Escaping the Alpha, Claimed in the End novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22: The Ritual

Ryder’s POV

“Alpha, you must understand–this ritual carries great risk. If it fails, she won’t survive… and neither will you.”

“I don’t care,” I said instantly, my voice low and steady. “If there’s even the smallest chance, I’ll take it.”

The witch studied me for a long moment, then gave a single nod. “Very well. But once we begin, there is no turning back.”

“Start now,” I demanded.

She motioned for space, and the doctor stepped back.

Servants hurried out of the room, leaving only the three of us.

The witch opened the small sat she carried and laid strange items across the table: a silver dagger, a/black stone bowl,

dried herbs tied with twine, and a vial of clear liquid that shimmered faintly under the candlelight.

“Lay her flat,” the witch instructed.

I adjusted Amelia gently onto her back. Her skin was ice–cold, her breaths shallow. My chest twisted painfully, but I forced my hands to stay steady.

The witch lit the herbs, their smoke filling the room with a bitter, earthy smell. She began chanting in a low, steady tone, her words old and sharp like something pulled from the bones of the earth itself. The flames flickered as though the room itself responded.

“What do you need from me?” I asked.

Her eyes cut toward me. “Blood. The bond between you and her is unformed, but strong. Your blood can tie her to this world long enough for me to call her back.”

Without hesitation, I grabbed the silver dagger.

“Wait,” the witch snapped. “Understand–this is not a small cut. It must be deep enough that your blood flows freely. It will wound you. You may not heal quickly.”

“I said I don’t care,” I growled. Then I dragged the blade across my wrist, deep and sure.

Hot blood welled instantly, dripping into the stone bowl. The witch stirred it with her finger, mixing in drops of the shimmering liquid. She muttered words under her breath before dipping her glowing hands into the mixture. Then she pressed both palms firmly against Amelia’s chest.

The air shifted. My ears rang with the force of her chanting. The light around her hands spread over Amelia’s body, crawling across her torn skin like threads of silver stitching wounds closed.

But then agony slammed into me. My knees buckled, and I grabbed the edge of the bed to keep from collapsing. It felt like fire was pouring through my veins, pulling something out of me and forcing it into her.

I gritted my teeth, refusing to fall. I wouldn’t stop. Not until Amelia was safe.

“More!” the witch barked.

I pressed my bleeding wrist harder against the edge of the bowl, blood spilling faster. My vision blurred. My head spun. But I didn’t let go.

Then-

“Stop!”

Her voice was weak, trembling, but I heard it.

My head snapped down. Amelia’s eyes were half–open, glassy but awake. Her hand, shaking, pushed weakly against mine. “Baby…” My chest clenched as relief crashed into me. “You’re awake.”

Her lips trembled. Her voice was so soft I almost didn’t hear it. “Don’t… do this. Don’t hurt yourself for me.”

I shook my head, leaning closer. “Baby, don’t speak. You’re safe now. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She tried to shake her head but barely managed the movement. Her eyes, still dim, locked onto mine. “Please, Ryder… stop. You can’t…”

She tried to go on, but a weak cough cut her off.

I cupped her cold cheek with my free hand, my own blood dripping onto her skin. “I’d bleed myself dry for you if that’s what it takes. But you’re safe now, Baby. I swear it.”

“Alpha,” the witch interrupted sharply. Her palms were still pressed to Amelia’s chest, the glow flickering now. “She’s

1/2

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify