Raphael's POV
I keep alternating between the world of the living and that of total oblivion as everyone waits for the return of Lucia. Though it is early morning, my delirious body has since surpassed fever pitch. I feel someone sponging me. Perhaps, it is the doctor, or my Mum. I can't tell because my eyes have remained shut as if they are refusing to see the last of the world that I have traversed for twenty-one years.
Thinking about Lucia brings some lulling effect to my overstressed nerves. It also triggers some serious apprehension that she might not come back, though I saw some shreds of empathy in her eyes. I long for her soft, warm touch on my skin. But, pray, what is taking them so long? It has been almost eight agonizing hours since they left for the mountains!
I try to mind-link with Jules in vain. Rip, my wolf, is too docile and zombie-like to act. It is like he is non-existent, though I can feel him being moody and antagonistic. Losing my telepathic ability could be the herald for the imminent transcending to the yonder world, and so be it!
"Jules and company have been attacked," I hear my Dad say. He has been mind-linking Jules.
"What! Who would dare attack them during my son's hour of need?" My mother interjects. "Are they rogues?"
My heartbeat triples as fear of the unknown sets in. Is Lucia safe? Has she escaped? I want to inquire from Dad, but opening my mouth becomes an insurmountable feat.
"He doesn't exactly know who they are because he is on the run. He is sure that the two warriors he was with might be no more."
"What about the girl? Is she with him? Did they manage to get the medicine?" Mother queries about what I was unable to voice.
"Fortunately, she is with him. Moreso, she had managed to pick the herbs before they were ambushed. It is not clear whether the attack was by design, or by chance. We will know soon as they are about to arrive. Meanwhile, I'm sending an expedition just in case the attackers decide to come after them," Dad opines as he stands up.
He does not make it to the door before it bursts open and in comes Lucia, closely followed by a panting Jules. Her voice gives my eyes cause to open.
"Gosh! I feel dizzy and dehydrated," she starts. "Do we have any cold water here?"
"Tell me first, did you bring the medicine?" Mum quips, circumventing her question.
"Thank God we had the privilege of picking the herbs before we were ambushed!"
"Are you sure you didn't make anything of the rogue assailants?" Dad asks Jules.
"I didn't have the luxury of time," Jules responds, shaking his head. "It was so swift and ruthless that my only recourse was retreating with my charge. However, my mind tells me that they must have been after her."
"And you, do you happen to know them?" He asks Lucia. "Were they coming to your rescue?"
"No! How could they be coming for my rescue when I don't even know them?" She responds. "I think they were rogues who chanced upon us."
"Whoever they are, they have crossed the line. No one messes with my pack and goes unpunished. However, my utmost priority now is my son's recovery. Get going with the medication."
"Sure, your Majesty. If you may excuse me," Lucia says, gesturing to everyone to clear the room.
"Must I leave the room also?" Dad wonders.
"I'm sorry I need to be alone with the patient. I will concentrate better. I will let you in as soon as I'm done."
"Have it your way. But whatever you do, make sure it is the right thing to get him up and running. You have no option, do I make myself clear?"
"Loud and clear, your Majesty. Now, may I have your back?" She orders, gesturing towards the door.
She walks over to my bed after shutting the door. With my blurry eyes, I watch as she mashes some herbs on a plate and manages to squeeze some concotion. She then sieves it into a cup which she wants me to sip. A tall order as my lips can barely open. Using a spoon, she makes sure that the brownish concotion gets down my throat.
She then pours part of the mixture on the wound. I feel a burning sensation which is gradually replaced by some numbness. I take hold of her hand and stare into her eyes. She stares back unperturbed, exuding assurance that she knows what she is doing. Feeling drowsy, I drift into some welcoming, deep slumber.
* * * * *
It is two hours later that I regain consciousness. I can feel some excitement permeating the room. I open my eyes slowly only to find happy faces staring at me. In my subconscious, I can feel Rip becoming active as he directs my eyes towards Lucia who, like everyone else, is hovering above me.
"Thank heavens, you are up!" Mum starts, beaming with joy as she massages my forehead. "What! Even your face has regained its dazzling colour."
"This the most fantastic news I have ever had! It is a miracle that you are up and kicking!"
"All thanks to her," to my surprise I now find my tongue. "I think I owe my life to her," I add, gesturing towards Lucia.
"Lest you forget, she is the one who put you in the circumstances," Mum demurs. "She is responsible for your injury. I'm yet to think of the most appropriate punishment for her."
"I beg to differ with you," Dad intervenes. "I already made a promise to her suspending any retribution if she saves him. As far as I'm concerned, it is up to Raphael to think of what to do with her."
"First, I wish to apologise for provoking her into doing what she did to me. Killing her mother before her very own eyes was more than anyone could take," I'm surprised at my own speedy recovery. I can even feel Rip getting excited at the mention of her name.
"You don't owe anyone any apologies! Are you forgetting that her family was responsible for your brother's death?" Apparently, nothing about her can appeal to Mum's soft spot. Lucia and her family will always remain pariahs.
"Well, she happens to have one strange request to make," Dad states, turning towards her. "Remember that she is your charge."
"Go ahead and make known your request," I prompt her, but she hesitates. "I will indulge you with one request in as far as it is not about setting you free."
"Well, I think it is almost impossible to be free from you," she starts. "If you may indulge me, I wish to pursue my university studies in medicine. As it is currently, I'm waiting for the admission letter."
I find her request to be rather unnerving. That means that she will be spending much of her time in college, away from me. What if she decides to vanish?
"How are you going to meet the related expenses?" I pose.
"If you would be kind enough to sponsor me, I promise to refund every cent with interest after I graduate."
"I smell a scandal in the offing!" Mum opines. "What guarantee do you have that she will not elope with someone after college?"
"I might consider your proposal only on one condition," I respond, ignoring Mum's negativity. I sit up on bed, realizing for the first time that the excruciating pain on the wounded chest is completely gone. "If you don't mind, I would like to speak with her, alone," I make an appeal for the rest to leave the room.
"I don't know, but there's something about you that I can't explain," I start as soon as the door closes behind the last person. I take her slender, delicate hand and place it on my lap. "Now that you have hurt and patched me up, and I have hurt you in no small way, I feel that it is only fair that we stick together."
"I don't think I'm getting you. I mean, what are you insinuating?" She wonders, innocence displayed all over her face. She looks even more gorgeous that way.
"Ah, I'm sorry," I stammer, "to rush you, but I have no otherwise having just stared death in the eye. You see, my fated mate might have passed on, or the Moon goddess never created one for me. It has been four long years searching for her without any success. If I may ask, how old are you exactly?"
"I'm turning eighteen in three days. Why?"
"That explains the absence of your wolf."
"Not entirely. I'm a hybrid. My Mum is, or rather was, human. There is a probability that I might not have one."
"You can't tell untill you celebrate your eighteenth birthday. Even then, it might delay untill much later. Well, the other reason why I asked is because playing with minors isn't my forte. I'm prepared to grant you your wish only on one condition. Will you be my chosen mate?"