Chapter 72
Kael Vale felt a surge of anger and dread.
His own sister had just nearly torn him apart with her claws.
He had no doubt that Riley hadn’t held back.
If he had been a moment slower, the wounds wouldn’t have been mere scratches–they could have been fatal.
Still shaken, Kael recoiled and kept his distance, unwilling to get any closer.
Maddox was equally stunned, frozen in place as he stared at Riley with disbelief. The bright, cheerful girl he once knew was gone–replaced by someone fierce, wild, and barely restrained.
“Riley… how did you become like this?” Maddox whispered, voice heavy with confusion and pain.
Riley didn’t care what they thought of her. Her mind was focused on only one thing–saving Tessa, the only person who could prove her innocence.
At that moment, Matriarch Duskgrave,Mia, and Mrs. Beck rushed in, stepping between Riley and the others.
As Riley’s scent flooded the room, Nyra–her wolf spirit–emitted a calming pheromone that subtly urged the others to step back. Only when a clear path was made did Riley force her claws back into her hands, shifting back toward her human form.
Matriarch Duskgrave quickly draped a heavy cloak over Riley’s shoulders, shielding her from the cold hospital air.
Mia’s voice was steady and clear: “Mistress Riley, do what you must. I stand with you.”
Mrs.Beck nodded in agreement, her eyes full of trust and encouragement.
This display of support touched something deep in Riley’s heart. Tears welled up and spilled down her
cheeks.
Her own family had never believed her, never stopped hurting her.
But strangers, and a few loyal friends, had shown her warmth when she needed it most.
Though abandoned by blood, she was not abandoned by the world.
She didn’t know whether this was luck or fate.
Words of thanks flooded her mind, but there was no time to say them.
Riley spun around, leaving behind the bloody memories of her claw marks, and strode toward Tessa’s
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bedside.
Her hands moved with purpose and strength, beginning powerful compressions on Tessa’s chest, as she cried out, “Tessa, you have to wake up! You can’t die! I’ve already paid for your crimes with five years locked away. Do you want me to be sentenced to death because you die now?”
She was no stranger to death.
But she could not bear the thought of dying while her enemies thrived.
Time passed in agonizing seconds. Sweat drenched Riley’s brow and soaked through her clothes.
Her arms grew numb, almost useless, but her will burned fiercely as she pressed on, precise and relentless.
Watching the stillness of Tessa’s face, Riley’s heart broke.
Wake up… please wake up…
She carefully pinched Tessa’s nose, took a deep breath, and delivered a slow, steady breath into her lungs.
Scarlett watched with a sinister smirk, her hope fading as she believed Tessa was beyond saving.
Kael and Maddox exchanged conflicted glances.
If Riley truly wanted Tessa dead, why risk everything to save her?
Was this some cruel game?
Their distrust twisted into cold contempt.
“Don’t think your fake rescue will wash away your crimes, Riley,” Kael spat.
Maddox sighed heavily, “Riley, you’ve disappointed me.”
But Matriarch Duskgrave’s booming voice cut through the tension.
“Enough!” she commanded, silencing the room with her authority.
Riley felt her strength ebbing, limbs heavy and numb.
Gritting her teeth, she pressed harder on Tessa’s chest and tried again to breathe life into her.
Just as hope was fading, Tessa coughed sharply, expelling the breath she’d been holding.
Her eyes fluttered open slowly.
Relief flooded Riley, tears streaming down as she clasped Tessa’s hand tightly.
Before she could speak, Ronan Duskcliff burst in with the healer.
His face lit with joy at Tessa’s awakening–until his eyes landed on Riley.
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His smile vanished, replaced by a furious glare.
“Riley! Stay away from my sister!”