Adrenaline pulses through my veins, strengthening my resolve to heights I've never felt before.
As Thane's eyes close and a drawn-out breath escapes his lips, I know I have to do something to save him.
Whatever poison is running through him is strong enough to turn his veins dark blue, his skin a paler blue, as if he's dying. I grab his arms, trying to hoist him over my shoulder, and failing dismally when his body weight is no match for my petite size.
Grunting in frustration, I feel the surge of my magic energy rushing through me, pooling in my palms, ready to be unleashed. Relying solely on my instincts, I get to my feet quickly and direct my power toward Thane's nearly lifeless body.
It's not harmful energy that circles him, like the magic I used to chase the Blood Claw wolves away. This energy is softer, a warm glow of gold surrounding Thane that slowly, steadily, begins to lift his body off the ground.
I gasp in shock, because this isn't something I'm consciously doing. Rather, I'm allowing my powers to take command, my instinct and desire to get Thane the help he needs, driving the swirl of my hands. My desperation to save him drives my every move.
I’m living my worst nightmare, that horror that's been haunting me since I returned to Girdwood.
I can't let that terror win.
I can't let Thane die like I've seen countless times.
My guard was down for a beat, and this happened because of me. My chest pangs with guilt, as the graceful, fluid motions of my hands in the air seem to be moving Thane, and I run with this feeling until I can get him back to the main village.
Somehow, we arrive at Aurora's place with my magic, carrying Thane through the woods. As I pull him onto the porch, I scream out for help.
“Aurora! Elias! Somebody, please!”
A rush of racing footsteps comes from behind, and I turn in the vortex of my golden light just in time to see Alpha Elias and Aurora racing toward me. I take care to set Thane down gently, collapsing on my knees as my light retracts into my palms.
“He's been poisoned!” I cry out, barely able to catch a full breath as I lug shallow ones into my lungs. “I don't think he's breathing! Please help me!”
Rissa comes out from somewhere behind Aurora, followed by Yvonne and the other two sub-alphas.
“What happened, Willow?” Aurora asks gently as she crouches beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
Panting, I stare at her, bewildered and panicked as I see Elias rushing to Thane.
“B-Blood Claw…” I mutter breathlessly. “They came for us…they shot him in the neck,” I gesture feebly with my hand.
“It wasn't demons?” Dawson asks, snapping his eyes between Thane and me.
“No,” I breathe out, my hands trembling as one flies to my throat. “Wolves. They were wolves.”
“There's been a breach on the west,” Brooks says sharply as he helps Elias lift Thane. “The demon trap's fried. Signal was cut.”
I turn to Aurora. “It was me. I must have damaged the trap when I fought them.”
Aurora and Yvonne help me off the ground, Yvonne saying, “The use of magic out there would have signaled the demons, anyway. They'll be coming.”
“Then we must go there and protect the pack,” Aurora says as she drags me inside her house. “We can't risk any casualties.”
Rissa is already hastily rushing in after Brooks and Elias as they carry Thane inside. Dawson follows us, attentive as his mate and the main luna help me to the living room, bringing ice water in a glass.
My hands tremble as I take it, gulping down the water.
“I'm sorry,” I whimper as I stare blankly at the rug. “I used my powers when I shouldn't have, but it was the only thing I could do to save us. To save him.”
Aurora clicks her tongue. “No, sweetheart, you have nothing to apologize for. You did what you had to. We'll deal with the demons when they come.”
As I begin nodding, a strike of green light flashes through the hallway in Aurora's house.
“Thane!” I exclaim and get to my feet immediately. Without thinking, I race toward the room they've taken Thane into, but Elias stops me.
