Althea tried to get up, but Gavriel was already at her side. Without hesitation, he lifted her into his arms.

“Can you heal yourself quickly with magic?” His cold tone made her throat tighten.

“I can’t,” she admitted softly.

“Get me Lakan, now!” Gavriel barked, striding in long steps back toward the North Palace.

“I’m not that wounded,” Althea tried to argue, her voice faint. “Medicinal herbs will be enough. I cast a barrier so the lashes wouldn’t cut too ...