Selene fell to Kael's side, her hands trembling as she pressed against his wounds.
"Stay with me," she whispered. "Please, Kael, don't leave me now."
His amber eyes flickered open, pain and pride mingling. "You… you chose me."
"I always will," Selene said fiercely. Tears streaked her pale cheeks. "But I can't lose you."
Kael lifted a bloodstained hand, brushing her face with surprising tenderness. "Wolves heal fast… remember?" His faint smile broke her heart and gave her hope all at once.
Selene pulled him into her arms, surrounding him with her shadows. She whispered an ancient healing incantation—one forbidden to her kind. The magic burned her, draining her strength, but she didn't stop.
When Kael's breathing steadied, Selene collapsed against him, exhausted but relieved.
"You're mad," Kael murmured weakly.
Selene smiled through her tears. "And you love me for it."