Cassian's POV
It's been three days.
Three damn days, and Elara still hasn't woken up.
The guilt gnawed at me like a persistent itch beneath the skin, one I couldn't scratch away. Had I put her in a coma? Leticia kept insisting it was the magic she used to subdue me—that it had drained her. But that didn't absolve me. Not really.
Rumors were already spreading like wildfire. The council was buzzing with whispers—about the mysterious white wolf who brought the cursed Alpha to his knees. I might not have been at the last meeting, but I knew how these old mutts operated. They never passed up a chance to complain or conspire.
I sighed and downed my second glass of bourbon.
Later that evening, Luke came by, and we headed for the usual after–full moon council meeting.
The room was so quiet, I could hear the faintest tick of the old clock on the wall. I settled into my seat and leaned back.
"Let's hear the agendas," I said calmly, surveying them. Most of them looked like they'd be executed for merely speaking. I almost smiled.
"I take it none of you have anything worth discussing?" I baited, watching their eyes flicker like trapped prey.
One of the older wolves, braver—or more foolish—than the rest, finally spoke.
"Alpha, we heard some… concerning rumors. We thought perhaps you'd clarify them?"
I hummed. "And what rumors would those be?" I tilted my head, feigning ignorance.
"That the imposter… saved you from the curse," another muttered, voice tight with disdain.
Oh, how that must sting. The very idea that the white wolf they condemned was the cure to the curse they feared for years.
I chuckled. "And do you believe it?"
"Of course not, Alpha."
"It's absurd."
"How could someone like her cure something that ancient?"
They laughed nervously. Leticia shook her head beside me, but I scowled.
These wolves were rotting on the inside—arrogant and blind. It made me sick.
"Enough," I growled.
The room instantly fell silent again.
"It's true. Elara saved me. She is the cure."
Gasps echoed. A few masked their scowls, but I saw them.
"So, you're saying—"
"Yes," I cut in. "She will not be executed. She is now a member of this pack. She will remain in the main house under my personal protection."
I said it slow and sharp. I needed them to understand—Elara was untouchable.
"Is that clear?"
"Yes, Alpha," they chorused.
But their voices were hollow. Empty words. I knew most of them would still try something. Let them. I'd end them without hesitation.
"Now let's—"
The door burst open.
I groaned inwardly. What is it with people interrupting me mid-sentence?
It was Levi, the pack's healer. My heart stuttered. He was overseeing Elara's recovery.
"Yes?"
"She's awake," he said with a grin.
I stood immediately. "Meeting adjourned."
Luke, Leticia, and Levi followed as I strode out. We drove back to the main house and straight to Elara's room.
She was awake. Sitting up. Alive.
I exhaled. Her white hair looked brighter than ever, and those icy blue eyes—sharp, unreadable—met mine as I entered.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, stepping closer.
"I feel… strangely refreshed, like I just slept for a day," she murmured, checking her side for injuries. Of course, nothing remained. Levi was damn good at his job.
I raised a brow.
She really thought she was only out for a day?
"You've been unconscious for three days, child," Leticia said, moving to her side. She took Elara's wrist, checking something I couldn't see.
"Three days?" Elara blinked in disbelief.
"That's right," I said. "Do you remember anything before you passed out?"
"Yeah. You almost killed me." Her tone was dry, devoid of humor. She looked directly at me.
My jaw tightened.
"I'm aware. And I apologize for that."
The room went still.
Leticia blinked. Levi looked stunned. Even Luke's eyebrows shot up.
Leticia smiled knowingly. She, of all people, understood the weight of what I'd just done.
I, Cassian Vale, had never apologized for anything in my life. Not for battles, not for bloodshed. Not even for that massacre in Harren's Hollow.
Apologizing now… tasted like ash.
"What else do you remember?" I asked, ignoring their stunned faces.
"I used magic to stop you," she said. "You charged at me—claws out—and I thought I was done for. Then this… white light burst from my hand. It surrounded you. Everything after that is fuzzy."
I turned to Leticia for explanation.
"It's just as the prophecy foretold, Alpha. This is how she'll cure you."
I stared at Elara.
"This humorless woman?" I gestured toward her, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. My wolf growled low in my chest.
"Well, excuse me if my humor's lacking after nearly being mauled to death," she retorted flatly.
"You're alive, aren't you? So technically, I didn't kill you."
"Congratulations," she said, folding her arms.
Leticia and Levi laughed.
"What's so funny?" I frowned.
"You two bicker like an old married couple," Levi smirked.
Leticia nudged me. "You should thank her, Cassian. She saved you."
I looked at Elara again, begrudgingly.
"Thank you… for saving me. As a reward, you will no longer face execution. You're officially part of this pack. You'll stay here, in the main house—under surveillance."
She stared at me.
"I thought that was already obvious since the day I arrived," she said, folding her arms and leaning back against the pillows.
My eye twitched. Again.
I glanced at Leticia, who chuckled softly.
"Get some rest," I muttered through clenched teeth, and left the room.
One thing was clear to me now.
I couldn't stand that woman.
There was no way she was my mate.