Chapter Twenty-Six:

****ASTOR'S POINT OF VIEW****

Aro wanted to growl because of Raph leaning against Freya but that's when I noticed the arrows stuck in his shoulder. I let my eyes wonder over Freya. She had a flesh wound but other wise seemed okay. I rush forward grabbing Raph from her. She was sweating and looked a little pale.

She shakes her head at me and pointed to Raph.

"Let's get you both to the infirmary." She nods and follows closely behind us. Her guilt flooded me. Raph chuckles bitterly and his eyes glowed amber. What the hell?

I rushed them both into the infirmary. Freya was swarmed by people and she let's out a frustrated scream.

"GET AWAY FROM ME! Deal with Raph!" They flinched at her tone but turned their attention to Raph. I watch my Mate half stunned she looked weak and defeated. She was staring at Raph. I turn my attention to him as they yanked out one arrow. He groans.

I watched as black blood oozes from his wound.

"NO! STOP!" Freya has lunged forward shoving passed the nurses up to Raph. He cranks his head to look at her. She gives him a sad look and then turns to me. I raise an eyebrow at her. What was wrong with her?

"What is it little dragon?" She bites down on her lower lip and cuts her eyes at Raph for a moment.

"All of you GET Out!" My eyes widen. That voice. It was Shade. Why had she pulled herself forward? I watched as everyone ran passed me and out of the room.

"Astor listen to me. He has Dragon's blood running through his veins. The arrows were coated with a poison that is highly toxic to dragon-bornes. My mistress...Her guilt is high. The poison has to be burned out with another Dragon's fire. With your permission we can help." Why was she asking for my permission?

"Permission?" A sad smile forms on Freya's face.

"They have to place a hand over each other's hearts." I still don't understand why....It dawned on me then that Raph would have to touch Freya's breast. I suppress a growl but nod my head.

Freya's body moves and she moves unfront of Raph. He gives her a confused look and glances at me. I nod.

Freya lifts his hand and places it over her heart. Raph's eyes widen and he looks away. I wanted to chuckle. I couldn't help it. Freya places her hand over his heart and flames ignite against them. Raph squeezes his eyes shut and winces. Did the flames hurt him? Freya seemed to be unphased.

I watch as Cobalt mixed with sliver and the room was growing hotter. The arrow had caught on fire. Raph's clenched his jaw let's out a muffled scream.

I wince for him..I had known that Raph had a different Mother..but I didn't know about the Dragon's blood. I stare at Freya her eyes were closed and her nose scrunched up all bit. She was injuried by the same kind of arrow but it didn't seem to hurt her. Maybe because it was just a graze.

But Raph had saved my mate..The Queen Luna. He took not one but two poisoned arrows for her.. I watch as the flames disappear and then Freya swayed and fell forward into Raph's arms. He stiffens and looks at me. Was he worried that I would be angry?

I walk over and collect Freya into my arms. He watches her face closely and then sighs.

"I have to admit I don't know why I took those arrows..We could have both gotten out of the way..But the set on caused a flesh wound and Demon panicked." His wolf? Demon never panicked. He was the calm one out of the two. Why would Demon panic? I smile at my brother.

"All that matters is that you are both okay. Thank you for protecting her." Raph nods and closes his eyes.

I sigh and turn leaving the infirmary. Something was up with Raph. I wasn't sure what. But it was there. I look down at Freya. Her breathing was a little labored. But it was probably from over using her abilities.

I notice then that her knuckles are torn as well. What was she doing while I was training? Sighing I take my time getting her to her room. She curls into me causing me to smile.

I needed to prepare her for the war that was coming. We were out numbered on both sides. She would have to end up putting down the only family that she had left.

It had to be her because I couldn't risk losing her if I did it. She would hate me forever. I couldn't bare to see that in her eyes after all this was over. She wanted to save her brother..But I wasn't so such that there was anything left to save.

I gave Freya the bed and I pulled out the recliner and watched her sleep. I didn't know much about the side effects of what could happen to her if she over used her powers. But I could imagine that her body was probably hurting and I couldn't risk hurting her while she slept. She needed a decent night sleep.

Tomorrow was a new day and with that came the talk that I had been dreading the most. We needed to get information on what was going on in her Kingdom and if Niko had killed anyone else. Then there was the kidnappings. I realize that each of us would have to put our main focus into each problem...But I didn't want her to have to deal with this alone.

Tonight Raph proved that he would protect her. I was grateful to him for that. So if she had to deal with her brother..Raph would be there to protect her and he would do what needed to be done if she couldn't do it.

I could live with her hating my brother if it kept her alive and safe. He didn't mind if anyone hated him or not. He kept people at arms length. Never letting them get to close to see his scars. He'd always been that way...Ever since his mother was murdered.