88

Eighty eight

*Rafe*

I stared at Freya's still form lying next to me, my heart clenching with anguish and fear. Her slender body had been shaking violently just moments before, seized by whatever dark magic was attacking her very life force. But now she was unnaturally still, her chest barely rising and falling with shallow breaths. I couldn't stand the sight of her so still and pale, like a porcelain doll that had been drained of all life. It was my fault, I knew, that she was lying here on this bed, fighting for her life. I had put her in this position with my doubts, allowing her to be targeted by the other ladies. I knew Freya was under the pressure to give me an heir. I wished I had not put her in such a position "fuck it!" I yelled angrily.

But I couldn't let myself give into the guilt and self-pity that threatened to consume me. I had to focus on helping her, finding a way to save her before it was too late.

Gently, I brushed a strand of dark hair from her ashen face, my finger