Trapped with the Alpha King (Althea) novel Chapter 93

Gustav approached, face ashen. “We need wards and purification. The spells I know can hold it back for a while, but I need supplies and time.”

“Then buy time,” Gavriel said. “Do it now.” He looked once at the square, at the mothers trying to drag their children into shuttered shops, at the men trying to fight through their fear and stay useful.

“Get me healers. Set up triage points outside the main gates. Anyone touched goes into quarantine. Anyone who resists quarantine is a danger and must be restrained.”

He turned to Simon and instructed, “Send for Uriel and every available mage. Tell them the breach uses dark ritual—call it the Abyssal corruption. Bring more healers, anything that can cut the contagion. Tell no one to delay.”

As Gavriel turned, he caught sight of a child pressed against a shuttered stall, eyes huge and brimming with tears. He stepped close, voice softer for a heartbeat. “Stay inside. Lock the door. We will hold this.” The child nodded, trembling.

Around him, the town closed itself up like a wounded animal. Flames from torches painted faces in orange and gold. Screams carried, but orders were clearer now—organized, ruthless.

Guard patrols moved through alleys and along walls. Healers set up tarps and crude wards at the edges of the containment lines.

*****

Meanwhile, Althea stood by the window of the inn, and from where she stood, she could see the flickering torches, hear the screams that carried through the night, and smell the faint, bitter scent of smoke and blood. People were running, some clutching loved ones, others alone, their cries sharp with terror.

Her chest tightened. She could no longer just watch.

“I must do something,” she whispered to herself. Her heart pounded in her ears, but her steps were steady as she turned away from the window.

Rudy, who had been pacing by the door, caught her movement. “My Lady, where are you going?”

Raising her hand again, she cast another spell. A golden shield burst forth, covering the small home like a warm blanket of light. Inside, she could hear children crying, and their sobs quieted as the glow took hold.

“Stay inside!” she called through the door. “You are safe within the light!”

House by house, she moved, each spell taking a toll on her but giving the people hope. Her breaths grew heavier, sweat forming on her forehead, yet she didn’t stop. The fear in the people’s eyes when they saw her was quickly replaced with relief as the protective glow spread over their roofs and walls.

Behind her, Trudis cursed under her breath but still followed, blade drawn to fend off any who got too close. “She’s reckless,” she muttered, but she still kept her pace.