AYASHA'S POV
The taste of copper filled my mouth. Not from fear this time, but from Koda's blood. His fangs had pierced my neck so deep I could still feel the phantom ache where they'd claimed me. The mark burned like fire against my skin, but it was nothing compared to the weight of his unconscious body in my arms.
He'd collapsed the moment he marked me. One second he was standing tall, declaring me his mate to the entire court. The next, he was crumpling like a broken marionette, his legs giving out completely. I'd caught him before he hit the marble floor, and now I knelt there cradling his head against my chest while his blood pooled beneath us.
"Koda." I whispered his name, but he didn't respond. His breathing was shallow and labored. His skin had gone pale as winter snow. Whatever poison was inside of him was winning.
