Chapter 14

In Chapter 14 of “I Left Before He Learned My Worth,” Aria finds herself in a tense situation as Kael, her Alpha, lies gravely injured. She takes charge, directing the other healers to apply a moonbeam poultice to his wounds, hoping it will counteract the nightwalker poison. As the salve takes effect, Kael’s condition begins to improve, and a sense of hope fills the room. However, Eliza cautions that he is not out of danger yet, as he has lost significant blood and is still under the curse that has trapped him in his wolf form for three years.

As the healers continue their work, Aria feels a mix of relief and exhaustion, recognizing the gravity of the situation. The moonbeam plants, which she had bravely gathered from the forest, seem to be reversing the curse, and Kael’s body begins to show signs of recovery. His silver markings glow, indicating that the plants are having a profound effect. When Kael awakens, he is able to communicate with the pack through the mindlink, expressing concern for Aria and revealing a deep connection between them.

The chapter explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the bond between Aria and Kael. As Kael acknowledges his instinct to protect Aria, the term “mate” hangs in the air, signifying the deepening of their relationship. Despite not yet being officially bonded, there is an undeniable shift in their connection, highlighting the emotional stakes involved. Aria grapples with her feelings of worthiness and the weight of their bond, realizing that Kael’s actions have forged a deeper understanding between them. The chapter culminates in a moment of profound realization for Aria, as she recognizes the significance of their connection and the sacrifices made for one another.

**TITLE: I Left Before He Learned My Worth p>

**Chapter 14 p>

**ARIA p>

+20 Free Coins

“Assist me in applying this to his most critical wounds,” she commanded the other healers with an urgency that left no room for hesitation. “And someone must concoct an infusion using the remaining plant material. If we can administer it both internally and externally, we may stand a chance p>

I stood there, my heart pounding in my throat, as I watched them carefully spread the moonbeam poultice across Kael’s injuries. The instant the salve made contact with his wounds, something astonishing unfolded before my eyes.

The bleeding began to slow, then it ceased altogether.

“It’s working,” one of the healers exclaimed, awe evident in her voice. “Look—the wounds are beginning to close p>

He was absolutely right. I could see it happening in real-time; Kael’s torn flesh was knitting back together, fur sprouting anew over the gashes, the furious red inflammation fading into a healthy pink beneath.

“The toxin,” Eliza said, her voice urgent as she checked his vital signs. “Is it clearing p>

Another healer placed her hands firmly on Kael’s chest, her eyes closed in a deep concentration. “Yes. Yes! The moonbeam plants are neutralizing the nightwalker poison. His wolf is fighting back p>

A collective sigh of relief swept through the room, a wave of hope washing over us.

But Eliza raised her hand for silence, her expression grave. “He’s not out of danger yet. The plants are aiding him, but he has lost an alarming amount of blood. And the curse p>

Her voice trailed off, but I could sense the weight of her thoughts. The curse that had ensnared Kael in his wolf form for three long years, that had been steadily gnawing away at his humanity—would the moonbeam plants have any effect on that as well?

We remained in tense silence as the healers completed their work, administering the prepared infusion down his throat. Kael lay unconscious through it all, yet I could see his breathing becoming stronger, more rhythmic.

“We must monitor him closely,” Eliza finally declared, her voice tinged with cautious optimism. “But I believe… I believe he’s going to pull through p>

A wave of relief surged through me, so overwhelming that I nearly crumpled to the floor. Nina grasped my arm, steadying me with a firm hold.

“You did it,” she whispered, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You saved him, Aria p>

“He saved me first,” I replied, my voice trembling with emotion. “I was merely returning the favor p>

Eliza approached me, her weathered face softening with kindness. “Those moonbeam plants—where did you find them p>

“Near the cliff edge in the western forest. There was an entire patch of them. I almost hesitated to go for them, but…” I swallowed hard, the memory of the moment flooding back. “Something deep inside me urged me that they were vital p>

“The Moon herself must have guided you to them,” Eliza remarked gently. “Those plants saved our Alpha’s life. You saved our Alpha’s life p>

I shook my head, feeling unworthy of such praise. “I just provided the plants. You’re the ones who knew how to utilize them p>

“Don’t downplay your actions,” Nina interjected firmly, her gaze steady on mine. “Aria, you risked your life to gather those plants. And you had the presence of mind to remember them even when Kael was fighting for his life right before you. That requires immense courage and quick thinking p>

In that moment, I didn’t feel courageous. Instead, I felt utterly drained, overwhelmed, and terrified that I had nearly lost someone I was just beginning to understand.

As the next hour unfolded, we observed as Kael’s condition began to steadily improve. His wounds were nearly healed, leaving only faint scars beneath his fur. His breathing was strong and even, and color returned to his gums and tongue—clear indications that his blood volume was recovering.

Then, something extraordinary began to happen.

The silver markings along his spine—those that had always seemed merely decorative, part of his natural coloring—started to glow. At first, it was a faint shimmer, but then it intensified, pulsing with an ethereal light.

“What is happening?” I asked, my voice tinged with anxiety.

Eliza leaned closer, her eyes wide with realization. “The curse. The moonbeam plants are counteracting the curse p>

“Is that even possible?” Nina breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I can’t say for certain,” Eliza admitted, her brow furrowed in concentration. “But look p>

Kael’s body trembled violently. His eyes flew open—those brilliant golden orbs—but they appeared different. Clearer.

More aware.

More *human p>

Then I heard it, a voice in my head, rough yet deep, speaking through the pack mindlink that I had been granted when I agreed to bond with Shadowmere:

*”What… happened p>

Every wolf in the room gasped collectively.

“Alpha?” Nina exclaimed, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Can you hear me? Can you understand us?” *”Nina. Yes. I can hear you.”* His mental voice grew stronger. *”The nightwalkers. Did they… is she…”* His gaze found mine across the room, golden and intense, filled with an urgent worry.

*”Aria. Are you safe? Are you hurt p>

Overwhelmed by the sound of his voice—his actual voice, forming words instead of growls and howls—I struggled to respond. When I finally managed to speak through the mindlink, my voice came out choked:

*”I’m safe. Thanks to you p>

Relief surged through the bond, so potent it nearly knocked me off my feet. Even though I wasn’t officially bonded to him yet, I could feel his emotions as if they were my own.

“Thank the Moon,” he said, his mental voice fervent and filled with gratitude. *”When I sensed them attacking you, when I felt your fear p>

“You shouldn’t have done that,” I interrupted, limping closer to the treatment table. Speaking aloud now, I needed him to hear my actual voice. “There were five of them, Kael. You could have been killed. You almost were killed p>

*”And let them tear you apart?”* Even in his wolf form, even through the mindlink, I could hear the unwavering conviction in his voice. *”Never. You’re mine to protect p>

“How did you even know I was in danger?” I asked, my brow furrowed in confusion. “I was so far from the den, from the pack settlement p>

*”You called out to me p>

I blinked in disbelief. “I didn’t—I never used the mindlink. I didn’t even know if I could reach you p>

*”Not through the mindlink,”* Kael clarified, his golden eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that took my breath away. *”Your wolf. She called to mine. And I answered.”* His gaze was unyielding. *”I will always answer when you call, Aria. I will always protect you, no matter the cost. That’s what a mate does p>

The word *mate* lingered in the air between us, heavy with significance.

We weren’t bonded yet. That wouldn’t happen for three more days, during the blood moon ceremony. But in that moment, as I looked at this Alpha who had nearly sacrificed everything to defend me, who had felt my wolf’s distress and rushed to my aid without a second thought, I felt something profound shift within my chest.

In the aftermath of the intense struggle for Kael’s life, a newfound understanding blossomed between us, intertwining our fates in a way I had never anticipated. As the moonbeam plants worked their magic, knitting together not just Kael’s wounds but also the frayed edges of our connection, I realized that this moment was more than a mere act of survival. It was a revelation of our bond, a testament to the unspoken promises that had begun to form between us. Kael’s fierce determination to protect me, even at the risk of his own life, illuminated the depths of his feelings—feelings that mirrored my own, awakening a sense of belonging I had longed for but never fully grasped.

As his golden gaze pierced through the haze of uncertainty, I felt the weight of his words settle into my heart. The acknowledgment of our potential as mates, even before the formal bond was established, resonated within me, igniting a flame of hope and courage. I had left before he could learn my worth, but in this moment, I understood that my value was not just in my actions but in the connection we shared. Together, we would face whatever challenges lay ahead, fortified by the trials we had endured and the unbreakable bond we were beginning to forge. The moon hung high in the night sky, a silent witness to our awakening, as I stepped closer to Kael, ready to embrace the future that awaited us both.

In the next chapter, the stakes will rise even higher as Kael’s recovery brings unexpected revelations that could change everything for Aria and their burgeoning bond. With the moonbeam plants seemingly counteracting the curse, a flicker of hope ignites within the pack. But as Kael regains his strength, the looming threat of the nightwalkers still casts a dark shadow over their lives. How will Kael navigate the complexities of his dual existence as both Alpha and wolf, especially now that he can hear Aria’s thoughts? The tension between them will escalate as they grapple with the implications of their connection, and the weight of their unspoken feelings will become increasingly palpable.

As the pack prepares for the blood moon ceremony, Aria will be forced to confront her own fears and insecurities. What does it truly mean to be a mate, and how will she reconcile her past with her future? The emotional turmoil will be compounded by external pressures, as the nightwalkers continue to threaten their safety and stability. Old wounds will resurface, and Aria will have to decide whether to fully embrace her place within the pack or retreat into the shadows of her doubts. With Kael’s life hanging in the balance and the stakes higher than ever, the next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and heart-pounding action that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Mark