Chapter Nine : Life in the Balance 47+ NICOLE The scent of silver and blood filled the air , thick and suffocating . Nathans claws raked furiously against the chains as his wolf fought against the poison coursing through him . His growls were guttural , feral , and laced with agony . I could barely breathe . The steady rhythm of his heart was slowing , faltering . He was slipping away , and it was my fault . Hes not stabilizing , the head healer muttered , her voice sharp in the heavy silence . The other healers exchanged grim glances , their expressions shadowed with worry . Well have to flush the silver out , one . of them sai tone clipped , heavy with the weight of the decision . My stomach twisted . I forced myself to step 11:38 7/6 Chapter Nine : Life in the Balance forward , despite the tremor in my legs . How ? What do we do ? The head healer turned to me , her face pale but composed . Its not easy … The silver is too deeply embedded . The only way is to force his body to expel it through intense pain , something that will shock his system into overdrive . Well need an anchor . I blinked , What does that mean ? Well need someone to hold the strain , to bear the pain with him as the silver is forced from his system . But its risky . Its dangerous … for both of them . The healers gaze locked with mine , piercing and unyielding . It was as though she could sense what I was thinking . I shouldnt even be here . I had my own pack to return to a fractured faction that was falling apart because Nathan had refused me help when I needed it the most . But he had saved Daniel and me , and now 45 % 11.38 2/6 mum ad kry by 11:38 Chapter Nine : Life in the Balance 470 he was paying the price with unimaginable pain . Still , I should have left . Daniel was safe now . My duty was to my pack . And yet , I couldnt move . When the cabin collapsed , mere seconds . after Id stepped out , something inside me broke . In that single heartbeat , I realized the bitter truth : I still cared . Despite everything he had done , despite his accusations and cruelty , I didnt want him to die . Ill do it . Ill be the anchor , I said , the words slipping out before I could stop them . The room stilled , the tension sharp enough to cut . Before anyone could respond , the door flew open , and Nadia stormed in . Her eyes . were wild with exaggerated panic , and her breath came in frantic gasps as she rushed to Nathans side only for his wolf to 46 % 11:30 3/0 Chapter Nine : Life in the Balance growl at her , low and dangerous , freezing her in her tracks . Oh my Goddess whats happening ? Is he going to die ? she cried , her voice a perfect blend of fear and melodrama . I stood motionless , fighting the urge to scoff . Nadia turned to the head healer , ignoring me entirely . What s going on ? Why haven t you done something ? Why is he in chains ? The healers gaze flickered between Nadia and me , clearly unsure of where her allegiance lay . As I was just telling Alpha Nicole , she began , her voice carefully neutral , we re attempting to flush the silver from his system , but- Nadia cut her off with a sharp glare , her attention snapping to me . I could feel the venom in her stare before she even spoke . Why are you discussing pack affairs with her ? I am Nathan s Luna in all but name . 45 % 11:38 4/6 11:38 479 Chapter Nine : Life in the Balance She shouldnt even be here ! Shes the reason this happened ! Nadias voice . rose , each word dripping with accusation . And why wasn t I informed immediately when Nathan was brought here ? The fact that she was speaking like I wasn t even in the room made my blood . boil and restraint snapped . I am standing right here , I said coldly , stepping closer . If you have something to say about my presence , say it to my face . Nadias lip curled into a snarl . You still have the audacity to speak ? You re the reason hes poisoned ! You manipulated . him , made him think that stupid child was his . You knew exactly what you were doing , didnt you ? And now hes dying because of you ! Her words hit like a slap , but I held my ground . It took everything in me not to push my 45 % 11:38 6/6 Chapter Nine : Life in the Balance wolf back , Dont you ever insult my son and I didnt make him do anything , My voice was tight , low with warning . He chose to jump in front of those arrows . He made his own choice . Her snarl deepened , and she took a step forward , her anger palpable . Before she could retort , the healer interrupted , her voice rushing with urgency . I apologize for interrupting but this is not the time for this ! Were running out of time . The poison needs to be flushed out now . If not , his wolf will give in and stop fighting and the Alpha will die ! 45 % 11:38 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!