Chapter 581
Ophelia tore through the dimly lit chamber, flinging aside curtains and overturning furniture in a frantic search. Katelyn vanished without a trace.
“How Ophelia hissed through clenched teeth, pacing in tight circles. “She can’t teleport. I bound her myself. How did she break my spell p>
She snatched the scrying orb from its pedestal one last time, pouring her will into it. The glassy surface swirled with shadow and smoke… Then cleared to empty nothingness.
Fury surged hot in her chest. Her fingers tightened around the discarded rope still stained with Katelyn’s blood.
“I still have this,” she muttered in a low voice. “Her blood is mine. I can call her back, drag her right through whatever veil they’ve thrown up p>
She stormed back to the ritual circle chalked on the stone floor, the candles guttering wildly as she passed. Kneeling, she smeared the rope’s blood across the sigils, chanting some spells.
However, nothing happened. It appeared to her that someone had wrapped Katelyn in a shield far stronger than anything she had anticipated.
“No—no!” Ophelia screamed, and it echoed off the walls. She hurled the rope aside and slammed her fists against the floor. “They have rescued her. This was a perfect chance for trapping Gabriel and Amelie once again, but I lost it!” However, the fire of revenge in her eyes didn’t stop. She decided to look into Amelie’s family. Though they were protected, they could be lured if she tried harder.
“Kate,” Sage burst into the chamber, his voice cracking on her name as he scanned the room in near-panic.
“She hasn’t woken up yet,” Zilia said softly, rising from her chair in the drawing room. She offered him a gentle, sympathetic smile. “The Queen is with her now. I’ll let Her Majesty know you’re here p>
She crossed to the bedroom door, knocked on the door, then slipped inside.
“Mother,” Zilia said, “Sage has arrived p>
“Oh, bring him in,” Mabel replied without hesitation, her voice steady despite the strain in her eyes.
Zilia stepped back and nodded to Sage. He took a shaky breath, then walked through the doorway and immediately dipped into a deep, respectful bow toward the Queen.
When he straightened, his gaze found Katelyn.
She lay so still against the pillows, her face pale beneath the thick bandage that covered one side. Her wrists, both of them, were wrapped in white gauze. His chest tightened painfully, and a deep ache settled behind his ribs.
He swallowed hard, barely able to speak. “Can I p>
“Of course,” Mabel said at once, her tone warm and maternal as she reached out to briefly touch his arm. “She’s your mate, Sage. Stay as long as you need p>
With that, Mabel and Zilia slipped quietly out of the room, leaving Sage alone with Katelyn in the hushed silence.
In the drawing room, Mabel smoothed a hand over her sleeve, taking a steadying breath before turning to Zilia. “Where have the others gone p>
Zilia’s expression was tight, worry still lingering in her eyes. “Noah woke up crying, so Amelie had to rush off to him. The three princes followed Father to the council hall. They’re meeting with the advisors now.” She frowned. “This isn’t just a family matter anymore, Mother. What happened to Kate… It’s unacceptable. Anything could have happened to her p>
Mabel’s gaze darkened, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. For a moment, she revealed the fury beneath that composure.
“I wish I could kill that witch with my own hands,” she said with barely contained rage. “She tore me away from Gabriel, made him suffer years without the love he deserved. And now… now she dares to lay a hand on my daughter.” Her breath hitched, eyes glistening. “I’ve never felt this angry, this helpless, in my life p>
“Mother, I am sure Gabriel will come up with a plan soon and will end this witch for good,” Zilia stated, giving her much-needed support.
Sage sat on the edge of the chair, leaning forward, both of Katelyn’s bandaged hands cradled carefully in his.
He hated himself for it, for every second he’d wasted, for every minute he hadn’t been there. If he’d just moved faster, maybe she wouldn’t be lying here like this. Maybe those marks wouldn’t be on her skin.
And that call. God, he wished he could take it back. He’d asked her to come to him, and it happened.
His throat burned. He bowed his head slowly, pressing his forehead against her knuckles, breathing in the faint warmth still lingering in her fingers.
“I’m so sorry, Kate,” he whispered with anger and guilt. “Please… forgive me. I should’ve protected you. I should’ve been there p>
He closed his eyes, grip tightening just a little, like he could will his strength into her through touch alone.
“I swear,” he said, low and shaking with barely contained fury, “I swear I’m going to kill that witch p>
He stayed like that, forehead against her hands, silent tears slipping down to dampen her skin, refusing to let go.
“Sage p>
His head snapped up from where it rested against her hands.
“Kate?” He stared at her, almost afraid to believe it. Her eyelids fluttered, then opened just enough for him to see those familiar eyes looking back at him. “Kate, you’re awake p>
He started to stand, already turning toward the door. “Wait, let me call the others, they need to know p>
Her fingers tightened around his wrist. “Don’t go,” she whispered. “Please… Stay with me p>
Sage froze, then slowly sank back down, this time onto the edge of the bed instead of the chair. He shifted carefully, mindful of the bandages and the IV line, and gently brushed a few strands of hair away from her forehead with his free hand.
“I’m right here,” he murmured, thumb tracing a soft line along her temple. “Not going anywhere p>
He swallowed hard, guilt still heavy in his chest. “I’m so sorry, Kate. You were right there… And I couldn’t get to you fast enough. I should’ve p>
“Shh.” She gave the tiniest shake of her head, wincing a little at the movement. “Don’t blame yourself. I lost the ring. That’s why it happened. Not you p>
Sage’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. He just leaned in a fraction closer, letting her feel he was really there.
After a quiet moment, her dry lips parted again. “I want… Water,” she murmured, barely audible.
“Right, hold on.” He reached immediately for the glass on the nightstand, steadying it with one hand while carefully lifting her head just enough with the other. He brought it to her lips, letting her sip slowly, watching her throat move with each tiny swallow.
When she’d had enough, he set the glass aside and stayed close as his fingers threaded gently through hers again.