked through—dark, wet, glistening. The stitc
