Poisoned.

Haelyn's feet pounded against the earth, her vision blurred by unshed tears as she sprinted through the dense woods. She couldn't breathe.

Her chest ached, her wolf howled in agony inside her, but she didn't stop. She couldn't.

"Archer is dying."

The words rang through her skull, repeating over and over, suffocating her.

She burst through the heavy wooden doors of Cerius's estate, her breath ragged, her heart racing violently against her ribs.

The moment she entered, Cerius turned.

The Alpha had been standing near the fireplace, arms crossed, deep in thought. But when he saw her, when he saw the raw desperation and panic in her eyes, his entire demeanor shifted.

"Haelyn?" His voice was sharp, laced with alarm.

She stumbled forward, gripping onto his shirt with shaking hands.

"Father… my mate is dying."

Cerius stiffened.