“Maya!” Killian’s roar shattered the night as he dropped to his knees beside her, gathering her broken body into his arms. His chest heaved, his voice raw with fear. “Who did this to you? Tell me!”
Her lips trembled, blood staining them as she struggled for breath. “I’m… sorry, Alpha,” she whispered, her voice cracked and fragile. “I only wanted to leave quietly… so you could be happy with your offered bride. But… the rogues… they found me—” A violent cough shook her body, tears spilling from her eyes.
Killian’s jaw clenched, rage flashing in his eyes as his arms tightened around her. “Why would you ever think of leaving me?” His voice was low, breaking with both anger and pain.
“I… I don’t have much time,” Maya murmured with a faint, fading smile. “I’ll be gone… forever this time, Alph
