Misery sat on the edge of the cot, her body still trembling from exhaustion. She clenched her fists against her thighs, trying to steady her thoughts. “Tell me about Adrian,” she demanded, her voice low but urgent. “Where is he? Why hadn’t he come to see me?”
The healer hesitated, her sharp gaze dropping to the floor. “Adrian… isn’t here anymore,” she said carefully, her tone heavy with regret.
Misery’s chest tightened. “What do you mean he isn’t here? Did he leave? Did he abandon—”
“No,” the healer interrupted firmly, raising her head to meet Misery’s glare. “Adrian sacrificed himself. He carried what everyone believed was your baby into the portal, thinking it was the only way to protect her from the King’s reach.”
The words hit Misery like a blow, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at the healer, the truth sinking in slowly. “He’s… gone?”
The healer nodded solemnly. “Yes. He gave his life for what he believed was your child’s safety. But there’s something you need to know.”
Misery’s brow furrowed, her silver eyes sharp with suspicion. “What?”
“Adrian left a message,” the healer said, reaching for a small, weathered scrap of paper on the nearby table. “He said he couldn’t take your real child. The baby he carried through the portal wasn’t yours. Your baby is still here, Misery—somewhere in this world.”
Misery’s mind raced, the implications hitting her all at once. “He lied,” she murmured, the realization settling like a weight in her chest. “He lied to protect her.”
The healer nodded. “He believed it was the only way to throw the King off her trail. But it also means your child has been left to fend for herself in this cruel world. Sixteen years is a long time, Misery. She could be anywhere.”
Misery’s hands gripped the edge of the cot, her knuckles white. Her voice was raw with emotion. “If Adrian sacrificed himself for her, then I’ll do the same. I’ll find her. I’ll bring her home.”
The healer’s expression remained grave. “You’ll need help, Misery. The bond between you and your child is faint. To find her, you’ll need Eryon.”
Misery flinched at the mention of his name, memories of her mate flooding her mind. “Eryon…” she whispered, the word heavy on her tongue.
The healer nodded. “He’s the only one who can help you. His connection to her is strong, and he can guide you to her. But finding him won’t be easy.”