Chapter 39 Alaric Blood soaks into the ground at my feet , but for once it's not from enemies . Three of my best warriors lie writhing in pain , their wounds refusing to heal . The mutant wolves ' latest attack was coordinated , precise - and their claws leave marks that resist our strongest healing magic . But even as I kneel beside my injured men , my beast claws beneath my skin , sensing Sage's distress through a bond she doesn't know exists . The conflicting pulls of duty tear at me - protect my warriors , protect my mate , protect my pack . All while maintaining ' the facade of cold control everyone expects from their Lycan King . " Alpha . " Garrett's voice draws me back . " The council is gathering . They're demanding answers . " Of course they are . I leave my warriors in the healers ' care , though something tells me traditional methods won't be enough this time . The council chamber buzzes with tension when I enter . Victoria holds court among the noble wolves , her golden hair arranged to display her family's ceremonial clips - a reminder of the pure bloodlines she represents . " These attacks grow bolder , " Elder Marcus states as I take my seat . " Our defenses are failing . " " Perhaps , " Victoria suggests smoothly , " because we've strayed from tried and true ways in other areas as well . " My beast snarls at her implied criticism of Sage , but I keep my voice steady . " Explain . " " Pack strength flows from pure bloodlines , from proper alliances . " She leans forward , every movement calculated . " An unmated Alpha in times of crisis sends a message of weakness to our enemies . " " The Lycan King's mate choice affects all territories , " another council member adds . " Traditional alliances have maintained peace for generations . " Father's voice carries from the doorway : " She's not wrong , son . " The chamber falls silent as Perseus enters . Even semi - retired , his power fills the room like storm clouds . " The pack needs stability , " he continues . " Especially now . " The pack needs healing , I think , remembering those resistant wounds . But I can't voice that thought without revealing too much about my suspicions - and my mate . " I'll take your concerns under advisement , " I say instead , rising . " Now , if you'll excuse me , I have wounded warriors to check on . " 1 feel their disapproval following me to the healing wing , where I find exactly what I expected : Sage , quietly working despite the noble wolves ' attempts to edge her out . " The yarrow poultice isn't working , " I hear one healer say . " We need stronger magic . " " Try adding silver leaf , " Sage suggests softly , " And moonflower essence . " They ignore her , but I watch as she leaves the mixture where they'll find it . Within hours , they'll be using , it while claiming they thought of it themselves . She feels my presence - she always does and turns slightly . The shadows under her violet eyes match my own exhaustion . For a moment , I let myself immagine crossing the room , pulling her into my arms , to hell with politics and propriety . Chapter 39 +25 BONUS " My King . " Victoria's voice shatters the moment . She enters with an entourage of noble wolves , somehow making the healing wing look like a royal court . " Such dedication , checking on the wounded personally . " Her eyes flick dismissively over Sage . " Though perhaps we should discuss more ... appropriate arrangements for caring for our warriors ? Traditional methods from proper pack healers ? " I feel Sage's hurt even as she straightens her spine . Before I can respond , one of my injured men groans . " The pain's finally easing , " he manages . " Whatever was in that last poultice ... " Victoria's eyes narrow . " Clearly our traditional healers have found a solution . " " Actually , " the warrior says , " it was- " " It doesn't matter who mixed the herbs , " Sage interrupts quietly . " Only that they help . " The silence that follows speaks volumes . She's protecting the healers ' pride , knowing they'd rather suffer than admit using her suggestion . Something in my chest aches at her quiet strength . " How diplomatic , " Victoria purrs . " Though one wonders why a ... guest ... feels qualified to comment on pack healing at all . Especially one with such ... uncertain origins . " The temperature in the room drops as my beast rises . " Careful . " " I merely speak out of concern for the pack . " Victoria bows slightly . " These are dangerous times . We must be ... selective ... about who we trust with our warriors ' lives . " The challenge hangs in the air . I could shut her down with Alpha power , but that would only confirm her accusations about Sage affecting my judgment . Before I can decide , Sage speaks : " Trust should be earned by actions , not bloodlines . " Her voice is soft but carries clearly . " Judge me by my results . That's all I ask . "