Velvet’s POV

We moved quickly through the shadowed paths behind the mansion. My hands clutched Zavian’s arm tightly. His left arm was pressed against his chest, blood soaking through the fabric. Every step he took made him wince, but he did not stop. I felt my own panic rising. He was hurt badly, and we needed help fast.

“We need to get you to the pack clinic,” I said, my voice trembling. “You’re bleeding too much.”

Zavian shook his head slightly. “Not yet,” he said. “We need to be sure. Two hours. That’s all I ask. Then I’ll go straight for treatment.”

“Two hours? Zavian, you can’t wait. You could—”...