Bound by Duty, Torn by Love

Malakai sat in the Throne Room, his elbows resting on his knees, and his head cradled in his hands. Devastation consumed him as he reflected on the outcome of marking Amani. He had come dangerously close to ending her life, and had it not been for his realization of her condition, she would have slipped away silently in her sleep.

Fortunately, the physician arrived just in time, armed with concoctions of medicinal potions that successfully brought down Amani's temperature. However, the following day, her fever would surge again, necessitating the administration of more potions.

Unlike Amani's other wounds, the mate mark refused to heal, leading the physician to suspect her body was fighting against it, treating it as if it were a virus. The stability of Amani's vital signs relied on her daily consumption of the potions.

Three days had passed since that dreadful morning, and Amani had remained in a deep slumber throughout. Now, Malakai found himself seated before his father and the c