Page 58 of Toward Immortal Ruin

“We do not, and that’s a difficult question to explain. We vet potential candidates—thoroughly—because if a bitten human isn’t strong enough, it could … end poorly.”

Something volatile and sickly rooted itself in Eden’s gut.

“When we shift to wolves for the first time, the process is grueling. It requires our bodies to be reborn, in a way,” he explained. “Though there is magic in the shift, it’s primarily driven from the physical change in our bodies. Kind of like a caterpillar cocooning itself, then emerging as the butterfly. Without a certain amount of energy and endurance, the change stalls. If it lasts longer than a few hours, or if the human rejects the wolf, then the shift isn’t completed. Without it, they won’t survive.”

Eden couldn’t stem the growing horror in the back of her mind. Aidan had been nothing but straightforward andtransparent, but the reality of her situation was far more complex than he realized. Drawing on what she knew about the immortal community at large, she asked the next logical question.

“Have there ever been other accidental bites? Would healers like Luna be able to help someone along if their transition stalls?”

“In the beginning of our breed, there were more accidents than we would’ve liked. Wolves that went rogue and attacked unsuspecting humans. One of our alphas, Riaz, was bitten that way,” Aidan said. “For those who were unwell when they were bitten, we’ve attempted to intercede with healers supporting a transition, but often, it doesn’t help the way we want it to. So much is driven by the individual going through the change, and if they lack physical endurance and energy to sustain themselves through that first shift, it’ll end in a grave.”

Unable to look Aidan in the eye, Eden studied the way her knuckles had bleached white in her lap. Despite every question she’d asked and every loophole she’d attempted to exploit, she still saw no way out.

“I know that you didn’t choose this, but it would be better to know now how to start preparing to help you.” Aidan searched her eyes. “Eden, do you have any health issues you’re aware of that may impede your ability to shift?”

“If I did,” she started, the words tasting bitter, “what difference would it make?”

Everyone around her froze. Beside her, Nero went predator still, slowly pivoting his head to stare at her. She couldn’t meet his gaze. Instead, Eden remained locked in Aidan’s sights, the predator behind his eyes laser focused on her.

“Aidan, would I be able to speak with you,” she hesitated, “alone?”

As the werewolf alpha slowly climbed to his feet, Eden gave Nero’s hand a squeeze before getting up. Though he flinched as though he wanted to follow, he remained seated.

“Be back in a minute.”

The smile she gave to Nero had never felt so forced. Aidan tipped his head toward a hallway. Both were silent until they came upon a small sitting area and collapsed in the chairs.

“No one else will hear us here,” he said quietly.

Eden fiddled with the hem of her shirt. “Aidan, I want you to promise me that what we say here stays between us.”

Though he studied her intensely for more than a few moments, assessing her for what she’d reveal, in the end, Aidan agreed. “Of course.”

The truth was like poison on her tongue, and if she didn’t spit it out, it’d rot her from within. Stiffening her spine, she disclosed what damned her. “I’m sick. Four months ago, I was diagnosed with a terminal condition.”

The green in his eyes was swallowed by tangerine.His wolf,she thought. It was a startling shift, and despite the circumstances, seeing the magic of it made her inner scholar giddy.

In the next moment, his expression broke with grief, and she could see the devastation he was unable to hide.

“What are your symptoms?”

“Headaches and fatigue, mostly. Blurred vision, balance changes, and a heightened risk of aneurysms. The reason I wanted to speak with you alone, Aidan, is because I don’t know what to do.”

“About what?”

“About Nero.”

The werewolf cursed under his breath, realizing the full repercussions of her diagnosis on the mating bond and the risk to his friend’s life.

“Our mating bond was triggered yesterday,” Eden continued. “When I spoke with Nero’s healer, she said that when one mate dies, the other follows. She couldn’t tell me what would happen if our bond never solidified. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been pushing Nero away and why his panther is panicking.”

Every ounce of fatigue and strain lined Aidan’s face. “Eden, I can’t lie to you—what Nero’s healer said is true. It won’t matter if the bond is finalized or not.”

The silence that followed felt like it hollowed out her soul.

“I’m so sorry, Eden,” he breathed. “I’m sorry that you were bitten and we didn’t get to you in time.”

His hurt was so palpable that Eden couldn’t help herself other than to reach across and grasp his hand. She gave it a squeeze and held onto him, as if knowing he needed her. The wolf behind Aidan’s eyes studied her, and it was the best insight into the dual nature currently rising in her. He covered her hand with his own, and theotherness—Eden’s she-wolf—responded.

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