Page 84 of Wolf’s Fated Bride

“A chemical that binds silver and makes it spread through the blood faster than a silver bullet.”

“I think you’re ready for the cleanse.” Something pricks my side. This isn’t so bad. The cold liquid she’s injecting is pleasant.

“If you’re putting out my element with this, there’s no need. Whatever he injected me with dulled the fire.”

“I know.”

My blood turns cold. Ice cold. My teeth chatter. “What are you doing to me?”

“I’m going to heal you, whether I like you or not. But I’ll tell you this. Your fire killed everyone I know.”

Ah, fuck. “I’m sorry.”

Silence again.

“I said I’m sorry.”

“I heard you.”

I clamp my jaws together so my teeth don’t chatter as my body shivers uncontrollably.

“Are you sure this is going to help him?” Blade asks.

She better be sure!

“No,” she says.

“Nnnnnn oooo?”

“I’ve never had to heal a wolf who holds fire. He’s the only one.”

“That’s fair,” Blade says.

“If I die in Stormcrest territory…” I lick my lips. “The fire will jump into another wolf. I have no heir. Gather my pack mates in case I die, so when the fire jumps⁠—”

“The fire won’t jump,” the healer says. “Because you will live.”

“I thought you said you weren’t sure if this would heal me.”

“I have faith in your moon.”

“You mean the Moon,” Blade corrects her.

Chapter 35

Ash

Belda allows me to see her face by removing her veil. She’s in her late fifties, with the phases of the moon tattooed in a line over the bridge of her nose. Those tattoos are called moon marks, and werewolves who practice alchemy wear them. Werewolves aren’t supposed to practice alchemy. Only humans can do that. This means she’s practicing dark alchemy.

“How did you get here?” I hiss as the cold causes a brain freeze. I howl in pain while my eyes twitch.

“We’re in her wagon, Ash,” Blade says. “We’re not in the castle anymore. It wasn’t safe.”

Stab. Stab. Stab.

Dull knife to the head. This pain will kill me.

“Repeat that,” I say.