?Chapter 118:

“What are the chances?” I pressed, my voice low and urgent.

A look of hesitation shed on Dr. Lee’s face as he pursed his lips. “Alpha, I’m not going to sugarcoat the situation. The dose she received… it’s catastrophic. A miracle is exactly what she needs.”

The ground beneath me seemed to open up, swallowing my hope. I felt like screaming at the doctor, demanding better odds. I wanted to grab his cor, shake him, and instill enough fear in him to make that miracle happen.

“But whoever did this,” Dr. Lee continued, his voice measured, “wanted to eliminate her. The dose was calcted to ensure she wouldn’t survive.”

I wriggled my fingers before rolling them into a fist, my jaw ticking.

Rage sparked within me, fueling my determination.

“I’ll find out who did this,” I vowed, my voice cold.

Dr. Lee’s expression turned stern. “Alpha, I think it’s best if you leave for the meantime. Jasmine needs rest.”

I made no move to leave. No way was I leaving her this way, so vulnerable. But I knew I had to investigate the poisoning.

“Fine,” I sighed.

I mind-linked Kade.

“Kade, get over here. Watch over Jasmine. We have a traitor in our pack.”

Kade’s response was instant. “On my way, Ryder. What’s the situation?”

“Someone poisoned her with Wolfsbane. I need you to keep her safe.”

“Consider it done,” was his swift reply.

I turned back to Dr. Lee. “I’ll leave her in Kade’s care. But I need answers. Now.”

RYDER

I knew I wasn’t supposed to linger, but I didn’t want to leave her side. A few minutes after I left her room, I paced outside, my mind racing with questions. Who could have done this? How did Wolfsbane end up in her system? Why did they do this?

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One name came to mind… Seraphina. She was at the top of my list since she was in charge of Jasmine’s meals. She was the perfect person to start questioning. Perhaps it was through her water or food, or maybe it had been introduced into her system in small doses over a short period of time.

Through the mind link, I got Kade to organize a meeting with Seraphina in my study.

“I’m sure you know why you’re here,” I said, my tone firm.

“It’s about Jasmine…” Seraphina’s eyes lowered, her voice slightly quivering. She knew, after all.

“Jasmine’s been poisoned with Wolfsbane. I’m assuming you know that part already. I need to know what happened.” I leaned forward, studying her bodynguage.

Seraphina took a deep breath, biting her lower lip, her eyes shaky.

“Tell me about herst meal,” I demanded.

“I served her breakfast myself,” Seraphina replied. “She had sausages, pancakes, omelets, and vegetables. And… and a ss of orange juice.”

“Did anyone else touch the food?”

“No, Alpha. I prepared it myself. I swear on my life and the Moon Goddess, I didn’t put Wolfsbane in her food.” Her eyes lifted, meeting my gaze. They were already watery. She was scared, as she should be. Her fear didn’t stop me from studying her face, searching for any telltale signs of deception. Her eyes seemed genuine, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty.

“Bring the remaining food and water to me,” I instructed.

Seraphina hesitated before responding, “Alpha, I… I think I left the tray in her room.”

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