Melody
The adrenaline hadn’t quite faded when I handed Derek into the healer’s care. My hands were still slick with blood, but it was no longer from battle.
It was from holding Derek.
He was badly wounded and pale as he tried to insist he was fine while life drained from his shoulder.
“Keep pressure here,” I told the healers, nodding at the gash that marred his ribs. “And give him wolfsbane-root elixir for the fever. He’s strong, but don’t take chances.”
The healer bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
I took one last glance at Derek, his eyes already fluttering closed as the painkillers took hold, and turned back toward the hallway.
Giovanni was nearby, bruised but unharmed. His sword still dripped with fresh blood, and his dark eyes followed me with concern.
“I’m fine,” I said before he
