The Princess's Revenge Chapter 147

Valencia’s POV

"I need to check on Logan first."

Dr. Vance's expression softened. "Of course. He's in the back room."

Everyone else left. Kai hesitated at the door.

"Go rest," I told him. "I'll come find you later."

He nodded and left.

I walked to the back room. Logan lay on the bed, exactly as I'd left him. Still pale. Still unconscious. Still breathing steadily.

I sat in the chair beside his bed and took his hand.

"We're back from the border," I said quietly. "The situation there is bad. Aldermere is gathering troops. Captain Carson thinks they'll invade as soon as the ice melts."

"We were ambushed on the way back. Rogues. Kai got hurt protecting me. He called me his sister for the first time."

Tears pricked my eyes. "I wish you were awake to see it. To see him starting to open up."

Logan's chest rose and fell. His hand was warm in mine.

"Everyone is asking about you. Wondering when you'll wake up. I keep telling them soon. I keep hoping it's true."

I leaned forward and rested my forehead against his hand.

"Please wake up, Logan..."

Silence.

I sat there for a long time, just holding his hand and listening to him breathe.

Finally, exhaustion won. My eyes grew heavy. I tried to fight it, but I couldn't.

I laid my head down on the edge of the bed, still holding Logan's hand.

Sleep pulled me under.

I woke to the feeling of something warm covering my shoulders.

I lifted my head groggily. A blanket had been draped over me.

Kai stood near the door, about to leave.

"Kai?" I said.

He stopped and looked back at me.

"Sleep," he said. "I'll stand guard outside."

"You should rest too. Your shoulder—"

"It's fine. Sleep."

I wanted to argue, but I was too tired. "Thank you, Kai."

My chest felt warm. Kai was starting to come back to me. Not the little boy from fifteen years ago. But someone new.

When I woke the second time, sunlight was streaming through the window. Afternoon light.

I'd slept for hours.

I sat up quickly and looked at Logan. Still the same.

The door opened and Delphine came in carrying a tray of food.

"You're awake," she said. "Good. You need to eat."

"How long was I asleep?"

"About six hours. Dr. Vance said not to wake you. He said you needed rest."

She set the tray on the small table. "Kai's been standing guard outside this whole time. He won't leave. We tried to make him rest but he refused."

My heart swelled.

"He's very devoted," Delphine said. She smiled. "It's sweet."

I stood up, my muscles protesting. "I should go talk to him."

"Eat first," Delphine said firmly. "You haven't had a proper meal in two days."

She was right. I sat down and ate the bread and cheese she'd brought. My stomach felt better after eating.

"Thank you, Delphine."

"Always." She continued, "a raven arrived this morning. From Soren."

My heart jumped. "What did it say?"

"Elias has it. He's waiting for you in the council room."

I stood immediately. "I need to go."

"I know. I'll stay here with Alpha Logan."

"Thank you."

I left the stone house. Kai was indeed standing guard outside. He looked tired, dark circles under his eyes.

"You should rest," I said.

"I'm fine."

"Kai, you were injured yesterday. You need to take care of that wound. You've been standing here for hours."

He looked at me for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright."

"Go get some sleep. Please. I need you healthy, not exhausted."

"What about you?"

"I have to meet with Elias."

"Alright. If you need anything, send someone to wake me."

"I will. I promise."

He nodded and walked away. I watched him go, my chest warm with affection. He was trying so hard to be a good brother.

I reached the council room. Elias was inside, along with Ryan and Dr. Vance.

"Luna," Elias said. "You're awake."

"I heard there's a letter from Soren."

"Yes." Elias picked up a piece of paper from the table. "It arrived this morning."

He handed it to me. I read it quickly.

The letter started with questions about Logan's condition. Then Soren explained his situation.

Elton's lies had spread throughout the kingdom. Most people believed them. They thought Soren had poisoned Winston.

But Soren wasn't giving up. He'd sent his own ravens to every pack and territory. Letters explaining that Elton was the real murderer. That Elton had poisoned their father. That Elton was trying to seize power through lies and betrayal.

Soren had also captured one of Elton's men. Someone who had helped administer the poison. Soren had executed him publicly and displayed the body at the front of his army as they marched.

He was showing the body to every village and pack they passed. Proving that he had evidence of Elton's crimes.

Soren was preparing to attack King's Fang. To take back the capital by force.

The letter ended with a warning.

"The news of our civil war will reach Aldermere soon. Winston Ashwood will see this as an opportunity to invade. Guard your border carefully. I cannot help you there. My forces must focus on Elton."

And then the final line: "Tell Logan I haven't forgotten our oath. Redstone Canyon Pack will stand with you."

I set down the letter. "When did this arrive?"

"Early this morning," Elias said.

"So Soren is marching to King's Fang right now."

"Yes. And we're alone on the northern border."

I looked at the map on the table. Cliffwatch Pack in the north. King's Fang in the center, controlled by Elton. Redstone Canyon Pack in the south, marching toward the capital.

"We need to prepare for the possibility that we'll be attacked here. Elton might send forces north while Soren is marching on the capital."

"I'll increase patrols around the pack," Ryan said. "And set up watch rotations."

"Good." I looked at Dr. Vance. "How are our medical supplies?"

"Sufficient for now. But if we have a major battle, we'll run short quickly."

"Make a list of what you need. I'll see what we can do."

We spent the next hour discussing details. Troop movements. Supply chains. Defensive positions.

By the time we finished, the sun was setting.

"Everyone get some rest," I said. "Tomorrow will be another long day."

We left the council room together. The castle hallways were dim in the fading light.

I walked slowly back to my room. My whole body ached with exhaustion. Every muscle felt heavy. The castle hallways were quiet. Most people were in the great hall for dinner, but I had no appetite.

Inside the room, I closed the door and leaned against it. The silence felt overwhelming.

I forced myself to move. Wash my face. Change my clothes. Each action took effort.

Finally, I collapsed onto the bed. Logan's side was cold. I stared at that empty space, my chest tight.

How many more nights would I sleep alone? Would he wake up tomorrow? Next week? Ever?

I pulled his pillow close and breathed in his scent. It was fading. Soon even that would be gone.

Please wake up, I thought desperately. Please come back to me.

My eyes grew heavy. Exhaustion finally pulled me under into restless sleep.

Loud knocking jolted me awake.

I sat up, disoriented. Sunlight streamed through the window. Morning already?

"Valencia!" Delphine's voice came through the door. "Valencia, open up!"