Page 77 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Contest suspended," the referee announced.

Cedric lifted his head to look at me, his eyes full of... hope. He seemed to want to say something, but when he opened his mouth, blood spilled out.

"Quickly!" Father stood. "Doctors! Get him to the infirmary immediately!"

Doctors rushed into the arena, carefully lifting him.

I watched them carry him away, blood dripping the entire way, leaving a horrifying trail on the ground. In that moment, my heart felt like it was being roasted over flames.

I forced myself not to think about it, but I couldn't control it. Even after servants brought me back to my room, I still couldn't calm down. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Cedric lying on the ground.

I had to see him! Not because I'd forgiven him, but... but he was a king. If something happened to him here, it would cause unnecessary complications.

Yes. That was it.

I took a deep breath, lifting my skirts as I walked through the corridors to where Cedric was staying. But as I reached for the door, I hesitated again.

Should I really go in?

My wolf howled frantically in my chest.

He's our mate!

He's hurt! He needs us!

"Shut up," I said internally. "Have you forgotten how he hurt us?"

But he was fighting for us!

He loves us!

"That doesn't erase what he did! Don't forget—in my last life, his abandonment killed us in that fire! And our baby!" I bit down hard, my breathing growing heavy.

My wolf whimpered.

Then why are you standing here?

I froze.

Yes... why was I standing here?

"Alice? Is that you?" A familiar voice came from behind.

I turned to see Caspar standing at the end of the corridor.

"Caspar..." I felt suddenly awkward. "What... what are you doing here?"

"I came to see His Majesty." He approached, studying my face for a long moment before offering a weary smile. "Congratulations on finding your family. You look... as beautiful as I imagined."

He paused, then continued, "You seem happy. That puts my mind at ease."

"Thank you for your concern," I nodded. "Father and Mother have both been very good to me."

Caspar watched me, silent for a moment.

"Alice," he said suddenly, "perhaps I shouldn't say this, but I want you to know—during the two months you were missing, His Majesty nearly lost his mind."

My body went rigid.