Page 118 of Reign of Betrayal

Without waiting another second, Kylo rushes over to me. He rips his shirt off, draping it over my chest, and scoops me off my feet, carrying me out of the throne room.

“Reign, I am so sorry. If I did anything, Vanna would have hurt Lilyana,” he says, his voice laced with guilt.

Kylo’s movements send jarring pain through my back, and I clench my jaw tightly, grinding my teeth against the agony. I catch a glimpse of Dola and Lilyana following swiftly behind us, their expressions filled with concern.

“Kylo, take me to my room,” I plead, desperation creeping into my voice.

“But Luk?—”

“My room, Kylo…” I beg, my heart pounding.

We finally reach my room, and he sets me down gently. I limp to the chair, still clutching Kylo’s shirt to my chest. He examines my back, horror etched across his features.

“Gods and goddesses, Reign. I am so sorry.” His voice trembles, mirroring the shaking of his hands.

“Do you want to make it up to me?” I ask, looking him in the eye, searching for reassurance.

“What can I do, Reign? Just tell me and it’s done.” His eyes reflect unrelenting guilt.

“Do not mention this to Luke.” I lock eyes with him, seeing the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. “In fact, none of you mention this to him.”

Dola fills a cup with water, adding an array of vials, her movements swift and deliberate. She cuts her hand, allowing more blood than last time to drip into the concoction. She swipes some of my blood, adding it to the mix.

“Lilyana,” Dola waves her over. “Give me your hand.” They share a strange look before Lilyana relents, placing her hand in Dola’s grasp. Dola slices it, letting Lilyana’s blood mingle with ours in the cup. Noticing my questioning gaze, she explains, “She… has uh… has plant magic. It is said that since they can revive plants that there may be healing properties, so I figured it’s worth a shot.” She stirs my blood into the mixture with careful precision.

Once she finishes, she hands the cup to me. The liquid is a deep, rich red, thick and foreboding. My stomach churns at the sight. I fear I might vomit before I even drink it. I suck in a deep breath, which instantly sends a jolt of pain through my back, but I down the concoction in one go. Each gulp tastes metallic and thick, like cold honey sliding down my throat.

“Lilyana, help her bathe and dress before the prince gets here,” Kylo instructs, his tone firm yet gentle.

With those words, I snap my head toward him, alarmed. His eyes are filled with so many emotions, swirling like a storm. I know it must be hard for him to conceal this, but he is doing it for me, and it means the world to have friends like him and Lilyana.

Lilyana helps me stand and walks me into the washroom. She strips me of my clothes, guiding me into the tub. The warmth envelops me as she gently washes my back. Suddenly, I realize I feel no pain at all. The relief is astonishing, almost surreal.

“See? You’re already healing,” she says, a bright smile lighting up her face, but I can’t shake the sense of disbelief.

We return to the room, and Dola is gone, but Kylo stands by the window, his brown hair tousled as if he’s been running his hands through it nervously. He’s wearing a new shirt, the fabric clinging to his form.

“I think… I think I’d like to sleep for now, if that’s okay,” I say to no one in particular, my eyelids growing heavy.

“Of course… Let’s get you to Luke’s room so he doesn’t suspect anything.”

“Wait! Elm… What about Elm? What if they hurt him?” Panic strikes me at the thought.

“I will go check on him. I’m sure he’s fine. Kylo will take you to Luke’s room. Sleep. I will be back later.” With her last kind words, Lilyana spins around and exits, her brown hair flowing gracefully behind her.

Once we’re in Lukene’s room, Kylo walks over to the bed, pulling back the blanket for me. I slip in, grateful for the warmth. He tucks the blanket up to my chin and then turns to stoke the fire, bringing it to life with a crackle.

“Reign, I am so sorry. If there was any other way?—”

“Kylo, it’s not your fault. You love her. I get it. I would have done the same for Luke.”

“So, you are finally ready to admit you love him?” He grins, running a hand through his already messy hair.

I smile slightly and nod, feeling the warmth of the admission spread through me. Startled, I jump when the door swings open and Elm rushes in.

“Gods and goddesses! Reign, Lilyana told me what happened. Are you okay?”

He darts to the bed, arms outstretched as if he’s going to hug me, but halts. “I’m okay, Elm. I promise. The blood wielder healed me.” He bends down and wraps his arms around me tightly. Too tightly. I can feel him trembling beneath my arms.

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