Chapter 405
(Third Person’s POV)
Dr. Marcus Fletcher’s face was grim as he delivered the devastating news to Maxwell Chen. The pack healer’s usually steady hands trembled slightly as he held Ethan’s medical charts.
“Alpha Stone’s left lower limb has severe thigh muscle damage from the silver contamination,” Dr. Fletcher said quietly. “This leg may not be salvageable and may require amputation.”
Maxwell’s Beta wolf bristled with protective fury. His expression changed instantly, amber eyes flashing with disbelief.
“Do you know what you’re saying?” Maxwell retorted, his voice sharp with denial. “I don’t care what methods you use, you must save the Alpha King’s leg.”
Dr. Fletcher was astonished that Ethan could even get out of bed in his condition. The severity of his thigh injury from the silver- tainted debris made saving the leg nearly impossible.
“We will do everything we can to save Alpha Stone’s leg,” Dr. Fletcher replied. But the words lacked conviction.
He had already presented Ethan’s case to a conference of the territory’s most skilled healers. They had consulted with the best medical minds on the proper course of treatment.
This was their consensus. The silver poisoning had spread too deep into the muscle tissue.
Maxwell couldn’t imagine the once–powerful Ethan Stone becoming disabled. How could the Alpha King accept such a fate?
“There has to be another way,” Maxwell insisted desperately. “He’s the strongest Alpha in the Northern Territories.”
Dr. Fletcher shook his head sadly. “Even Alpha strength has limits when silver is involved.”
Alpha King Ethan Stone was also aware of the gravity of his condition. The medical den wouldn’t make such a pronouncement lightly.
He looked down at his left leg, his amber eyes filled with despair. His wolf whined softly within him, sensing the threat to their physical integrity.
Amputation meant he would be disabled. Considering the deep hurt he had already inflicted on Olivia Winters, this would only make things worse.
As Evelyn had said, he was already unworthy of Olivia’s forgiveness. Becoming disabled would only worsen things.
The thought of facing Olivia with only one leg made him clench his fist. His nails dug into his palm until he drew blood.
in this state, he would be even less deserving of her forgiveness. His wolf retreated deeper into his consciousness in shame.
How could he protect his mate if he couldn’t even walk properly? How could he be the Alpha King his pack needed?
The silver burns throbbed with each heartbeat. Each pulse reminded him of his failures and limitations.
(Olivia’s POV)
Meanwhile, I inquired at the nurse’s station about Lucas Blackwood’s condition. My wolf urged me forward with concern for the Alpha who had risked everything to save my mother and me.
“He’s having his wounds dressed in the treatment room,” the nurse informed me. “Room 304, down the hall.”
I made my way there quickly, my bare feet silent on the cold medical den floor. My wolf was restless with worry about his injuries.
Lucas’s injuries were less severe than Ethan’s, but still serious. When Ethan had pushed me out of the way, a falling cabinet sent burning wooden shards flying.
Lucas had used his arm to shield me, his clothing catching fire in the process. He was focused on getting me to safety and didn’t immediately extinguish the flames.
This resulted in a large burn on his upper arm. Only after ensuring my mother and I were safe did he attend to his injury.
His wolf’s protective instincts had overridden his own pain. The thought of his sacrifice made my chest tighten with gratitude.
As I appeared at the doorway, Lucas instinctively turned. He was attempting to conceal his wound, not wanting me to see the gruesome sight.
His wolf wanted to present only strength to me, hiding any sign of weakness or vulnerability. But the sudden movement startled Healer Sarah Mitchell.
She accidentally pressed the forceps deeper into the wound. The healer froze, her face pale with horror.
Lucas groaned, his wolf snarling at the unexpected pain. The sound made my heart clench with sympathy.
I rushed in, grabbing his shoulder. “Don’t move!” I exclaimed, my emerald eyes filled with concern.
1 gently blew on the wound, my wolf instinctively trying to soothe his pain. The gesture was automatic, bom from years of caring for others.
This was an unconscious gesture, reminiscent of comforting my daughter Lily whenever she got hurt. I remembered a time when Ethan had promised to have
