Chapter 114
Person’s POV
The patient’s eyes were already closed, his breathing shallow and uneven. He didn’t stir when Lylah stepped closer to the bed. The draughts he’d been swallowing day after day likely dulled his senses, dragging him into a heavy, unnatural sleep.
Finished
Lylah didn’t fuss with elaborate examinations. She gently lifted his hand and pressed her palm to his forehead.
The moment her skin met his, Selestine rose within her–alert, instinct sharpening like a blade unsheathed.
“What’s his name?” she asked quietly.
“Yorik,” Gwyn replied.
Lylah’s expression darkened.
“His fever is dangerously high.” She glanced at Gwyn and Alexander. “His pulse is irregular. If we don’t bring his temperature down soon, he could seize. Or worse–die p>
Gwyn’s face crumpled with distress. “But only some minutes ago he was conscious. He even managed to sit up p>
A low chuckle broke the tension.
“You touched his forehead for a second, and now you’re handing down life–and–death verdicts?” Alexander asked. “What do you think you are? Some Moon–blessed healer? ”
His gaze shifted to Gwyn. “I warned you she’s an amateur. She was nothing more than a junior assistant in the Traditional Class before Clark Grimwood decided to indulge her.” He scoffed. “I’m one of Professor Vale’s finest students. And I don’t agree with whatever she thinks she’s suggesting p>
Gwyn stood frozen between them, torn.
She and the other healers had already administered high doses of cooling elixirs and potent herbal infusions. Another measure might overwhelm Yorik’s system. She knew it–but she refused to say it aloud, unwilling to hand Alexander the satisfaction of being right.
“Then what do you suggest, Alexander Blackridge?” Lylah asked evenly.
He hadn’t expected her to challenge him. His eyes narrowed slightly.
He didn’t hesitate. “Surgery.” His tone turned clinical. “We cut him open. Remove the stone. Excise the infected root. That way he won’t continue wasting nearly every expensive tonic in this ward”
Cold horror washed through Lylah. “You can’t be serious. ”
He tilted his head, smiling faintly. “I am p>
1/3
3:29 pm
Chapter 115
Finished
“No, Alexander,” Gwyn cut in, her voice tight. “We can’t just do that. He hasn’t given consent, and look at him–he wouldn’t survive it in this condition. The chances of it going wrong are too high p>
“Then think of it as experience,” he said lightly. “Unless you’re admitting you don’t have the stomach for it.” His gaze flicked toward Lylah. “You females can barely withstand the sight of real blood when it spills. I’ve cut open dozens of lab rats in Vale’s laboratory. This would be nothing p>
Lylah’s fists clenched until her knuckles blanched.
“You compare him to lab rats?” she demanded, voice trembling with fury. “You’re revolting p>
“At least I’m competent,” he countered coolly. “I offer a logical solution. Unlike you.” His eyes dropped to Yorik’s frail form. “Let’s not pretend this is some great tragedy in the making. He has no pack. No one will mourn him if he dies. ”
For a moment, Lylah couldn’t find her voice.
Rage warred with disbelief inside her chest.
She turned to Gwyn, desperate for support–but the young physician stood silent, shoulders bowed beneath the weight of the Blackridge name.
“Prepare the instruments,” Alexander ordered. “My gloves p>
“No p>
Lylah stepped in front of him, but Alexander shoved her aside, sending her crashing into a wooden table.
He slipped on his gloves with deliberate calm, then approached Yorik’s bed with the slow, measured grace of a predator closing in on wounded prey. A syringe gleamed in his hand, its needle catching the dim lantern light.
He leaned over the old wolf.
But just as the needle descended-
Yorik’s eyes snapped open.
Not dull. Not fevered.
Golden.
A growl ripped from his throat.
In a blur of movement, Yorik surged upright. His hand shot out, gripping Alexander’s wrist with startling strength.
Alexander gasped as Yorik twisted his arm mercilessly, forcing him to his knees beside the bed.
2/3
: 29 pm
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.