The Matchmaker - The Arrax Saga Book 1 Chapter 167

Morning light filtered through the windows, soft and golden, casting long shadows across the stone floor. The warmth touched the edges of the bed, catching in the folds of the blanket and the curve of Saphira’s shoulder as she sat, slowly pulling on her boots. Her muscles ached with the memory of yesterday. She winced slightly as she bent forward, then straightened with a quiet breath.

Nikolas’ expression was thoughtful, jaw set, eyes distant. The silence between them was companionable, but heavy with what still lay ahead.

“We’ll split the morning,” he said, glancing at her. “You check on Anastasia. I’ll visit the rest of the wounded. Then this afternoon…” He paused, his jaw tightening. “I’ll speak to Lupus.”

Saphira looked up, brow lifting. “Don’t you mean we?”

Nikolas hesitated, turning to face her fully. “I wasn’t planning to bring you. Not for this.”

She didn’t argue. She didn’t need to. She simply gave him a look. The kind that said, *I’m going. You know I am.*

He sighed, lips twitching with reluctant amusement. “Fine. You can come.”

“Thank you,” she said, standing and brushing off her jacket.

They left together, walking side by side to the hospital, the dining room they passed had already been restored to its original purpose, tables reset, chairs aligned. They paused when they entered the hospital, Nikolas touched her arm briefly, then turned toward the recovery wing. Saphira continued towards the room Anastasia was moved into.

The hospital wing was quieter. The air was cooler here, lined with soft lighting and the hum of healing magic. Saphira passed a few nurses who nodded respectfully, their eyes tired but kind. She offered a small smile in return, then reached the door to Anastasia’s room.

Her mother was sitting up in bed, propped against a mound of pillows, a blanket draped over her lap. Her skin had regained its colour, and her eyes lit up the moment she saw Saphira.

“There’s my girl,” Anastasia said warmly, her voice still slightly hoarse but strong.

Saphira smiled, stepping inside. “You look better.”

“Im healing well, they said I should be able to leave soon.” Anastasia replied.

“That’s brilliant, I take it you feel better then.” Saphira said, sitting beside her bed.

“From the injury, at least. But mentally…” She trailed off, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket, twisting it slowly.

Saphira pulled a chair closer and sat down, her posture relaxed but alert. “What’s bothering you?”

Anastasia’s gaze drifted to the window, where sunlight spilled across the sill. “The elders. The Matchmaker. The poison. They’re clearly preparing for something bigger. And who knows who else they’ve given that blend to. What if it’s already out there?”

Saphira’s chest tightened. “There are a lot of unknowns,” she said gently. “But we can’t let them keep building while we stand by. Whether we try to stop them or not… they’re coming for the Arrax pack.”

Anastasia nodded slowly, her eyes shadowed. “I know. But it doesn’t help ease my mind.”

She turned back to Saphira, her gaze steady. “Promise me you’ll be safe. In the battles ahead.”

Saphira reached out, taking her mother’s hand in both of hers. “I promise.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of that promise settling between them like a quiet vow. Then Anastasia’s lips curved faintly.

“So… did Nikolas finally let you sleep last night?”

Saphira laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders. “Eventually. After a dramatic rescue from the bed and a fully clothed shower.”

Anastasia chuckled, shaking her head. “That man…”

They drifted into lighter conversation, updates on the pack, the state of the kitchens, a nurse who’d accidentally enchanted the tea to sing lullabies. Saphira listened, smiled, shared stories. And somewhere between the laughter and the quiet, she felt calm.

A couple of hours had passed. The hospital wing had settled into a gentle rhythm, soft footsteps, murmured spells, the occasional clink of glass. Saphira stood beside Anastasia’s bed, her hand resting lightly on her mother’s arm.

“I’ll be back later,” Saphira said, voice warm but steady. “Try to rest.”

Anastasia gave her a small smile, eyes still tired but brighter than before. “Go do what you need to. I’ll be here.”

Saphira leaned down, brushing a kiss against her cheek, her fingers squeezing gently. “Love you.”

“Love you too,” Anastasia whispered, squeezing back once before letting go.

Saphira lingered for a breath, then turned and stepped out into the corridor. The door clicked softly shut behind her. Her boots echoed faintly on the stone floor as she walked, each step pulling her further from the comfort of her mother’s room and closer to the weight of what came next.

She reached the main office and pushed the door open. Raven was already there, leaning against the edge of the desk, arms crossed, her dark eyes sharp and unreadable. The room was quiet, the tension subtle but present.

“Hey,” Saphira said, offering a small smile as she stepped inside.

“Hey,” Raven replied, her tone casual but watchful.

Saphira glanced around. “Where’s Jed?”

Raven uncrossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. “He’s with Nikolas. They went to check on Zafira.”

Saphira nodded, her brow softening. “Ah. I hope she’s okay.”

“Me too,” Raven said quietly, her gaze flicking toward the window.

A pause settled between them, then Raven’s eyes sharpened. She tilted her head, her voice low. “How are you *really* doing?”

Saphira blinked, caught off guard by the directness and the look Raven gave her. The kind that said *don’t lie to me.*

She let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of her neck. “Ask me again in a couple days. I don’t think I have the words right now. I’m running on adrenaline and instincts.”

Raven nodded, her expression softening. “I figured. But for what it’s worth… you’re doing great. Especially considering you’ve never done or been part of anything like this before.”

Saphira’s throat tightened. She looked down for a moment, then back up, her voice quieter. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

Just then, the door opened. Nikolas stepped in first, followed by Jed. Jed moved to Raven’s side, his hand brushing hers briefly in greeting. Nikolas crossed the room to Saphira.

“How’s Anastasia?” he asked, voice low, eyes searching hers.

Saphira smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “She’s doing great. Should be discharged soon.”

“Good,” Nikolas said, nodding. Jed echoed the sentiment with a quiet “Glad to hear it.”

Nikolas looked around the room, his expression shifting. The warmth faded from his features, replaced by something colder. “Are we ready to try and get some answers?”

Saphira nodded. Raven and Jed did the same.

“Then let’s go,” Nikolas said.

They left the office together, the door closing behind them with a quiet finality. Their footsteps fell into rhythm as they headed toward the cells, toward the truth, or whatever version of it Lupus was ready to give. Saphira’s heart beat steady in her chest, her mind bracing for what came next.