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“And your captors made sure he saw the mess they made of you.”

Valmer stuck out his chin. “I didn’t make for an easy target. I gave as good as I got.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Where is Rudy?”

Aelryn smiled again. “Waiting for you not far from here.”

His lower lip wobbled. “I… I don’t deserve him.”

“Yes, you do. You’re mates.” Aelryn sat beside him. “You were made to be together. And all those things you couldn’t tell him because you feared you would put him in danger? They’re about to come to light.”

“The tomb? You… you found what was in there?”

“All the artifacts are on their way to a safe place, where they’ll be examined… studied.”

“And Sarah Delaney? Have they found her too?”

Aelryn frowned. “The archaeologist who discovered Berengar’s tomb?”

“Yes. She disappeared.”

“Then we will find her.” He tilted his head. “You could help us.”

Valmer blinked. “Me? How?”

“You’re a Geran.”

“Correction. Iwasa Geran. As soon as I realized they were lying to us, I couldn’t do this anymore. It’s why they had no problems torturing me.”

Aelryn scowled.They did this to one of their own.

“I can understand how that might change your mindset. As for the artifacts, if we’re right, we’re about to uncover truths that many Gerans won’t accept, no matter how overwhelming the evidence.Youcould spread the word, seek out like-minded Gerans who can be swayed. Who would in turn spread the word.” Aelryn sighed. “It isn’t a task that can be accomplished overnight. It might take years. But we won’t give up.”

Valmer straightened. “I’ll do everything I can, I swear.”

Aelryn stood. “Then let’s get out of here and reunite you with your mate.”

The battle of Thurland Castle might have been won, but Aelryn feared the war had only just begun.

Chapter Sixteen

DELLAN STAREDthrough the window. Beyond it was a single bed, surrounded by monitors and other medical paraphernalia. Doc stood next to it, talking quietly with another doctor.

Dellan didn’t need to hear what they were saying. Their expressions said it all, and Doc had already given his verdict half an hour ago.

Nothing had changed in those thirty minutes. No miraculous recovery, no sudden change in Alec’s condition.

What happened next was up to Dellan, except he couldn’t make a decision. He’d been a wreck ever since he walked into the clinic.

As for the room’s occupant, he was oblivious to the discussion.

He doesn’t even know who I am or that I’m here.

Horvan’s arm around Dellan was a welcome intrusion, as was Rael’s hand on his back.

“We heard what Doc told you,” Rael said in a low voice.

Dellan could still hear him. The words were burned into his brain.

“We can’t reverse it. And now the aging process seems to have speeded up, he’s in constant pain. The venom he secretes in his claws? It’s consuming him.” Doc had looked Dellan in the eye. “You have to be the one to decide.”