Chapter 6
~ Lucian's POV
I was driving back from the event, my mind still replaying the speeches and conversations from the night. The moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the deserted highway. I gripped the steering wheel, the hum of the engine the only sound breaking the stillness of the night.
Suddenly, a figure darted out of the woods and into the road. I slammed on the brakes, my heart leaping into my throat, but it was too late. The car lurched forward, skidding on the asphalt, and I felt the sickening thud as I hit something. Someone.
"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath as I forced the car to a stop. I threw the door open and jumped out, my heart pounding in my chest. Please let them be okay, I silently prayed as I rushed to the front of the car.
When I saw her lying there on the cold pavement, my breath caught in my throat. She looked so fragile, her hair splayed out like a halo around her head, and her body twisted unnaturally. My chest tightened as I knelt beside her, and I gently turned her over to see her face.
And then it hit me.
The scent. That unmistakable scent that I had been searching for all my life. My mate. This woman lying broken and bleeding on the road was my mate.
"No, no, no…" I muttered, panic setting in. "Please, stay with me." I could feel the blood draining from my face as I tried to steady my shaking hands. I brushed her hair away from her face, my fingers trembling as I took in her features. She was beautiful, even in this terrible state.
"Hey," I said, my voice shaking. "Open your eyes. Please, open your eyes." I could hear the desperation in my voice, a mix of fear and hope. Her eyelids fluttered slightly, but then they closed again, her face pale and still. I felt a surge of panic and leaned closer, pressing my hand against her cheek. "Come on, stay with me. I'm here now."
I knew she couldn't hear me; it was like she was slipping away into a place I couldn't reach. I could see the life fading from her, and it felt like a knife twisting in my gut. I had finally found my mate, and I was losing her just as quickly.
I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't let that happen. "Hold on," I whispered, more to myself than to her. "I'm not going to let you go. I promise."
I felt her heartbeat faintly under my hand, fragile and fading. I had to act fast. I scooped her up gently, cradling her in my arms. Her body was limp and cold against mine, but I could still feel the faint pulse of her life. She was hanging on, barely. And I was going to do everything in my power to make sure she stayed.
I carried her to the car, every step filled with urgency and dread. "You're going to be okay," I murmured, my voice thick with emotion. "I've got you now, and I'm not letting you go. Not ever."
I carefully placed her in the back seat, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible. With a sense of urgency, I jumped into the driver's seat and sped off towards my palace. The road blurred past me, my focus locked on her fragile form lying in the back. I could feel her life slipping away with each passing second.
As soon as I reached the palace gates, I shouted for my guards. "Get the doctor here, now!" I ordered, my voice sharp with fear. They nodded and sprang into action, rushing to follow my command. I carried her inside, cradling her gently, and laid her on the soft bed in one of the guest rooms.
The palace doctor, Fridolf who was one of the best in the kingdom, arrived swiftly. His expression was calm but focused as he examined her injuries. He worked quickly, applying bandages and administering what I could only hope were the right treatments to stabilize her. I stood back, my hands clenched into fists, helpless to do anything but watch.
Hours passed like years. I sat beside her bed, my eyes never leaving her face. I couldn't believe I had found her, my mate, and almost lost her in the same night. The thought of her slipping away made my chest tighten with dread.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she let out a soft, pained groan. Relief washed over me like a wave, and I leaned in closer, careful not to startle her.
"Hey," I said gently, trying to keep my voice steady. "You're awake. Thank the moon goddess."
She blinked up at me, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. "Where am I?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"You're safe," I reassured her.
"You're in my home. I found you on the road and brought you here. Can you tell me your name? Where were you coming from?"
I tried to keep my voice steady, but I couldn't hide the concern and fear that tightened my chest. Seeing her like this, so fragile and hurt, made me feel an unexpected rush of emotions. She blinked up at me, confusion clouding her eyes.
"It's okay," I added gently. "Take your time. You're safe here. I promise."
She hesitated, her brow furrowing as she tried to remember. "My name… my name is Isabella," she said softly. Her voice was weak, but there was a strength behind it, a determination that I admired. "I was… I was trying to get away, to escape…"
Her words trailed off, and I could see the pain and fear in her eyes. She looked so lost, so vulnerable. It made my heart ache. I wanted to reach out and comfort her, to tell her that everything would be okay now that she was with me. But I knew I had to take things slowly. She needed time to heal, both physically and emotionally.
"You don't have to talk about it now," I said gently. "Just rest. You're safe here. No one will hurt you. I promise."
Isabella nodded slightly, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She seemed to relax a little, and I felt a small sense of relief. At least she was safe for now. I would make sure of it.
As she drifted back into a restless sleep, I sat back, watching her closely. I didn't know what her story was or what had led her to that road tonight, but I knew one thing for sure: she was my mate, and I would do whatever it took to protect her.