" So what did Dr. Grey say about Elaine's health ? " Seline asked gently , her hands clasped tightly together on her lap . Darius let out a slow , weary sigh and sank back into his chair . For a brief moment , the Alpha mantle felt unbearably heavy on his shoulders . His mother's eyes searched his face , waiting , bracing herself for his answer . " Her wolf ... and Elaine herself , " he began quietly , his voice rough , " they've both lost their will to live . All she did during the trip was sleep , almost as if she were retreating from the world . When I left her just now , she was still sleeping . Dr. Grey said to let her rest for now , to give her body and spirit the time they need . Tomorrow , he and I will speak with her . We'll try to encourage her ... to remind her there is still life worth living . That here , in this pack , she has the chance to heal ... to be happy again ." Seline's lips trembled , and her eyes shimmered with unshed tears . " That is ... understandable . I cannot even imagine the pain she has endured . To be cast aside by one's mate , by one's own blood ... it is a wound that does not fade easily . " She shook her head , voice breaking . " The cruelty of it ... the loneliness . " The room fell silent , filled only with the soft tick of the old clock on the far wall . Darius's gaze drifted toward the window , where the night stretched endlessly and darkly over the territory . His chest tightened as he thought of Elaine lying motionless in the sterile white of the hospital bed , her spirit dimmed to embers . He had seen broken warriors before - men and women torn apart by battles or betrayals , but there had always been a spark left in them , something to cling to . Elaine ... she was different . She was fading before his eyes . " I cannot allow her to slip away , " he muttered , more to himself than to his parents . His voice was low , but the conviction behind it was unyielding . " Not when the Goddess herself tied her fate to another , only for them to betray her . She deserves more than this ." His father shifted , the scrape of his boots against the floor breaking the momentary stillness . Blaine's tone carried both authority and warning . " Be careful , Darius . Compassion is necessary , yes - but do not lose yourself in another's despair . You are Alpha . Your first responsibility is to this pack . " " I know my responsibility , " Darius replied sharply , his gaze snapping back to his father . His voice carried the edge of command , the growl beneath his words unmistakable . " But part of protecting this pack is recognizing strength when it is nearly lost , and refusing to let it vanish . Elaine has endured the worst kind of betrayal . If she can rise from it , if she can find her footing again , she will not only survive - she will thrive . And in turn , this pack will thrive with her . " Seline's tears finally spilled over , but she smiled faintly through them . " Spoken like a true Alpha , " she whispered . "But even more ... like a man who understands the heart of a < Chapter 35 Luna . " Her words lingered in the room , soft yet powerful , as if carried by the Goddess herself . More Rewart Darius clenched his fists against the desk , his mind turning over his mother's insight . She saw it already , something he dared not yet admit , even to himself . Elaine was not simply another pack member seeking refuge . She was something far more significant , though whether she realized it or not , he could not say . The weight of it pressed down on him , yet with it came a strange , burning determination . He would not allow Elaine to be extinguished . Not while she was under his protection . Not while he had breath in his lungs and strength in his veins . Not when he felt this connection with her . He did not understand it , did not know why . All he knew was that the Moon Goddess had guided him to Elaine , and he would not betray that guidance . " Tomorrow , " Darius said at last , his voice resolute , " we begin . Dr. Grey and I will speak with her . And if her spirit resists ... then I will fight for it . I will not let her surrender to the darkness . " His mother reached across the desk , laying her hand gently over his . " Then may the Moon Goddess guide your words , my son . For Elaine needs more than an Alpha's command . She needs someone to remind her of the light she has forgotten . " Darius nodded once , his jaw set . " Then I will be that reminder . " Blaine , who had remained silent through his wife's words , finally leaned forward , his eyes narrowing on his son . His voice was measured , but firm . " Son , you are not her mate . Why do you feel this way ? " The question hung heavy in the air , more than curiosity . It was a challenge , a warning , perhaps even fear . Darius's gaze met his father's , steady and unflinching . " I don't know , Dad . The moment I met her , I felt ... something . A connection I can't explain . It isn't the mate bond . I know that . She has a mate , even if he has cast her aside . But I cannot help it . I feel protective of her in a way I've never felt for anyone . The Moon Goddess guided me to her , and I cannot ignore that . Whether or not I understand it fully , I will not disobey the will of the Goddess . " His words rang with a determination that silenced the room . Seline looked at him with quiet awe , while Blaine's brows drew together in thought , conflict flickering across his stern features . For a moment , the weight of generations pressed in - the old Alpha's instincts clashing with the path the new Alpha had chosen . At last , Blaine exhaled heavily , his jaw tight . " If this is truly the Goddess's will , then so be it . But mark my words , Darius - such bonds , such ... connections , they are not without cost . If you choose to walk this path with her , be prepared to bear the consequences . " " I already am ," Darius said , his voice steady , his eyes hard with resolve . The old clock ticked on , steady and sure , as the three of them sat in silence , each lost in thought . 2/3 < Chapter 35 Outside , the night stretched long and cold , but within Darius's chest burned a quiet fire . More Rewards > Comments Get Bonus ( Ad ) >