Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter

86

Fiona sat on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on Elijah, who stood near the window, his back to her. He hadn't spoken a single word since they'd entered the room. Fainting while trying to examine the rest of the villagers wasn't part of her plan. However, she could no longer control her body. She had exhausted her abilities. In the end, she lost consciousness for a few minutes. Luckily, Miss Rose and the rest immediately helped her.

Her heart twisted uncomfortably, but she forced herself to break the silence.

"Elijah," she began, keeping her voice as steady as possible. Her exhaustion was still there, her body craved rest. However, she wanted to explain why what she was doing was important. "I needed to do this. Those people.. they're soldiers, their families. They were poisoned, and no one else was willing to look into it." She paused, trying to gange his reaction, but he remained motionless, staring out the window. She pushed on, hoping he'd understand "I'm a healer, and this is what I do. I help people. This was my job, and- "Are you happy?" he interrupted his words cutting through her explanation

She blinked, momentarily thrown off course. "What?"

Elijah finally tumed around, his expression unreadable as he looked at her. He moved to a chair, sat down, and leaned back, crossing his arms as he studied her. "Are you happy. Fiona!"

She hesitated, the question hanging between them. "I don't understand," she replied, her voice quieter this time. "Happy?"

He nodded, keeping his gaze steady. "Yes. Does this-everything you're doing, everything you've risked-does it make you happy!"

Fiona sat quietly, replaying the faces she'd seen that day in her mind-the worried mothers clutching their children, the hardened soldiers whose eyes softened with relief when she assured them they were safe. She hadn't anticipated the impact it would have, the sense of purpose that washed over her with each examination, each expression of gratitude. At first, she'd only done it as a strategy, a calculated move to shield herself and Elijah. to gain favor and maybe just maybe-stay out of the Lycans' reach. But as she continued, her motivations shifted, grounded by the real lives in

from of her

"Yes," she finally said, her voice barely a whisper, but then she raised her chin, meeting Elijah's gaze with a renewed resolve. "Yes, I'm happy" This time, her answer tang louder, her words more certain.

Elijah's eyes remained on her, his expression serious. "Do you understand what you're risking?" he asked. "This move of yours will make you a target. Fiona. Not just to the Lycans, but to the council. They won't like you gaining more influence than them, especially not with the people.

She held his gaze, nodding slowly. "I know." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "I. I didn't think it through, not like that. It's just..! wanted to help. And I wanted to find a way to stay here. To stay with you." The last words slipped out, vulnerable and exposed, and she saw Elijah'ı expression shift ever so slightly.

Silence settled between them. Elijah's eyes lingered on her, steady and searching. She felt her pulse quicken under his gaze, almost wishing he'd say something. Anything. The quiet intensity of his stare left her feeling raw, as if he could see right through her walls, through her plans, down to the reasons the barely understood herself

eye contact. Instead, he studied her, his own expression unreadable, "So,

swallowed. "Yes," she answered,

his face up close. Then do what you have to do," he said.

to try to stop her. But, to

stay safe during these... "tours." He offered

garcone last time. Iluve matters to attend to-to make sure you nod before coming

exhaustion hrially pulling her under. The events

Cutude,

he closed the door behind him. Itegor was waiting in the hall, straightening as soon

1 bed is

Regor's face tightened. "It's

Eighteen people have shown signs, some children among them. Luckily,

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Chapter 86

they can, but. He paused, his jaw clenching. "It's not the type we typically encounter. This one's potent and targets the immune system, making it slower to detect and harder to

suspect it may have been planted in the water supply or food rations. Whoever did this knew how

jaw tightened. "Any idea when it was

Whoever planned this wanted

hands clenched. "Does the council

most damning details << quiet.

00

requested, but they'll

already suspect it

part of the palace. What about the other parts Elijah's face turned ugly. The council wasn't able to decide how

Politics