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“Focus on the patient, not the research opportunity,” Lady Helena chided, though her own eyes sparkled as she watched the brothers’ magic dance with Luca’s pure light. “Though I must say, the resonance patterns are exactly as described in the ancient texts about fated bonds…”

Three pairs of glowing eyes fixed on Lady Helena, making the temperature in the transport fluctuate wildly between frost and lightning-charged heat.

“The hospital entrance has been cleared,” Lord Johnathan’s voice came through the transport’s communication crystal, providing a timely interruption.

“Good,” Zane growled. Zane’s wolf remained close to the surface, tracking Luca’s every breath through their strengthening bond.

Archer’s arms tightened protectively around Luca as the transport slowed.

Lightning crackled softly around Ryker’s hands as he prepared to move. “Anyone who interferes…”

“Yes, yes.” Lady Helena waved off the implied threat. “Terrible death, eternal suffering, frozen lightning under a golden sun. Now, shall we get our patient inside?”

The Whitlock Memorial Hospital’s private emergency entrance was eerily quiet, the usual bustle of supernatural activity silenced by Lord Johnathan’s evacuation order. Only essential medical staff remained, their movements careful and precise as the transport doors opened.

Alan stumbled out first, somehow still recording. “The power readings during transport were extraordinary! The way their magics created a protective matrix around—” Alan swayed dangerously, caught by James before he could face-plant into the pavement.

“Perhaps,” Edmund suggested dryly, “we should focus on getting Prince Luca settled before our enthusiastic researcher requires medical attention himself?”

The brothers moved as one unit, Archer carrying Luca while Zane and Ryker flanked them protectively. Their combined power made the hospital’s spelled lights flicker wildly—frost creeping along walls, lightning dancing across security wards, and golden light making shadows retreat.

Other supernatural beings pressed themselves against corridor walls as the group passed, many dropping into instinctive bows. Luca’s power, even unconscious, called to their most ancient instincts, while the brothers’ protective fury made their wolves visible in their eyes.

“The private suite is ready,” Dr. Stevens announced, hurrying ahead to prepare the medical equipment. “We’ve enhanced the wards specifically for—” He paused as three pairs of glowing eyes fixed on him. “Right. This way.”

The private suite took up an entire corner of the supernatural wing, its walls covered in protective runes that hummed with power. Dr. Xu’s medical arrays were already floating in precise formation, while ancient artifacts from Lady Helena’s personal collection hovered, ready to monitor Luca’s condition.

“Place him here.” Lady Helena gestured to a bed covered in spelled silk. “Carefully now.”

Archer lowered Luca onto the bed with infinite gentleness but didn’t step back. None of the brothers did. Their power continued to wrap around Luca protectively, making it impossible for anyone else to approach.

“Boys.” Lady Helena’s voice carried centuries of authority. “I cannot treat him if you’re snarling at everyone who comes near.”

“We’re not—” Archer began, then noticed the frost spreading across the floor from Zane’s feet, the lightning dancing alongRyker’s arms, and his own golden light making shadows retreat. “Oh.”

“The council will need a full report,” Sebastian observed from the doorway, his aristocratic features carefully neutral. “And we should discuss security arrangements regarding Dark Haven’s actions.”

The brothers growled in perfect harmony, making several pieces of medical equipment short out.

“Or,” Lord Johnathan cut in smoothly from where he’d materialized by the window, “you could let these fine medical professionals do their jobs while maintaining guard from a slightly less… intimidating distance? One that doesn’t involve freezing vital equipment?”

“Three feet,” Zane growled, frost still creeping along the baseboards. “No more.”

“And we stay in the room,” Ryker added, lightning crackling softly around his clenched fists.

“And if anyone even thinks about taking blood samples without our permission…” Archer’s golden light pulsed with clear warning.

“Yes, yes.” Lady Helena waved off their threats with the confidence of someone who’d been handling supernatural alphas for centuries. “You’ll tear the hospital apart and possibly start a war with Dark Haven. Now, let the doctors see the patient.”

Dr. Xu approached cautiously with her medical arrays, while Dr. Stevens prepared more ancient blood under Lady Helena’s supervision. Alan, who had somehow slipped back into the room, swayed dangerously as he tried to record everything.

“Perhaps,” Sebastian suggested from his position by the door, “we should limit the research team to those who can remain conscious in his presence?”

The brothers reluctantly stepped back the agreed-upon three feet, their power still creating a protective barrier around Luca’s bed. Medical staff moved cautiously around them, like prey animals trying not to startle apex predators.

“His power levels are stabilizing,” Dr. Xu reported, her medical arrays displaying complex patterns of light. “The ancient blood is successfully purging the darkness from his system.”

“These readings are extraordinary,” Dr. Stevens added, helping Lady Helena prepare another dose. “The way their magics are supporting his life force…”