Lyra's POV
The field was bustling with activity as Kael and I stood off to the side, talking quietly. His presence was a calmed me. The way his eyes softened when he looked at me almost made me forget all the chaos swirling around us.
"You're still thinking about Selena," he said, arching an eyebrow.
"No," I lied, crossing my arms. "I'm thinking about how you haven't done anything about her."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Lyra, I told you I'd handle it."
"And I told you I don't believe you. She's already made it clear she knows about my wolf, and she's already made a move, it's only a matter of time before she tells the entire pack."
Kael's jaw tightened. "She won't."
"How can you be so sure?" I shot back.
"She's just shocked," he said, his voice gentler now. "That's all. Selena wouldn't tell anyone."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"I'm just saying she needs time."
"Time to ruin me? Because that's what she's doing, Kael."
He reached for my hand, but I pulled away, frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Lyra, she's dealing with a lot," he began, but I cut him off.
"She's dealing with a lot?" I repeated, my voice rising.
He sighed again, rubbing his temples. "You're overthinking this."
I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could say anything, a sharp, searing pain tore through my body. My knees buckled, and I crouched down, clutching my stomach. My knees hit the ground, and an agonizing whimper escaped my lips.
"Lyra!" Kael's voice was panicked, his hands gripping my shoulders. "What's wrong?"
I couldn't answer. My throat felt tight, my vision blurring as the pain intensified. I heard my wolf, crying, her voice faint and distressed.
Help me… please, Kael… my wolf… she's slipping away.
Kael froze for a moment, hearing my desperate plea through the link. His voice in my mind was calm but urgent. I've got you. Just hold on.
I barely registered the sensation of being lifted off the ground. My limbs were heavy, my breathing labored, and a cold sweat broke out across my skin.
"Stay with me, Lyra," Kael commanded as he sprinted toward the infirmary. "You're going to be fine."
By the time we reached the infirmary, my chest was heaving, and my body felt like it was on fire. Melora, the pack healer, rushed forward, her sharp eyes taking in the situation immediately.
"Lay her down," she instructed Kael, her voice firm.
"Melora, what's happening to her?" He demanded as he placed me on the examination table.
Melora pressed a cool hand to my forehead, her brow furrowing.
"Her wolf is in distress. The bond between them is weakening."
"Why?" Kael's voice was tight, almost angry.
Melora didn't answer right away. She grabbed a syringe, drawing blood from my arm with practiced efficiency. She held the vial up, her nose twitching as she sniffed it. Her face darkened.
"Wolfsbane," she said grimly.
Kael stiffened.
"Wolfsbane? That's impossible. How—"
"This isn't accidental," Melora interrupted, her tone sharp. "She's been ingesting it for a while now. This isn't a single dose. It's been administered gradually, likely in her food or drink."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Who would do this?"
Melora didn't answer, instead turning to me.
"Lyra, think. Who prepares your meals? Do you eat with others?"
"I…" My voice was hoarse, barely audible. "The meals… I don't know. I eat whatever is served."
Kael cursed under his breath, his hands clenched into fists.
"I should've known something was wrong. Who oversees the meals?"
Melora met his gaze. "You don't know? As Alpha, you should."
Kael flinched but didn't respond. Instead, he turned back to me, his expression softening.
"Lyra, I'll find out who did this. I promise."
Melora placed a hand on his arm, her voice gentle but firm. "For now, we need to stabilize her wolf. She's weak, but if we act quickly, we can prevent permanent damage."
"What do you need me to do?" he asked.
"Stay close to her," Melora replied. "Your presence will help. The Alpha bond is strong, and she needs that connection right now."
Kael nodded, pulling a chair close to the table and taking my hand. His grip was warm and reassuring.
"Lyra, I'm here. We'll get through this."
I managed a weak smile, my fingers curling around his. "You always say that."
"And I always mean it," he replied softly.
Melora moved quickly, her hands a blur as she prepared an antidote. Kael didn't let go of my hand, his presence grounding me as the pain slowly began to ebb. But in the back of my mind, one thought lingered: someone in the pack wanted me dead and they wouldn't stop until they did.