(*no city lights and billboards lol)

Archer, Hazel, Ian and I were on the road to the southern pack.

Earlier today, we received news that Maddie had been attacked last week and was still unconscious by now.

She had been poisoned and no antidotes seemed to be working. It was also hard to detect so they couldn't extract it properly. Her condition worsened by the day. The poison was attacking each and every system of her body.

Through the Voca Orb, I could see how worried Chase was. His hair was messy and his eyes had heavy bags under them. He was desperate when asking us for help.

Of course, we gathered our belongings right away and left. Alec and Elliot stayed behind.

I knew how strong both of them were, so in case of an attack, I knew that they could handle it well.

The other problem was still the pair of mates, Hazel and Archer. Hazel almost begged me to take the same car. What she didn't know is that we were going to be travelling by one car anyways.

Only the four of us left, it was more discreet that way. It would've been too dangerous if we brought a whole entourage with us. It would've signalled that the Alpha and Luna of the pack had left.

I was tapping my fingers along the side of my chair while I occasionally looked at the side mirror to see what was going on at the back.

Hazel was seated right behind me, keeping her head outside the window while Archer sat behind the driver's seat and had his head laid back and eyes close. Currently, Ian was driving, but he would shift with Archer later.

The drive was going to take half a day. Come to think of it, my old pack was closer to the southern pack than Panselinos. I remember when Alec drove me to Panselinos, it was long and quite nerve wracking.

I was worried that if the two would be left alone, Hazel would not hesitate to fight him.

Still, the two of them made quite a pair. Their babies would break hearts here and there.

I chuckled at the thought and remembered the life that was growing inside of me. Instinctively, I held my stomach where my child is.

'Stay safe, my love.' I whispered a small prayer.

'Are you hungry?' Ian asked through mind link which surprised me, making me jump slightly. I turn to him right away.

Oh gosh, he probably thinks I'm hungry. I immediately took my hand off my stomach and smiled at him. 'N-no, I'm fine.' I reply, but he looks at me. 'Eyes on the road, mister.' I reminded which made him smile.

I took a deep breath. It's okay, we'll get there. He won't know.

☾

I woke up to the sound of the car door closing and Ian stirring beside me. The sun was setting, painting the sky with a beautiful orange hue. Archer looked back to Ian and me who had fallen asleep at the backseat.

"Welcome to the southern pack, Lucidum." Archer said.

Ian and I both got up and stretched a bit while looking outside. Hazel gave a hug to a man whom I quickly recognized as Alpha Chase. His Beta, Owen and his Gamma Kasen.

"Your mate's quite close with the Alpha." Ian poked fun at Archer. I immediately cast him a reprimanding look, didn't he know how sensitive their situation is? But Ian only suppressed his smile.

"Your mate is telling you to shut up." Archer replied with a deadpanned look. At that, Ian laughed and we all got out of the car.

The four who were already conversing outside turned to us when got down.

Ian got down first and reached his hand out, helping me get out. I kept my eyes on Chase who looked for me too. I sent him a gentle smile.

With the two other Alphas, we walked towards Lucidum's leaders.

"Thank you so much for coming such a long way, we really do owe you." Chase said and even bowed his head quickly. It surprised us, but we quickly shook our heads.

"No, the pleasure is ours. We were going to be coming here anyways." Ian said.

Chase turned to Archer and smiled towards him. "It's been a long time, Archer." he greeted. I guess they knew each other too.

"No need for formalities, even towards this guy." Archer said and hit Ian's back. "We're all here for a common goal, but how about we attend to your mate first?" Archer started.

Chase laughed lightly. "Always so straight to the point, aren't we? No wonder Hazel--"

Before he could say more, Hazel covered Chase's mouth from beside him and cast a warning look as if telling him not to make a mistake.

My hand flew to my mouth, but then I laughed.

"Your mate, Chase. Emergency, remember?" she reminded her friend and took her hand off.

I took a small peek to see Archer's reaction, but he didn't have any. He just kept a straight face. Huh, it really reminds me when I first met Ian.

"Alright, alright. This way." Kasen was the one who led us.

☾

When I arrived at the room where Maddie laid down. I could feel how she was suffering, it almost choked me too.

I looked behind me where everyone was.

"Uhm, can you all wait here please? This will be a bit difficult." I requested.

"Is it safe?" Ian was the first to ask.

I sighed and nodded. "It is, but I think Maddie will react better if the room is not crowded. The poison... it seems to have been made specifically to weaken her."

Somehow, I knew. Standing over her, I could smell how foul the poison was and how potent it was enough to bring her strongest vital parts are. Not only that, it wasn't one kind of toxin, it was various and had different targets in her internal organs.

Like it was made specifically for her.

Chase's face paled as he let out a deep breather.

"Can I stay?" he asked finally.

I looked towards Maddie and wondered how their relationship was, but ultimately, I nodded.

"Sure, but you have to stand far away." I instructed. One by one, everyone left. Hazel discreetly looked from my stomach to my eyes, asking if I was going to be alright.

I smiled at her and nodded. I am still going to be careful, no doubt about that.

Ian kissed my forehead and whispered. "I'll be right outside if you need me." he said making me smile again. I knew he will be, so there was no need to worry.

Chase stood by the door as he closed it.

"Will she be fine?" he asked, worry rolling off his voice as he cast a look at his unconscious mate.

I approached Maddie, sitting by the chair beside her and feeling her pulse. It was low, really low. Good thing we came right away. I was going to start with healing her, but then I turned to Chase.

"I've been dreaming about her for a while now, of the things she's been through." I start. Chase listened intently, trying to make sense out of my words. "All the warriors are bound to live a hard life, and Maddie is no different. She's been through a lot, so please take care of her." I said and smiled.

Chase was taken aback by my words, but he quickly recovered by sending me a nod.

"Good, thank you Alpha."

I turn to Maddie.

I closed my eyes for a while and let my warrior mode take over.

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