108. Protector's Vow-II

|| Alaric’s POV || Benson was still fighting, his movements strained but determined. I joined him, tearing through the rogues one by one until the forest was silent, the only sound the ragged breathing of those left standing. I shifted back to my human form, my chest heaving as I rushed to Lilac’s side. “Lilac,” I said, my voice trembling as I gathered her in my arms. Her forehead was bleeding, her hands and throat marred by claw marks. She wasn’t healing. I knew why— her wolf was dormant, leaving her vulnerable. The thought made my chest tighten with fear. “Dove, wake up,” I whispered, my voice shaking as I held her close. Her skin was cold, her breathing shallow. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my heart aching at the sight of her so fragile, so broken. “Lilac,” her father said, his voice filled with panic as he knelt beside me. “Why isn’t she healing?” “We need to take her to a medic,” I said, my tone sharp with urgency. I didn’t have time to explain, not now. All that matt