He Signed My Freedom Now He Wants Me Back Chapter 13
A guard pried open a narrow gap, peered inside, and went pale.
“Alpha, their legs are both pinned by the metal frame. The support structure is still sinking. We can only pull one person out at a time.”
Through the gap, I saw Lucian standing with the two children.
His gaze landed on Vivian, and he didn’t hesitate for a second.
“Save Vivian first.”
“Save Aunt Vivian!” Noah and Iris cried in unison.
The guard looked down at the pool of blood spreading from my leg.
“Alpha, Luna Evelyn is more seriously injured. Her healing was recently blocked by wolfsbane.”
“If we move the other side first, the frame could drive into the Luna’s kneecap,” the guard warned again. “She risks permanently losing the ability to run or shift.”
Through the gap in the door, Vivian grabbed Lucian’s hand and sobbed, “The Moon Festival is vital to the Dawncrest alliance. I can’t miss leading the dance.”
This was not a choice with hidden consequences. The guard had made the cost perfectly clear, and Vivian knew exactly what it would mean if she were saved first.
Lucian still chose her.
“Vivian has to lead the Moon Festival dance.” His voice was cold, stripped of all warmth. “Her leg cannot be injured. Carry out the order.”
The guards obeyed their Alpha.
They carefully dragged Vivian free. The moment her weight was gone, the warped metal frame slammed down.
Agony shot from my leg through the rest of my body.
Ember tried to force a shift, but the lingering wolfsbane and my injuries crushed the attempt.
Before I lost consciousness, I saw Lucian lift Vivian into his arms and walk away.
The children crowded around her, cheering.
No one looked back.