Glass shards

Sebastian

Killian, why the hell did I let you talk me into this? A mark? Are you insane?

Oh, shut it, Sebastian. You and I both know you enjoyed sinking your teeth into her flesh.

Killian said smugly irritating me

I did not. And this better work. If it doesn't, I'll find wolfsbane and remove my mark myself.

I spat.

Killian growled.

You wanted the truth! The only way to find out how our mate got those scars was through the bond.

I snapped, closing the link. Whatever. This better not backfire.

I regretted it.

For the past two hours, she hadn't let me rest. I sat with Liam, watching the young ones train, when it began—pins and needles shooting from my lower back to my throat.

At first, I ignored it, unsure of what it was. But then Killian clawed at me, his voice sharp in my head.

It's her! She's in pain. Can't you feel it? Go to her. Our mate is suffering.

I gritted my teeth, clenching my fists. If she's doing this to herself, I swear—

Don't you dare finish that thought, Killian snapped, his growl echoing through me.

The sensation intensified, unbearable now. My mind raced as I stormed back to my apartment, slamming the door open.

I followed her scent to her room—except it was empty, the door wide open. Where the hell was she?

Her scent was faint but led me to my own bedroom.

A growl rumbled in my chest. Why is she in my room?

Shoving the door open, I stormed inside, following her scent to the bathroom. The door was closed, but it didn't matter. I broke it down with a single push.

"Isabella!"

She lay sprawled on the cold tile floor, her pale body trembling in a pool of blood. Glass shards surrounded her, and fresh cuts oozed crimson.

Her weak sobs tore through the silence. "Please… make it stop. Make it all go away," she begged, her voice breaking with despair.

I froze, unable to move, my mind spinning.

What are you doing? Killian roared in my head. Get her to a healer. NOW!

His voice snapped me back to reality. I crouched, scooping her into my arms. She was so cold. Why wasn't she healing?

Blood dripped from deep gashes, the wounds refusing to close. Panic gripped me as I carried her out of the bathroom. I had barely made it to the hallway when I heard voices.

Megan appeared in the doorway, her expression frantic.

"Oh, Sebastian! You're here," she said breathlessly.

"Not now, Megan. I have to—"

"I brought a healer," she interrupted, stepping aside to reveal Aunt Florida.

"Put her down on the bed," Florida instructed sharply.

I laid Isabella gently on the mattress. Florida wasted no time, pulling supplies from her bag to stop the bleeding.

"How did she get wounds like this?" she muttered as she worked.

"I don't know," I said through gritted teeth. "I found her on the floor."

"Turn her over," Florida instructed.

When I did, Killian stirred violently in the back of my mind. Scars—thick, jagged, and brutal—covered every inch of her skin. Some were old, others fresh.

Megan gasped, covering her mouth.

"If you're going to be a nuisance, leave," Florida snapped at Megan without looking up.

"Aunt—"

"I'm not your aunt," Florida bit back curtly.

Before I could intervene, Isabella stirred again. Her weak, broken voice filled the room.

"Please… let me go," she murmured, trembling. "I promise… I'll stop crying. I won't cry for Mom anymore… please…"

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Florida's hands stilled.

"What…?" I choked, my voice trembling with barely restrained fury.

"She's sleep-talking," Florida said grimly. "Sounds like—"

"Torture," I finished, my throat tightening. My wolf clawed at me, threatening to break free.

Florida glanced at me, her expression dark. "Torture. Or punishment. Whoever did this—"

I cut her off with a growl, my eyes blazing. "Megan," I said coldly. "Get out."

Megan hesitated, her lips parting in protest.

"Out," I snapped, my tone laced with authority.

She flinched but obeyed, leaving the room.

Florida returned her attention to Isabella, muttering under her breath. "She's lucky you brought her here when you did. Another minute, and—" She shook her head. "These scars… They've been reopened. Someone hurt her repeatedly, ensuring they wouldn't heal."

My fists clenched at my sides. Killian growled, his voice low and menacing. Find them. Whoever did this, find them and destroy them.

My gaze fell on Isabella's trembling form. I didn't know who had done this to her, but I swore they would pay.