Elara slept more deeply than she had since arriving in Stone Haven, wrapped in heavy furs, her breathing slow and even. Exhaustion had finally claimed her.
Which was why the violent slam of her door crashing open ripped her awake like a burst of lightning.
She bolted upright, heart hammering against her ribs.
Not again.
Not another attack.
Her hand shot out blindly until her fingers closed around the nearest object, a long, carved lamplight stick resting by her bedside. She yanked it up like a makeshift spear and pointed it toward the intruders.
"Stay back!" she snapped, voice raw from sleep and fear. "Don't hurt me..."
Two guards stood in her doorway, They didn't offer explanations or apology.
One simply said, breathless and urgent:
"The Alpha's woman. She's sick. She needs you. Now."
Elara blinked, confusion tangling with irritation.
"That's why you nearly broke my door off its hinges?" she demanded. "To tell me the Alpha's woman needs care?"
The guards exchanged a look, unfazed.
"She needs a healer," the first repeated. "Immediately."
Elara groaned, scrubbing a hand across her face. The adrenaline still shaking her bones made her want to lash out again but her healer's instinct coiled like a tether around her spine, pulling her upright.
As annoying as the intrusion was…
she knew she wouldn't get a moment's rest if she ignored a sick wolf. And if anything happened to the Alpha's mate, Lucian would tear her apart.
"Fine," she muttered, grabbing her cloak. "Take me."
She followed them through winding halls until they reached the infirmary, where Bella lay pale and trembling on the cot. Lucian stood faraway from the infirmary, he had wanted to get in as well but he wasn't allowed to do so, if news got out that he is sick as well, rivals for his leadership may start a fight.
Inside the infirmary.
Elara swallowed her lingering resentment and began treating Bella with careful, methodical hands.
Her gaze flicked briefly to the guard who had carried Bella in. His face was flushed, sweat beading along his brow.
"You," she said sharply. "Sit down."
"I'm fine..." the guard began.
"You're not." Her voice left no room for argument.
By dawn, she was tending not only to Bella but to the guard as well, administering herbs, easing fevers, muttering prayers her mother taught her beneath her breath.
Days passed in a blur.
Harvey visited often, offering supplies, food, even poor attempts at humor. Elara appreciated him more than she let on.
But Lucian…
She never saw him.
Every time he visited the infirmary to check on Bella, Elara was elsewhere, gathering herbs, preparing treatments, or resting just long enough to stay functional. Their paths never crossed.
Bella's strength improved steadily. Her color returned. Her fever broke.
Until one morning, Bella sat up fully on her own, eyes bright, breath strong.
Lucian's relief was palpable when he entered and saw her awake. He crossed the room in three strides and took her hands carefully, lovingly.
"You're healed," he whispered.
Bella smiled. "Thanks to your healer."
Lucian's gaze lifted, scanning the room.
"Elara?"
"She's not here yet," Bella said softly. "But I'm really grateful for her treatment,
Lucian hesitated. "You should rest.."
"we should find time to visit her at her home, to show our gratitude " Her voice with excitement.
Lucian exhaled. "Very well."
Bella slipped her arm into his, they stepped into the hallway together.
They walked together through the narrow corridors of Stone Haven, the guard trailing discreetly behind. Bella hummed under her breath, clutching something like a small wrapped item in her hand. Her gift for the healer who had saved her life.
Lucian's steps slowed the closer they came to Elara's room, though he couldn't explain why. Something inside him felt wired and tense, as if his senses were trying to warn him of something he couldn't see yet.
Bella knocked lightly.
"Elara?" she called.
The door opened.
Elara appeared, cloak loosely tied, hair braided hastily, eyes still soft with sleep and the remnants of long nights caring for the sick. She blinked at them, first at Bella, then at Lucian.
And the world shifted.
Lucian felt it hit him in a single, brutal wave.
The air between them tightened.
His chest constricted.
The scent, the warmth, the pull.
Mate.
Elara's breath caught in her throat. Her hand gripped the doorframe as if to steady herself. She stared at Lucian, stunned, eyes widening with the exact same shock that roared through him.
Bella, unaware, brightened.
"Elara!" she exclaimed, stepping forward. "Thank you..., thank you so much for saving my life."
Elara forced her gaze away from Lucian, swallowing hard, trying to smile even as her pulse thundered in her ears. She steadied herself enough to nod politely.
"You're welcome, Bella. I'm glad you're feeling better."
Bella lifted the small package in her hands.
"I brought you something. A necklace. I bought it moons ago, but I thought… well, a healer should have something beautiful too."
Elara managed a softer smile this time, though her fingers trembled slightly as she accepted the gift.
"Thank you," she said. "That's very kind."
Bella, endlessly expressive, stepped closer and completely ignoring the distance Elara tried to keep, she began excitedly describing how she chose the necklace, how it matched Elara's eyes, how grateful she was.
Elara nodded, trying to focus, but her gaze kept flicking back to Lucian, who had not moved an inch.
He stood rigid, jaw clenched, eyes locked on her with an intensity he couldn't hide.
"This cannot be happening."
"Not now."
"Not like this."
The bond tugged at him like something ancient and undeniable sparking to life, leaving him exposed, raw, unsteady in a way nothing ever had.
Lucian sucked in a sharp breath and suddenly, his composure shattered.
He turned away abruptly and strode out of the room.
"Lucian?" Bella called, startled. "What's wrong?"
He didn't look back.
"I just…" His voice came out strained. "I need some fresh air."
Bella frowned, confused, but didn't chase after him.
Elara stood rooted to the spot, Bella's gift pressed against her chest, heart pounding like a trapped animal.
She knew.
He knew.
And the weight of that truth hung thick in air.
A healer from a rival pack.
And the Alpha of Stone Haven.
Bound by fate.
Bella turned back to Elara, still oblivious to the storm that had just erupted in silence.
"I hope he's alright," she murmured.
Elara could only nod, voice barely there.
"I'm sure he will be."
Though inside, she wasn't sure of anything at all.