Page 33 of The Alpha's Fallen Spell
“Your wolf and human sides need to be in balance. If you’re actively rejecting your wolf, pushing it away...” He trails off, then continues more gently. “It could be hurting both of you.”
“I don’t care,” I say as another cough builds in my chest. “I want it gone.”
Jerry looks deeply troubled. “Fiona, I respect your choice. But as your healer, I must ask you to reconsider. This symptom—coughing blood—it’s serious. Your body is fighting itself.”
“Then, help me,” I plead. “Give me something to stop it until Maya can complete the procedure.”
He studies me, conflict clear in his eyes. “I can give you herbs to ease the coughing and fever. But Fiona, if this continues or worsens, I will have to inform Maya and Erik.”
At the mention of his name, I stiffen. “Why Erik?”
“He’s responsible for your safety here,” Jerry says carefully. “And he would want to know.”
“Erik has made it clear I’m not his concern,” I say bitterly. “Please, Jerry. Just Maya. No one else needs to know.”
After a long pause, he nods reluctantly. “For now. But I’ll be checking on you daily.”
As he prepares an herbal mixture for me, I stare out at the night sky. The stars are blurry through my unshed tears. My wolf whimpers inside me, weak and confused. For the first time, I feel sympathy for it. This creature was forced into existence alongside me, neither of us having a choice in the matter.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, though I’m not sure if I’m apologizing to my wolf or to myself.
Either way, there’s no response. Just the taste of blood in my mouth and the growing certainty that something inside me is fracturing beyond repair.
Chapter 6
Erik
Two weeks. Fourteen days since I told Fiona I didn’t want our mate bond. Fourteen nights of restless sleep and a wolf that refuses to find peace. My inner beast paces relentlessly, angry at the rejection of what is naturally ours.
I stand at my window, watching the courtyard below where soldiers train in the morning light. The rhythm of swords clashing and orders being shouted should comfort me; this is my domain, my purpose. Yet I find myself scanning the grounds, searching for a flash of blonde hair, a glimpse of her slight frame.
When was the last time I actually saw her?
The realization hits me with unexpected force. Days have passed without a single sighting of Fiona. She has disappeared from the common areas of the palace, no longer occupying her usual spot in the library or walking the gardens at dawn.
I turn away from the window, running a hand through my hair. It shouldn’t matter. This distance is what I wanted, what I demanded. So, why does her absence feel like an open wound?
My wolf growls, making its disapproval known. The beast doesn’t understand politics or duty or self-preservation. It onlyknows its mate is somewhere in this palace, unclaimed and alone.
“She’s better off,” I mutter aloud, as if saying the words might make them true.
But something doesn’t feel right. Instinct tells me something is wrong—the same instinct that has kept me alive through countless battles. I find myself moving through the palace corridors before conscious thought catches up with my actions. My feet know where they’re taking me.
To her.
I stop at Fiona’s door, my hand raised to knock. What right do I have to check on her, though? I rejected her, made it crystal clear that I wanted nothing to do with our bond. Coming here now is selfish. I’m seeking relief from my own discomfort at her expense.
My hand falls back to my side.
Before I can retreat, the door opens, revealing Maya. She’s carrying her medical bag and jumps at the sight of me. Then, her expression hardens.
“Erik,” she says, her tone coolly formal. “Did you need something?”
The distance in her voice isn’t imagined. My sister-in-law, usually warm and friendly, is eyeing me with a guarded expression I haven’t seen since she first arrived at the palace.
“I—” The words stick in my throat. “Is Fiona alright?”
Maya shifts the weight of the bag in her arms. “Why do you ask?”
