Page 51 of Of Wolves and Wives

“Helena,” Heath says.

Peirce nods. “She must be helping the girl.”

“That would explain her progress.”

A soft moan reaches our ears. Heath tenses, his arms tightening around me, as Rykker spins and shifts. He disappears into the trees to our left. I wait, my heart pounding until he emerges a moment later in his human form. In his arms is a bloodied and muddied body.

Lyra.

“She lives,” Rykker quickly assures me. “If only barely.”

He sets her on the ground as Ms. Thompson hurries to check her. Confirming what Rykker said. She’s just barely still alive. Adding that had Helena not so recently been injured, she doubts Lyra would still be alive.

“It’s a miracle, really,” Ms. Thompson mutters.

“Can we save her?” I ask.

“I will try. But it’s even more vital that you reach the castle, go.”

“Thank you.”

We leave Ms. Thompson tending to Lyra. I hope that Lyra survives. Though I’m still angry at her, I hate to think that she’s been killed. After all, she’s no better than a pawn in all of this. She was doing what she thought she had to in order to survive. It’s hard to fault her for that. Even if she stole my son in the process.

Finally, the trees part as the castle comes into view. My breath catches as I stare up at it. I can’t believe I ever found it beautiful. Drawing close to the main gates, it becomes clear that news has spread that a prince has been born. People crowd the path, spilling through the main gates into the courtyard beyond.

Thanks to the crowd and the celebrations already underway, it’s too easy for us to slip into the castle. No one glances twice at us. Still, I’m tense as we make our way through the throng of people. Music fills the air from several musicians, and I notice quite a few people sharing bottles of wine as they celebrate.

Reaching the courtyard, we find the Grey Prince standing on a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Helena stands just behind him, a smile on her face. Quiet falls over the crowd as he holds up a hand. A moment later, he raises my son into the air. I clench my teeth together.

“A prince has been born.”

A loud cheer fills the courtyard. Then, everyone around us falls to their knees to praise the two princes before them. It leaves the four of us as the only ones still standing. The Grey Prince's face twists with cruelty as he stares out at us. Delight shines in his eyes as he turns to thrust the baby into Helena’s arms. He moves to the edge of the balcony, pointing a finger at us.

“Traitors to the throne,” he says. “They are responsible for killing this babe’s mother. The four of them plotted against the throne. Kill them.”

Guards appear from the shadows, moving toward us. I shake as Rykker steps before us, prepared to defend us. Peirce moves to our other side as Heath’s grip tightens around me. The guards take their own defensive stances as quiet fills the courtyard, all eyes on us.

“Kill them,” the Grey Prince orders.

The guards move, lunging forward to grab Peirce and Rykker. I wrap my arms around Asha, shielding her from the violence around us. She lets out a low wail.

“Stop,” Rykker finally shouts. “Or face punishment for high treason against the Wolf Kind.”

38

Rose

The Grey Prince laughs coldly at Rykker’s words.

“What nonsense are you sprouting, guard?”

“Two children were born,” Rykker says. “Both to Rose.”

Around the courtyard, people freeze. Eyes shift from us to the Grey Prince. His smile freezes on his face, his eyes flashing dangerously. Slowly, he turns to Helena. She’s turned pale at the words.

“Explain yourself,” the Grey Prince finally demands before turning back to face us.

“Rose birthed two babes just this morning. One red-haired who came first. Then the silver-haired boy.”

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