Chapter 3
“There’s a way.”
I bite my lip, trying to keep my voice steady.
‘What way?” Griffin stares at me hard.
Soul-Devouring Spell needs purification. Only a fated mate blessed by the Moon Goddess can do it-by offering their own life source.” I get it all out in one
>reath.
How do you know that?” His eyes narrow, full of suspicion.
The shaman told me.” I lie.
Truth is, in my last life, I saw what Vivian looked like when the spell backfired.
That scene-I’ll never forget it.
Griffin doesn’t ask again. He grabs my wrist and yanks me forward, running.
lder Raven’s cabin has a few candles burning, the light dim and yellow. He’s grinding herbs when the door bangs open, and he looks up.
Shaman, is what she said true?” Griffin cuts straight to it. “A human’s life source can break the Soul-Devouring Spell?”
‘he old shaman’s hands stop moving. He glances at me, something complicated in his eyes, then sighs.
Yes, Alpha.”
But?”
For a human, extracting the life source is almost fatal.” His voice is quiet.
She’ll very likely die.”
iriffin’s hand drops from my wrist. He turns away, his shoulders tight.
No.”
I’m willing.” I step forward, my voice firm.
iriffin whips back around, shock and anger flashing in his eyes-and something else I can’t name.
Are you insane? What does this have to do with you?”
I owe this to Vivian.” I meet his eyes. “And I owe it to you.”
le opens his mouth, then closes it. His expression shifts several times, like he’s fighting with himself.
Prepare the ritual, Shaman.” I don’t give him a chance to argue.
lder Raven sighs and gets up to prepare.
Alpha, the ritual will be painful. Are you sure you want to stay?”
Griffin doesn’t answer.
tut his eyes say it all-he’s not leaving.
Chapter 3
An hour later, the ritual’s ready.
The floor’s covered in complex runes, seven black candles burning around the edges. Vivian’s carried in, and the sight of her makes my spine go cold-her face completely drained of color, eyes fully black, black blood at the corners of her mouth.
“Let’s begin.” Elder Raven gestures for me to lie down in the center of the runes.
Right then, Griffin suddenly pulls off his jacket and drapes it over my face.
‘Don’t look.” His voice is unexpectedly soft. “It’s going to hurt.”
Everything goes dark. I feel him crouching beside me, close.
‘I’ll make it up to you… whatever it takes.”
The ritual starts.
Pain.
Like someone’s stabbing me over and over with a knife. I hear myself screaming, feel my body tearing apart from the inside. Blood pours from my nose, ears,
eyes.
Through the haze, I see a golden light surge out of my chest, flying toward Vivian.
Her screams mix with mine, and I can’t tell whose is whose.
Then-nothing.
don’t know how long it’s been.
open my eyes.
You’re awake?”
turn my head. Griffin’s sitting by the bed, dark circles under his eyes. Looks like he hasn’t slept in days.
Vivian…” My throat’s dry, like I swallowed sand.
She’s fine.” His voice is low. “Thank you.”
close my eyes. My whole body feels emptied out. That’s what it feels like when your life source is taken.
Why?” he asks. There’s confusion in his voice-and something else I don’t understand.
This way, I don’t owe you anything.” I force a small smile. “You can be with Vivian without worrying.”
Griffin frowns. “The shaman says you need at least three months to recover. I was thinking… I could take you to a big hospital in the territory. The best kind.
is… compensation.”
My chest tightens.
Compensation. Not because he cares. Not because he can’t let go.
No need.” I say softly. “I’m planning to leave.”
What?” He jumps to his feet.
There’s no debt between us anymore.” I meet his eyes. “I hope you and Vivian are happy.”
fe opens his mouth, but before he can say anything, his phone rings.
Chapter 3
He glances at the screen. His face changes. “It’s Vivian… she’s awake…”
Go.” I turn my face away.
He hesitates, then leaves.
he moment the door clicks shut, I force myself to sit up and start changing clothes.
lder Raven already prepared everything- discharge papers, enough medicine for three months, and tonight’s bus ticket.
leave a letter for him to pass on:
By the time you read this, I’ll be gone. Don’t look for me. This is my choice. Everything’s settled. Take care, Alpha.”
even at night, I slip out of the medical center.
en o’clock, Griffin bursts into the room and finds only an empty bed.
Ider Raven hands him the letter.
fidnight, the news spreads through the entire pack-a long-distance bus lost control on a mountain road, crashed off a cliff, and burned to ashes.
In the passenger list, clear as day: Hazel Thornfield.
he fire was too intense. The bodies burned beyond recognition.
Impossible! That’s not her!”
riffin slams his fist through the glass table in front of him. Blood runs down his knuckles. He doesn’t even glance at it.
Alpha, the police confirmed it.” Beta Asher stands nearby, voice low. “Hazel’s name was on the passenger list. All the passengers-”
I said shut up!”
riffin’s eyes burn gold. He’s breathing hard, like a wild animal about to snap.
Get the car. Now!”
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