Chapter 25
At Ashborne Pack Territory
Kael panted heavily as he shifted back into his human form, his body trembling from both exhaustion and rage. Their healer was already waiting at the borders of their territory when he arrived, moving quickly toward him.
“I’m fine,” Kael hissed, brushing the healer off as he knelt to examine the torn skin along his side. The wounds were already closing, but the sting remained.
Kael despised retreating; it was against his very nature. But seeing Althea hurt herself like that… the image wouldn’t leave him. It ripped through him worse than any claw or blade.
He knew her too well. He had seen the fire in her eyes when she said those words and he knew she meant them. She would have done it, hurt herself… and she did it… to save him.
So the Alpha King wouldn’t kill him.
“Damn you, Gavriel,” Kael growled through clenched teeth, the name like poison on his tongue.
“I told you what you were planning was futile, son,” came the calm, disapproving voice of his father, Alpha Muru. He gave the healer a slight nod to continue treating Kael’s wounds.
“You shouldn’t be reckless,” Muru added, his tone heavy with warning. “You’re no match for the Alpha King. He’s a pureblood Lycan. It’s a miracle you’re still alive. But mark my words, he’ll be watching you now p>
Kael’s jaw tightened. He hated how calm his father always was. How easily he accepted things. How detached he seemed, even when it came to Althea. She was like a daughter to him. And still, he did nothing to help her.
“I was close,” Kael snapped, his voice thick with frustration. “I was this close to saving her. If you had just lent more support p>
“And what?” Muru cut in sharply. “Doom our pack? Throw our people into the fire for one girl p>
Kael stared at him, chest heaving.
“I think of Althea as family, you know I do. But Cain’s rebellion failed. We’re already fortunate the royal court hasn’t tied us to it, being so close to his territory. Don’t be foolish, Kael. Don’t be selfish p>
Alpha Muru’s voice softened, but his gaze remained firm. “Sometimes saving one person means losing hundreds. That’s not a trade I’m willing to make p>
Kael understood his father. He always had. He knew his father spoke with the weight of a leader, thinking of their people first. Logic. Survival. Political safety. But that didn’t mean Kael agreed. And it sure as hell didn’t mean he would give up on Althea. She wasn’t just some girl caught in a power struggle. She was his everything p>
He would find a way to get her back, no matter what it took. Even if it meant crossing lines he swore never to touch, even if it meant striking a deal with the devil himself. Because Althea always saved him without hesitation. And now it was his turn.
Meanwhile, Gavriel’s convoy camped within the forest. He stayed by Althea’s side, who was still unconscious on the makeshift bed inside his tent, his gaze never leaving her pale face. He hadn’t moved at all, waiting silently for Uriel to arrive.
[This is why you should have already taught her how to use the mind link!] Chaos grunted, and Gavried didn’t say a word. He had no energy left to debate with his inner wolf now.
“What’s taking that damn man so long?!” he hissed, referring to Uriel.
His cousin Uriel was a mage healer, considered the best in his field. He had been the head of the royal mage healers, but seven years ago, he banned Uriel from entering the royal estate. Since then, Uriel has stayed in the Capital City, managing his own apothecary. It has been seven years since they last spoke, following a tragic incident.
Just then, a portal shimmered into existence nearby, swirling with faint blue light. Uriel then stepped forward, giving a slight bow and a polite greeting. Gavriel remained emotionless as he directly ordered, “Check her. Make sure she lives p>
“Understood, Your Majesty,” Uriel plainly answered.
Gavriel’s jaw clenched as Uriel drew nearer. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by.net
Uriel hesitated, glancing at Althea with furrowed brows. “You marked her,” he said quietly. “She’s your fated mate p>
“Just check her and tell me what’s wrong!” Gavriel snapped, his voice low and dangerous.
Uriel smirked faintly. “You’re still as grumpy as ever.” Still, he moved toward the bed and lifted both hands, preparing to release his inner energy. His aura began to pulse, surrounding the room with a faint golden glow.
But before he could touch Althea… Her eyes flew open. She jolted upright with a gasp, backing away. She hugged her knees tightly, panic flashing in her wide eyes.
“Stop! Don’t check me… I’m fine!” she said quickly, her voice shaking. “I’m already fine p>
Uriel’s hands froze midair. Gavriel instantly moved to her side, his eyes narrowing with concern.
“Althea,” Gavriel said softly, taking a careful step toward her.
But she quickly shook her head, still breathless. Her eyes flicked between the two men, wide and terrified like a frightened deer cornered in the woods.
“Please… just go away. I’m truly fine now. I just need a moment,” she whispered, voice trembling. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she turned to him. “Please she pleaded.
Gavriel’s jaw tightened. He swallowed hard but said nothing. Without another word, he rose to his feet. He gave her one last lingering look, one he couldn’t explain, not even to himself.
Then he turned to Uriel. “Follow me,” he said sharply.
And just like that, they left, leaving Althea alone.
Once the room fell silent and she was finally alone, Althea closed her eyes and forced herself to breathe. Slowly. Deeply.
She needed to calm down. To gather herself. But the moment she found stillness, everything came crashing into her mind… all at once.
Memories she thought were lost forever. Her mother’s arms wrapped tightly around her. The sound of footsteps in the dark. The blinding light. The screams. The running.
Tears streamed down her cheeks again, silent and steady.
She looked down at her trembling hand. It was shaking uncontrollably but then, for just a moment, a soft flicker of light sparked in her palm. Pale and glowing. Her breath caught.
She stared at it until she quickly curled her fingers into a tight fist, making it disappear.
She bit back a sob, but the tears wouldn’t stop. Not when she remembered the final moments. Her mother’s voice, her mother’s embrace and her mother’s sacrifice to save her.
“I… I remember everything now, Mother,” she whispered, lips trembling.