Third Person's POV
Noises.
Everything was loud yet silent. Red liquid flowed through the water, making it appear as if it were a river of blood itself. A figure hovered in the air, suspended like a marionette, her body drifting with the wind. A wound on her was healing slowly—abnormal for a being of her power but painfully familiar in human eyes.
A scream, powerful and piercing, sliced through the air, enough to make one's ears bleed. She struggled against something only she could sense. Her mouth opened wide, eyes glowing, pupils completely blank. They shone a bright white, granting her vision beyond the veil of the physical world. She attempted to lower herself, but an invisible force struck her again. She fought to locate the source of the attacks, but they felt as if they were coming from all directions at once.
To protect herself, clouds of light gathered around her, forming a barrier against the relentless assault. Finally able to breathe again, her senses sharpened. A beautiful sensation bloomed in her chest as the familiar scent of the King reached her.
The Lycan King stood alone, worry etched across his features. He was desperate to help her, unable to bear seeing his mate struggle in pain. His heart ached as he felt her suffering, and he would do anything to lessen it. The mere thought of being powerless while she battled her demons stung like a thousand needles.
"Silvia! It's me—your mate, Xavier! Please, let me help you! What is it? Just come down, and I will fight any battle for you!"
Hearing his voice broke through her haze, and she let her guard down just a little. She forced herself to descend closer to him. As she did, Xavier reached out, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her to him. Her skin burned against his, so hot it felt like it might sear him, but he didn't care. Thank the heavens for his superior genes; he held her close, determined to protect her.
With one hand, he tore off his shirt and blew cool air over her body. She didn't seem to cool off, but he kept trying, pouring all his energy into her.
As Silvia began to regain her senses, the threat seemed to recede. Whatever had attacked her was gone, but it wasn't over yet. A rustling sound nearby caught her attention.
Xavier linked his mind to his beta, urging him to reach the abandoned clearing quickly and summon his sister to bring the pack doctor.
Silvia couldn't waste time. Protecting him was all that mattered. In a surge of power, she lifted her arm and aimed it at a nearby tree. A sharp blade shot from her arm, piercing the tree before it hurtled toward the intruder.
A sharp cry rang out as the blade tore through flesh and muscle. Just in time, Beta Logan arrived, quickly subduing the intruder. He handed the attacker over to the warriors who followed him, instructing the others to secure the perimeter for any more threats. He shared a meaningful look with Xavier, a silent agreement that they would discuss this later.
Meanwhile, Xavier was having a mini heart attack over his mate's temperature, which seemed to be dropping. Her skin felt icy to his touch, and he feared she was dying.
Just then, she woke with a soft sneeze. "Ugh, why is it so cold?" she mumbled, rubbing her arms. "And why does my throat hurt? I need water." As she shifted to stand, she realized she was on his lap, their bodies unnervingly close. How she got there was a mystery, but one thing was undeniable: he was warm.
Without thinking, she snuggled closer, rubbing her face against him.
Xavier nearly had another heart attack as he watched her instinctively nestle into his chest, her mind tumbling through thoughts he couldn't decipher. She looked so innocent, so at peace, despite what had just transpired.
"I'm glad you love my chest so much, but I need to know how you're feeling," he said gently, breaking the moment.
She paused, slowly looking up at him, her gaze taking in all his beauty and strength. The reality of his presence flooded her senses, and she suddenly remembered everything she had just blurted out.
With a scream, she pushed away, stumbling to her feet. Her legs felt weak, threatening to give way beneath her.
"Whoa there, Starfire! You just woke up; take it easy!" He steadied her by the waist, heat radiating from his body and igniting a warmth inside her that made her stomach flutter.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his gaze locking onto the dried blood in her hair. He was grateful she was a wolf right now, with their accelerated healing.
"Yeah, I'm good," she replied, though her voice wavered.
"What happened?" she asked, surveying the chaos and the pool of blood surrounding them. She knew something terrible must have occurred.
"You don't remember anything?" he asked, concerned. She had seemed so in control just moments ago. The shock of her experience would likely hit her soon, but he hoped they could both handle it together.
"If I remembered, I wouldn't be asking you, would I?" she shot back, her sarcasm evident.
"No, you wouldn't," he agreed. "Come on, you need to see this. Are you good to walk, or should I carry you?"
She still seemed unsteady, but he knew she would fight him if he picked her up without asking.
"Of course I can! Who do you think I am?"
He looked at her, his intense gray eyes piercing through her defenses. They seemed to unlock the hidden parts of her, drawing her back to moments she wished would stay buried.
"Let's go," he said, turning to walk away.
"Hey! Wait for me! Won't you carry me again?"