Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 423

Deanna's POV:

"Puddy!"

My mind went blank for several seconds. When I snapped back to my senses, I dropped into a crouch and wrapped my arms around Puddy.

The sapphire ring had only been halfway on.

The moment my hand pulled away, it slipped free with a sharp clink, hit the cold ground, and rolled once.

But I had no time to care. I could only futilely stroke Puddy's body, trying to wake him up...

I don't even remember how I got to the hospital.

The hallway was filled with the strong smell of disinfectant.

I paced back and forth on the floor, my gaze unfocused.

Luis's arm wrapped around me with unyielding strength, pulling me into his chest. The cedar scent of his pheromones tried to suppress my turmoil. "Deanna, the doctors are checking him now. Sit down first."

My whole body was shaking. All I could see in my mind was Puddy foaming at the mouth, convulsing.

I knew Puddy was already old.

I also knew that in a few more years, it might be time for him to leave.

But not like this. Not collapsing in front of me in so much pain.

My eyes burned red as I kept murmuring, "What do we do? What do we do? How did Puddy end up like this?"

Luis tightened his hold on me. "Deanna, calm down!"

"How can I calm down!" I shoved him away, my voice rising uncontrollably.

"Didn't you see how much pain he was in just now? He was holding the ring for us a moment ago! He's a witness to our love. How could he suddenly look like he'd been poisoned?"

Luis's eyes were bloodshot, his jaw clenched tight. He pulled me back again and hugged me hard, his hoarse voice sounding above my head. "I saw everything."

Just then, the door to the treatment room opened.

Erik came out with several veterinarians. The expressions on their faces made my heart sink straight into an icy abyss.

He didn't move. His snow-white fur had lost its shine. But through my healer's perception, that tiny spark of life—like a candle flickering in the wind—was still stubbornly, faintly glowing.

"Puddy..." I choked as I rushed to the table. My trembling hands pressed firmly onto his icy body. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to block out all distractions and grief, sinking my awareness inward to call forth and gather that hidden healing power.

Very soon, a faint golden glow appeared in my palms and slowly seeped into Puddy's body.

The process was slow and agonizing. I could feel my energy draining rapidly. Cold sweat broke out on my forehead, and a dull discomfort spread through my lower abdomen—the baby seemed to sense the violent fluctuation of my energy and grew restless. But I couldn't stop.

Luis and Erik rushed in after me.

When Erik saw the light flickering at my fingertips, realization dawned on him. "That's right. Deanna is a healer. Maybe she really can save Puddy!"

Luis hurried to my side. He didn't interrupt me, only watched with deep concern written all over his face.

I knew my state must have looked terrible, but I refused to give up this last sliver of hope.

Second by second, time slipped by. I poured almost all of my psychic power into it, my awareness of the outside world growing hazy.

Until I finally felt that faint glow at Puddy's core stabilize, no longer fading. At the same time, my own energy was nearly exhausted. My vision darkened in waves, and at last I couldn't hold on anymore. My body went limp, and I fell backwards.