Page 26 of The Alpha's Shattered Bonds

“Can you heal them?” she asked, seriousness threading through her tone.

I nodded, already making an inventory of the herbs I’d need. From all my recent work in the infirmary, I knew the supply closet held everything I’d need.

“We found a herb to cure the other Silver Moons, too,” I told Tara. “It’s a very potent herb—I can use a tiny bit of it to help Tyler and Logan before we use the rest to cure the Silver Moon warriors. But we’ll need to get them back to Nahachoh first.”

A flush of joy colored Tara’s cheeks, and I was sure she was thinking of Neave and the other Silver Moon warriors still in the infirmary. But steely resolve soon stole over her face. “Let’s get going then.”

The warriors formed a perimeter, ensuring the safety of their Alpha, while Justin and Hudson took Tyler and Logan on their backs, carrying them back in fireman’s lifts, their huge wolves draped like pelts over their backs.

I remained close to them, trying to get my drumming heart under control by listening to the steady beat of theirs. But the journey back through the forest stole my attention frequently, dread spilling through me that at any moment, the threat of the Black Moons might return.

Eventually, we reached the stone buildings of Nahachoh. With immense relief—and weariness—I stumbled inside the infirmary, watching the warriors carefully lay Tyler and Logan on a pair of beds. Their wolves’ flanks rose and fell steadily, but the grotesque reek of dark magic cloying around their auras told me I needed to treat them as soon as possible.

David, Neave, and Harry, the packmates still afflicted by the illness, looked on from their beds, their faces fraught with worry.

Healer Linda was at the sink in the corner, the pale blue of her scrubs highlighting her dewy complexion and neatly tied-back blonde hair. She turned off the water as soon as we crowded into the infirmary, her attention quickly shifting to Tyler and Logan. Elder Darius stood nearby, his formidable presence casting a shadow over the room.

Linda’s brows knit together with concern as she crouched beside Tyler, gently brushing her palm across his forehead. Meanwhile, Darius stepped forward, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the scene.

I had hoped to see Kelly or Laura, the infirmary aides, to assist me with the supplies and equipment I’d need. But I couldn’t afford to be picky; Linda would have to aid me.

Determined to set aside our differences, I quickly asked, “Linda, I need pomenta, kulvitch, and spray lilies. Tyler and Logan were hit by a curse.”

But before Linda could respond, Elder Darius interrupted, “Not so fast!” His voice was like steel, cutting through the heavy air.

The elder’s face hardened as he scrutinized me, suspicion swirling in his dark brown eyes. “You don’t seriously expect my daughter to just take your word for what happened out there, do you? For all we know, this curse is your work!” he spat, gesturing toward Tyler and Logan.

Fury roiled through me. “I protected them. I tried to save them!”

“Did you?” Darius surveyed me with judgment.

Mistrust sharpened Linda’s features, too. She turned around. “You left with the Alpha and your biggest critic—only for you to return unharmed while they’re cursed.” Her lips were pressed into a grim line.

A potent mixture of astonishment and anger churned in me, making me tremble. My tiredness from the fight with the Black Moons left me feeling fragile, but now my blood spiked with adrenaline as I faced renewed scrutiny. I knew I shouldn’t be surprised at this treatment; I’d faced enough doubts from themabout my intentions. But part of me—after everything I’d done to help heal the packmates—still felt the sting of betrayal.

“They shielded me from a curse cast by Black Moons,” I argued, my voice rising above the tension.

Tara, her hazel eyes shining with fierce determination, piped up, “We just witnessed how hard Seraphina fought to protect Tyler and Logan from the Black Moon wolves.”

“And she brought back the herb that will treat the other warriors from this lingering illness,” Tara added, her voice unwavering as she looked past Linda and Darius, fixing her shining eyes on Neave and the other afflicted warriors still in the infirmary, their faces shadowed with concern.

I hadn’t noticed Elder Carl step forward from the crowd of Silver Moon warriors gathered by the entrance, but his presence was a comfort. His voice was steady and sure as he asserted, “Seraphina has been researching tirelessly for a cure the whole last week. You shouldn’t be doubting her when she clearly has the pack’s best interests at heart.”

The elder’s unwavering faith filled me with warmth, but it did nothing to lift Darius and Linda’s skepticism.

Darius’s expression was as unyielding as granite as he ordered, “That’s enough. Seraphina can’t be trusted.” He pointed at me. “Arrest her now!”

Desperation flooded me, igniting my spirit until I felt a furnace roaring inside. I could feel my magic rising, ready to respond to this blatant injustice. I noticed that none of the Silver Moon warriors around the door came forward, but I wouldn’t risk them interfering.

“Enough!” I shouted, my voice slicing through the air. The words spiraled with power, my magic pulsing stronger than ever before as I raised my hands; I was grateful I’d channeled so much energy from the roots of the mountain earlier.

With a snap of my fingers, my magic burst forth, weaving around Darius and Linda. A silencing force snatched the words right from their mouths. Their eyes widened, shock rippling through their features as they attempted to speak, but no sound escaped.

“Youwilllisten to me!” I commanded, my voice resonating with authority. A ripple of energy washed over the room, and I directed my focus back to Tyler and Logan, desperate to treat them. I wouldn’t let other people’s misguided ideas about justice and retribution claim more innocent lives. Not like my parents’ lives had been.

I decided I didn’t need herbs for this. That would take too long. It gave Darius and Linda too much time to interfere. I’d call on more deep-rooted magic for this. Both Tyler and Logan had leaped in front of me to shield me from that curse. That kind of sacrifice brought a magic all of its own.

I stood between their beds. The distance between them was too great for my hands to reach both of them, so I asked Tara, “Would you push Logan’s bed closer toward me?”

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