Chapter 6

The fire burned warmly, and for once, I slept soundly.

No rustling in the night as Kain rushed off to soothe Sara's nightmares.

No maids whispering that Sara's heart was aching again.

The silence of the Shadow Mountains felt peaceful.

After washing up, I sat at the table, sipping a warm soup.

Draven had sent a healing herbal soup, free of the bitter thistle I despise.

I slowly picked out the red berries, eating deliberately.

Then, I heard faint footsteps outside the door.

It was Grey, one of Kain's personal guards.

I set down my spoon and wiped my mouth.

Kain had some nerve.

Sending his most elite guard into Draven's nest just to pass a message.

"Lady Lyra."

Grey dropped to one knee, his voice low.

"My Alpha sent me with a message for you."

"Speak."

He swallowed hard, as if the words were poison on his tongue.

"The Alpha says Lady Sara was frightened last night. She can't stop shivering. The fires in the Crescent Clan aren't warm enough. She's been coughing all night. The Alpha asks you..."

He paused, unable to meet my eyes.

"To strip off the Spirit Wolf Pelt and send it to Sara."

My hand stilled on the soup bowl.

The soup rippled.

The Spirit Wolf Pelt.

The ancient relic I nearly died to win.

After being worn for three years, the armor had completely fused with my flesh.

Tearing it off now would be like being flayed alive.

Kain knew this.

He had fastened the pelt on me himself, his eyes red with tears.

"Lyra, wear this day and night. I will never let you feel that pain again."

But now, he wants me to rip my own skin off.

All to keep his Sara warm.

"What else did your Alpha say?" My voice was flat.

Grey ducked his head lower.

"He said... he said your secret medicines will keep you alive. You just have to endure it. Lady Sara is too delicate. Without the pelt, she might not survive the winter. Once she recovers, he will find a way to make it up to you."

Kain actually thought some herbs could numb the pain of being skinned alive.

"Lady," Grey urged. "The Alpha is waiting for my report. Lady Sara cannot wait any longer."