"No."
The word escaped before I could stop it.
The white wolf remained perfectly still, its enormous body lowered in a respectful bow. Moonlight shimmered across its snowy coat, turning every strand of fur into silver. Around us, the entire clearing had fallen silent. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
It wasn't looking at Kael.
It wasn't looking at the Blackpine wolves surrounding us.
It was looking at me.
Your Highness.
The title echoed through my head like a bell.
Then my eyes found Kael.
He still hadn't gotten up.
Everything else disappeared.
I ran.
"Mira!" Rhys shouted.
I ignored him.
I dropped to my knees beside Kael, my hands searching desperately for the wound in his side. Blood soaked through the bandages I had stitched only hours ago, warm against my fingers.
