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

contact. Instead, he studied her, his

"Yes," she answered,

moved closer, crouching beside the bed so she could see his face up close. Then do

lecture, prepared for him to try to stop her. But, to her surprise, Elijah leaned in pressing a gentle kiss to

these... "tours." He

mari Fionas garcone last time. Iluve matters to attend to-to make sure

her. Once he'd left, she lay back on the bed. exhaustion hrially pulling her under. The events of the day weighed on her, but knowing Elijah was nearby gave

Cutude,

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

phason 1 bed is ar

Regor's face tightened. "It's

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

1/3

Chapter 86

encounter. This one's potent and targets the immune system, making it slower to detect and harder to treat. They should be the same poison that

unknown. The healers suspect it may have been planted in the water supply or food rations. Whoever did this knew how to hide

I's jaw tightened. "Any idea when

least," Regor replied, scanning the corridor briefly before continuing. "This wasn't recent. Whoever planned this wanted it to spread slowly, just enough to avoid immediate suspicion but enough to create

hands clenched. "Does

I kept the most damning details << quiet.

00

but they'll

already

only Fiona's first stop, the Eastern part of the palace. What about the other parts Elijah's face turned ugly. The council wasn't able to decide how to deal with the Lycans. However, instead of doing something, they spent their days huddied

Politics