Chapter 4 Under the Skin

RAVEN'S POV

I had not noticed I was holding my breath until I hit the hall. Suddenly, it felt like everyone was staring right through me. Blackthorn felt even colder than I remembered. Or maybe it just seemed that way since the place now seemed full of secrets and suspicion.

Kael's words from last night replayed in my head, rough and quiet. You don't know what I had to give up.

No, I didn't. And maybe I didn't want to. I knew if I let myself care about anyone again, I did lose the distance I'd worked so hard to create.

I moved down the east wing, past Selene's room. Her scent hung in the air, sweet honeysuckle mixed with ash. An odd mix for a Beta. I could almost feel her watching me, even when I was alone. She never said so, but I knew she wanted Kael. Still did, probably.

The pup I healed yesterday was already up and walking around this morning. Word spread fast. Now the other wolves looked at me with curiosity instead of outright hate. But I knew it wouldn't last. The deeper I got into this place, the stronger this old, nasty feeling got. Like something was vibrating under the floor.

I reached the infirmary. The door was cracked open. The smell of dried herbs hit me first, then the sound of paper.

Kael stood with his back to me, holding one of my bags.

Looking for something? I asked, voice as sharp as my best knife.

He turned. For once, he was not hiding anything. He looked guilty, needy, and a little wild.

You left this outside, he said, putting it on the table. I thought someone might have messed with it.

Did you find what you hoped? I asked, stepping inside. Maybe a cure tucked between my notes?

His jaw tightened. I wasn't, You were. And next time, don't touch my stuff.

He looked like he'd argue, but stepped back, glancing at the herbs in the corner. Strange, even blooming without soil.

You're still hiding your power, he said.

I'm protecting it. It's not the same.

He nodded slowly, like he got it. Then, he looked down at the scratches on his hand, barely healing. It's getting worse.

How many more? I asked.

Seven overnight, he said quietly. Two of them are pups.

Something twisted inside me. I hated him for what he did, but I couldn't hate the others. They were paying for a war they didn't even ask for.

Bring them here, I said, grabbing my stuff. And keep Selene out.

Kael looked unsure. She thinks you're dangerous.

She's not wrong. But I'm the danger they need right now.

He left. As soon as the door closed, I moved fast. The sigils in the corner glowed. My wards were still up, for now.

My heart was racing. That power, buried for years, was waking up. Fast. Clawing at me like it wanted out.

Last night, I dreamed of blood again. And not just spilled blood.

There was a melody going through the woods while I slept. I recognized the voice but could not place it. It was whispering my name until I woke up gasping.

I looked down at my wrist. The mark was back.

Faint, red, and throbbing. An old rune. Something only blood witches carried.

A knock broke the silence.

Kael came in with two wolves holding up a little girl. She couldn't have been more than six. Pale.

What happened? I asked, kneeling next to her.

Kael said she woke up screaming, clawing at the walls. She bit her tongue.

The girl looked me in the eye. Her pupils flickered quick, just for a second, into silver. My breath caught.

That's not the curse, I whispered. It's older.

Kael looked confused. What do you mean?

Give me some room, I said.

Once the room was empty, I sat in front of her. Her body was twitching.

I reached for her hand. As soon as I touched her, I saw images.

Chains.

A well of fire.

A wolf howling into nothing, black stuff dripping from its mouth.

Then, my mother's voice: Don't open it, Raven. If you use the blood, they'll come.

I pulled back. The kid passed out.

It was a look into the future.

I paced, my heart slamming against my ribs. This curse was tied to me. Kael's wolves weren't just dying; they were now being marked.

I opened the bottom drawer and took out the vial I swore I'd never touch again.

Blood magic.

It was glowing.

I thought about the scroll I hadn't opened.

I thought about my mother's warnings.

But I could not stop thinking about that girl's eyes, and that silver light I had.

That night, Kael came to my room.

I saw what you did for her, he said. She's sleeping.

She's marked, I said quietly. And so are you.

He froze. Marked for what?

For a summoning, I whispered. Something's trying to come back. Using your pack as a way to do it.

Kael stepped closer. How do we stop it?

I looked him in the eye. We can't. Not unless I break every rule I swore to follow.

Then break them, he said. Anything.

He was too close. I could feel the bond growing stronger. Too much.

I backed away. If I do this, you lose your claim. Your council will turn on you. And I'll be hunted.

His eyes darkened. Then let them come.

I stared at him, unsure whether I wanted to slap him or kiss him.

The air crackled.

He stepped forward again, brushing my hair behind my ear. I messed up, he whispered. But I'm not doing it again.

I hated how my heart was beating.

Hated how much I wanted to believe him.

Suddenly, the floor shook.

A scream tore through Blackthorn. Selene's voice.

We ran into the hall, which was chaos.

Two guards were out cold. Weird symbols were carved into their chests.

At the end, Selene stood still, eyes pure black.

Kael yelled for her, but she didn't move.

She raised her hand and pointed at me.

They know, she said in a voice that wasn't hers. She opened the gate.

Before Kael could move, Selene collapsed, and bright red runes lit up the walls.

The gate had been opened.

But not by me.

By something wearing my blood.