st space. Behind them, Nina followed from a safe distance, her heart pounding with worry. S

as now barely able to stand. He was limping, his weight supported by two guards. Blood soaked his tunic, the dark fabric hiding mo

ack doctor?!" Lucian barked, hi

r of the main hall. Moments later, the doctors arrived, their arms laden with supplies. They

the doctors demanded. "

ucian remained by his father's

ian asked, his voice

red, but he forced himself to

yes widene

guards who had accompanied the alpha explained. "We

" Lucian said, disbelief lacing his w

ere vampires there. Only a few, though. Daywalkers-

ttacked my

ectify the issue. That's when it happened. A spear, tipped with

now. "We haven't seen that in centur

his head. "We

coughed, his voice r

t alpha, we need to stay

d, though the effort sent h

at the docto

leared, leaving Lucian

is voice barely a whisper now. "My b

ing his father's hand tighter. "Our doctor

eapon we can't heal from. Many have tried... all have failed.

ry. "I'll make sure his victory is short-lived.

," the alpha rasped, h

closer. "What

reat. They attacked to lure us to their castle. They're more powerful there. And now that

"What should I do, Dad

ning. "You'll figure it out. I know you w

weaker until it s

spered, his voice

hey tried to revive the alpha. One of them pulled Lu

death: 9:

eps unsteady. He retreated to his quart

st breath, and now she found herself standing outside Lucian's door. Her heart ache

ound him sitting on the edge of his

hat happened," Nina said

asn't even..." His voice cracked, and

ed her hand on his shoulder. When he didn't pull away, she sat beside him a

sely around her waist as he let the tears fall. Nina stroked his hair

slightly, his eyes red and pain

ithout warning, Lucian leaned in and kissed her. She didn't know

led away abruptly, his expression torn. "I... I'm sorry, I d

he said, her voice steady although her hear

eaned in, capturing her lips in a deeper, more desperate kiss. Nina widened her eyes