Page 49 of Dead

Eilam and Noah whisked him out of the room and down the corridor. His guardsmen… eight of them in all… slowly moved into formation, creating a shield around him. “What’s this?”

“We expect retribution for what happened today,” Eilam said. “Your security will be bumped up for a while.”

Adriel could’ve simply snapped his fingers and been there in moments, but he was in no rush to face his uncle. He needed a moment to compose himself and consider his words. The trip to the hospital went by in a rush. He wasn’t ready to face what he was about to.

By the time he reached the room, he felt sick.

Opening the door, he could see a pain wracking Ralnur’s body before he calmed. As he slowly died, Ralnur’s body would have many of these pains, until he was nothing but tremors and shaking.

And then he would grow still.

Adriel felt bile rising in his throat, knowing his uncle deserved better. He saw Ralnur was hooked up to several machines, but he knew no amount of drugs or medicines would stop all the torture to come.

“I see you there,” Ralnur said, his voice wispy. “Come, nephew.”

Adriel walked closer to the bed, his heart heavy.

Ralnur’s pale eyes searched his, and he smiled slightly. “I know what you plan to say. You don’t have to say the words. I understand.”

Adriel felt a tear slide down his face. “You deserve to understand why I made this choice.”

“I can’t ask you to break the law for me. Leaders must lead through example—and making this decision shows me just how much you’ve grown into your role as king. You’re taking your duty seriously.”

Ralnur’s words only make it harder for Adriel.

“I have one request,” Ralnur murmured.

“What’s that?”

“I won’t be there to lend an ear or offer support. But Eilam will. He and his brother bear can give you the balance you need and help you be even stronger.”

Adriel shook his head. “I can’t. If the witch surrenders, Midnight will fall.”

“Surrendering the city is vastly different than surrendering to love. They are your mates… and Eilam has proven his desire to protect you in every way. I can die at peace if I know there are two strong males watching over you.”

“I will consider your words.”

Ralnur smiled wanly. “The best I can do for now.”

Adriel sat by the bed and gripped his uncle’s hand. He wasn’t sure how much time passed in those minutes. He counted them by tormented moments of pain Ralnur seemed to endure.

Adriel rose to his feet. “I am sending Varian to your room shortly. He’s still under arrest for what he did… but I won’t keep him from spending these final hours with you.”

“Thank you,” his uncle whispered before reaching out to Adriel and gripping his hand. “I understand… and had you allowed the other option, I don’t know that I would’ve accepted it.”

Adriel released a sigh, his heart breaking all over again.

He wandered out into the hall and fell into Noah’s strong arms. Eilam moved closer and encircled him from behind. The two bears held tight as he cried his heart out.

Later, when they got him home, they wrapped their warm bodies around him and protected him as he slept. Neither pushed him for more, they were simply there to help him in his moment of pain and exhaustion. Adriel had not slept for three days… and they hadn’t slept two…

Finally a feeling of safety came over him, knowing they would protect him.

I don’t deserve them.

But it was then that his mind went to what Ralnur had asked him. Now, in this very moment of weakness, he was stronger for their presence.

* * * *

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