Unknown
Celine POV
The pack’s grounds fade behind us, replaced by the quiet of the forest. I am cradled in King Sebastian’s arms as we move swiftly toward a small encampment nestled among the trees. The tents are simple but orderly, their canvas sides flapping softly in the cool night breeze. Torches flicker around the perimeter, casting golden light across the scene. The area feels strange, almost peaceful, though I remain on edge.
He carries me into the largest tent, where a sturdy wooden table sits in the center, surrounded by medical supplies and neatly arranged tools. The space smells of herbs and something metallic, a clean sterility that puts me on edge. He places me carefully on the table, and the sensation of being elevated makes my stomach churn with unease.
Sebastian’s sharp eyes assess me before turning to a woman who steps forward. She is tall and poised, her auburn hair tied into a neat bun. Her kind eyes meet mine, and she smiles gently.
“Her wounds are infected,” Sebastian says, his voice tight with concern. “She also looks severely dehydrated.” He glances between me and the woman.
“I’m Aurlena, the royal flight doctor,” she introduces herself softly. “Is it alright if I check your wounds?” Her voice is gentle, almost soothing, but I instinctively shrink away, my body curling in on itself.
I glance around the tent, seeking an escape. The last time was in a room like this, surrounded by tools meant to heal, they brought me nothing but pain. My head shakes frantically as I slide off the table, retreating to a corner of the tent like a trapped animal.
Sebastian kneels in front of me, his broad frame blocking my view of the others. “I promise,” he says quietly, “not one will do anything but check your wounds. Nothing more
I shake my head again, wiping at the tears that threaten to fall. “I’m not a fool,” I whisper.
His fingers gently grasp my chin, tilting my face toward him. “You’re not a fool,” he says softly, his tone carrying the weight of a promise. “But I swear, as King, that no one will touch you without your consent. If you need treatment, we’ll discuss it first. You’ll decide.”
I want to believe him, but my mind screams that this is a trap, another lie meant to weaken me.
Aurlena’s voice interrupts. “We could sedate her,” she suggests cautiously, and panic flares in my chest.
“No!” Sebastian’s voice is sharp and commanding. He raises his hand to stop her, his expression hardening. “We do this on her terms and in her way. No sedation. Ever.”
He turns back to me, his eyes softening. “I promise you. I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll stay right by your side the entire time.” Η
Something in his voice calms me, and slowly, reluctantly, hod. He picks me up with a gentleness I didn’t expect, placing me back on the table as if I might shatter. My arms cling to him, my fingers digging into his tunic as Aurlena approaches.
“No!” I cry, my body trembling as fear takes over.
“Look at me,” Sebastian says firmly, gripping my hands and pressing them against his chest. “Feel that? That’s my heartbeat. Just count each beat. Focus on me. You’re sale now.”
I close my eyes, letting the steady rhythm of his heart ground me. Each beat feels like an anchor, pulling me back from the brink of panic.
a
Unknown
+25 BONUS
Aurlena’s fingers touch my skin, and I tense, but Sebastian’s grip tightens reassuringly, “You’re safe,” he whispers into my car, his voice steady and unwavering
“She needs treatment,” Aurlena says after a moment. “The Infections won’t heal on their own. She has a fever, and it’s spreading.” She holds up a small vial. “I suggest this.”
The sight of the vial sends a surge of terror through me. Screaming, I leap from the table and scramble back to the corner, pressing myself against the fabric wall of the tent.
“Stop!” Sebastian shouts. “Everyone, get out!”
I hear the shuffle of footsteps as the others leave. A moment later, Sebastian crouches in front of me, his face calm but concerned.
“I won’t drink it,” I say defiantly, my voice shaking. “You’ll have to force me like they did.”
His brow furrows, confusion flashing across his face. “What? That’s not what this is.” He pauses, then asks,” What’s your name?”
“Celine,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
“Well, Celine, can I explain what’s in the vial?” he asks gerly. “You can still say no, but let me explain.
I nod hesitantly, and he smiles slightly.
“It’s antibiotics,” he says. “They’ll help your wounds heal. The infections are making you sick–feverish. If we don’t treat them, it could become serious. Deadly, even.”
My head shakes, my distrust mounting
“It’s just antibiotics,” he insists. “With a bit of magic to speed up the process.”
The word “magic” makes my chest tighten. My breathing quickens, and I feel myself spiraling.
“Calm down,” he says gently. “What scared you? Was it the magic?”
I nod, clutching my knees to my chest.
“Why are y
you afraid of magle?” he asks, his voice tinged with genuine curiosity.
“The doctors hurt me,” I whisper. His expression shifts to one of shock and sadness. “They forced me to drink things. It burned–it made me weak for days. Sometimes I passed out. I won’t drink it. I can’t.”
“Celine,” he says softly, reaching for my hands. “I promise my doctor won’t hurt you. And that vial isn’t for drinking. It’s an injection—it works faster and doesn’t hurt like the things you described.”
I hesitate, the memories of past pain clashing with the sincerity in his eyes.
“You can refuse,” he continues. “I won’t force you. But you need to know the Infection is dangerous. If it gets worse…” His voice trails off, but the implication is clear.
I don’t know what to do. Trusting him feels like a gamble can’t afford, but refusing could cost me my life. “Will you agree if we remove the magic?” he asks gently. “We can also help flush the wolfsbane from your system. Then you’ll feel your wolf again.”
My eyes widen. “I don’t have a wolf,” I say quickly. He mu be lying.
“You do, Celine. Hellos senses her,” he replies firmly. “She’s just suppressed by the wolfsbane and magle.”
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+25 BONUS
I shake my head, confusion and doubt swirling
“Have you ever felt a fluttering in your chest, like your heart was trying to speak?” he asks.
I nod hesitantly
“That was your wolf,” he says. “When did it happen?”
I think back. “The same day I’d be taken to the doctor,” I whisper.
His expression darkens. “I think they were forcing wolfsbane on you to suppress her.”
His words make sense, but it’s hard to believe. Still, a part of me wants to trust him. Slowly, I nod.
Sebastian smiles, lifting me gently. “Aurlena,” he calls, and the doctor reenters the tent.
“Clean antibiotics only,” he instructs her. “No magic.”
I feel a small sense of relief as he prioritizes my fears. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel like someone is listening.
