I watched as Regina's eyes fluttered open, her breathing ragged as she clutched her silver-burned side. My Lycan senses instantly heightened as I caught the faint scent of deception mingling with her fear. Something wasn't right.
"Why did you run with her?" I demanded, my voice a low growl that echoed through the silent forest. "You should have waited for me to arrive."
Regina's gaze darted nervously between me and Seraphina's unconscious form cradled in my arms. "Your Majesty, I... I panicked. The vampires were attacking and when I saw her transform, I just—"
"You just what?" I cut her off sharply. "Decided to throw yourself and my mate off a cliff into raging waters? Do you realize you nearly killed her?"
"I was trying to save her," Regina insisted, wincing as she shifted her weight. "The silver... they shot me with silver arrows. I couldn't fight anymore."
