Adam’s piercing gaze lingered on Rosalie, who rested quietly in Bella’s arms. The room was heavy with a mixture of relief and lingering tension. Bella sat cross-legged on the floor, cradling her daughter with an almost desperate tenderness. Kael knelt beside her, one hand on her shoulder, the other gently brushing Rosalie’s tiny fingers.
Adam straightened, his powerful presence commanding the room. His exhaustion didn’t show, but the lines on his face betrayed the toll the ritual had taken. He turned to Eryon, his voice low and measured. “When the time comes, I’ll tell you what I need.”
Eryon stiffened, his sharp eyes narrowing. “That’s not much of an answer, Adam,” he said, his voice quiet but firm.
Adam’s lips twitched into a faint smirk, one that didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s the only one you’re getting for now.” He folded his arms across his chest, his towering frame casting a shadow over the dimly lit room. “Focus on your family. You’ve got more important things to deal with.”
Eryon held his gaze for a moment longer, but something in Adam’s tone made him relent. He nodded curtly, though his unease was evident. “Fine. But when the time comes, you’d better be ready to explain yourself.”
Adam said nothing, his expression unreadable as he turned his attention back to Bella and Kael. Bella looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You saved her. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for us.”
Kael stood and extended a hand toward Adam. “We owe you everything,” he said, his voice steady and filled with gratitude.
Adam regarded the outstretched hand for a moment before taking it in a firm grip. His expression softened slightly, but his tone remained distant. “Just take care of her,” he said. “She’s not out of the woods yet.”
Bella shifted Rosalie slightly, brushing her lips against her daughter’s forehead. “She’s safe now,” Bella said, more to herself than anyone else.
Adam’s sharp voice cut through her reverie. “She’s stable,” he corrected, his tone clipped. “For now.”
Bella’s head snapped up, her heart skipping a beat. “What do you mean?”
Adam’s gaze was steady, but his expression was grim. “The ritual broke the spell, but Rosalie’s body is still recovering. Her hybrid energy was pushed to its limits. It’ll take time for her to fully heal, and during that time, she’ll be vulnerable.”
Kael frowned, his jaw tightening. “Vulnerable how?”
Adam sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “The dark magic was intertwined with her life force. Removing it left a void, one that her body needs to fill. If she doesn’t get enough rest—or if she’s exposed to more stress—it could put her in danger.”
Bella clutched Rosalie closer, her mind racing. “How long will it take?”
“A few days,” Adam said, his tone firm. “Maybe more. Keep her calm. Keep her safe. And don’t let your guard down.”
Eryon stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. “You’ve seen this kind of recovery before?”
Adam’s eyes flicked to him, and for a brief moment, pain flashed across his face. “Once,” he said quietly. “But the circumstances were… different.”
Eryon didn’t push further, sensing the weight behind Adam’s words. Instead, he nodded and said, “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.”
Adam’s gaze softened slightly as he looked at Rosalie. “She’s strong,” he murmured. “Stronger than most. She’ll make it—if you’re careful.”
Bella’s grip on Rosalie tightened as she looked up at Adam. “I’ll protect her with my life,” she said fiercely.
Adam nodded, his expression unreadable once more. “See that you do,” he said simply.
As Adam moved toward the door, Misery and Lira entered, their faces a mixture of relief and curiosity. Lira’s sharp eyes scanned the room, landing on Bella and Rosalie. “How is she?” Lira asked softly.
Bella managed a small smile. “She’s okay for now. She’s going to make it.”
Misery let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing. “Thank the gods,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Lira approached Adam, her expression cautious. “You’re the one who made this possible?” she asked.
Adam inclined his head, his gaze cool. “I did what needed to be done.”
Lira studied him for a moment before nodding. “Thank you,” she said sincerely.
Adam didn’t respond, his attention already drifting elsewhere. “I’ll be around if you need me,” he said, his tone dismissive as he walked out of the room.
Bella watched him go, her heart heavy with gratitude and unease. “He saved her,” she whispered to Kael. “But I feel like there’s something he’s not telling us.”
Kael nodded, his expression dark. “We’ll deal with it when the time comes. For now, we focus on Rosalie.”
Bella kissed Rosalie’s forehead, her tears returning as she whispered, “You’re going to be okay, my sweet girl. I promise.”