Chapter 2

Before I could plan an escape route, four figures emerged from the shadows. Silver badges on their shoulders gleamed coldly in moonlight—Cassius's personal guard insignia.

Silas Vales, captain of the guard, stopped before me. "Selene, the Alpha wants to see you. Healing Hall."

I laughed coldly. "Tell Cassius we have nothing left to discuss."

His hand clamped onto my shoulder like an iron vise, instantly immobilizing me.

"In Shadow territory," his voice held no inflection, "the Alpha's will supersedes everything."

I was forcibly brought to the Healing Hall. The air reeked of disinfectant mixed with blood, along with Helia's sickly sweet pheromones.

Cassius stood vigil beside Helia's bed, expression focused. The bandage on her wrist was especially glaring. The moonlight bracelet had been removed and placed nearby.

"Your blood," Cassius turned, his golden eyes devoid of warmth, "can purify the magical toxins in her system. I need two pints."

My blood seemed to freeze instantly.

"Alpha, Selene's condition may not be suitable for—" Pack physician Linden looked at me, hesitating.

"That bracelet nearly killed Helia." Cassius's voice was iron. "This is the price she must pay."

Absurd.

"I refuse." My voice was cold as ice. "Absolutely not."

"You have no choice." He gestured to the guards.

They pressed me onto the cold metal table, restraints biting into my wrists. I struggled desperately, but Cassius's strength crushed me, and my wolf soul was weak from the forcibly branded mark.

The moment the needle pierced my vein, the old wound below my left shoulder flared with sudden agony—the scar from the silver blade I'd taken for him eight years ago, now feeling as if it tore open anew. Back then he'd held me tight, golden eyes full of panic, swearing to repay me with his life.

He'd long forgotten.

I gasped, cold sweat beading on my forehead.

Cassius's gaze swept across my agonized expression, hesitating for just a moment.

Then Helia coughed softly. He immediately pressed down Linden's hand preparing to remove the needle. "Draw another pint."

"Alpha!" Linden's voice tightened. "Her heart can't take it!"

"Control the flow rate, but take the full amount." Cassius's tone brooked no argument. "She can handle it."

I clenched my teeth, cold sweat on my temples, suppressing the moan nearly escaping my lips.

The monitor tracking my vitals shrieked an alarm. Blood pressure plummeting, heart rate erratic like out-of-control drums.

"Alpha! Her heart can't take anymore!" Linden's voice carried panic.

Cassius's voice didn't waver. "Keep going."

My vision blurred, moonlight fragmenting into countless points of light. I could feel my life force draining away with my blood, while Helia's monitor maintained its steady rhythm.

What bitter irony.

"Cassius..." My voice was barely a whisper. "You're trading my life for hers?"

"You attacked her first." He didn't even glance at me. "This is your deserved price."

Price.

They called this a price.

The room spun completely, darkness surging in like a tide.

"Alpha! She's failing—" Linden's voice sounded distant and frantic.

"Continue."

That was the last word I heard before falling into darkness.

When I woke, I lay in a crystal chamber filled with barrier spells. The Spring of Life slowly infused into my depleted veins. The sensation of near-death had lessened slightly.

Cassius stood outside the barrier, watching me.

"Three pints." His voice actually carried a hint of admiration. "Your bloodline is truly exceptional. Linden says three days to recover fully."

Exceptional? I twisted my lips, throat burning as if about to crack.

"Helia?" I asked, voice hoarse.

"She's safe." He brought over a bowl of medicinal porridge. "The child is safe too."

Child.

That word stabbed into my heart like a knife.

"My communication stone," I forced out the words. "Give it back."

"Why?" His eyes sharpened. "Who are you contacting?"

"None of your concern." I met his gaze. "You took my blood, got what you wanted. Now return my belongings."

Fury rolled in his eyes, but he still ordered someone to retrieve the stone. Seeing the unread messages flashing on the screen, his expression turned ice-cold. "Who's looking for you?"

My eyes were full of disgust. "Someone who actually cares if I live or die."

He grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Enough, Selene. Don't test my patience."

I calmly pointed to his vibrating communication stone. "Hey, your Helia's calling."

The instant he saw the message, familiar tenderness flickered in his eyes. Before leaving, he gave one final warning: "Stay put. You know my limits."

Watching his hasty departure, I trembled as I dialed that code.

"Didn't see you at the north gate. Should I move now? The troops are already—"

"Unexpected delay." I cut them off. "Give me three days. I'll make the appointment."

I deleted the records and gazed out at the new moon.

Before then, there was a debt to settle.