Zarek’s POV
The fire had barely died on the training grounds when I caught her.
Zara’s knees buckled, her body lurching forward like the flames had drained every last drop of strength out of her. I didn’t even think — I just ran. My arms caught her before she hit the stone, her weight folding into me as her head lolled weakly against my chest.
“Zara.” Her name tore out of me, raw and desperate. But her eyes stayed shut, her lashes damp with sweat, her lips pale.
The whispers swarmed louder behind me.
“She fainted—”
“Is she cursed?”
“She’s not a wolf—”
I didn’t let them finish. I didn’t care. I pulled her into my arms and ran. My boots pounded against the path as I tore through the courtyard, through the gates, straight toward the healer’s ward. Every step felt like eternity, like I
