The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven Chapter 515: Not Happen Again

"I’ve got her," Draven said again, firmer this time, as he adjusted Meredith against his chest as if afraid even the air might hurt her. "Clear the way."

They obeyed without question, stepping back as he carried their Mistress straight toward the bathing chamber.

Draven’s jaw tightened as he shouldered the door open and moved inside. Steam still lingered faintly from earlier, but the room felt wrong—too quiet, too still for what had almost happened.

Without hesitation, but with careful, efficient movements, he lowered Meredith onto the edge of the pool just long enough to strip away her soaked dress.

The fabric clung stubbornly to her, heavy with river water, and his hands trembled only once as he peeled it from her shoulders and down her arms.

She didn’t stir, and that terrified him more than the river ever had.

Next, he tugged his own wet shirt over his head and tossed it aside without looking, then lifted her again, stepping into the pool with her cradled against him.

The warm water closed around them, steam curling upward as he sank down until he could support her fully.

Her head rested against his shoulder, with one arm lying slack between them.

"Breathe," he murmured, though he wasn’t sure whether he was speaking to her or himself.

Then, he gathered water with his hands and poured it slowly over her back, over her arms, over her chest, warming her inch by inch.

His palm stayed pressed to her spine, grounding, anchoring her, as if letting go for even a second might steal her away again.

Minutes passed like that. Then, barely there, Meredith’s fingers twitched lightly.

Draven froze as he watched her. Her lashes fluttered, and a weak sound slipped past her lips, more breath than voice.

"...Draven."

Instantly, the sound shattered something inside him.

"I’m here," he said almost immediately, tightening his hold just enough to feel her breathe. "I’ve got you."

Her head shifted slightly, seeking him even in her half-conscious state, and when she sagged fully against his chest, relief hit him so hard his vision blurred.

He stayed like that long after her breathing evened out, long after the worst of the cold eased from her body.

And when at last he carried her back to the bedroom and laid her down, wrapping her in warm blankets, he did not leave her side.

Not even when Azul returned quietly with dry linens, or when Deidra offered wordless help and was gently waved away. And definitely not even when Meredith slipped fully into sleep again.

Draven sat on the edge of the bed, one hand wrapped around hers, his thumb brushing slow, repetitive circles into her skin.

Every sharp word he had thrown earlier replayed in his mind as every step he had taken away from her echoed louder now.

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead briefly to her knuckles.

"I should have stayed," he whispered, too softly for anyone but himself to hear.

---

Draven remained seated beside the bed long after the room had gone quiet.

Meredith lay still beneath the covers, her breathing shallow but steady now, the dangerous chill slowly retreating from her skin.

Sunlight filtered through the window, pale and muted, casting soft patterns across her face. He hadn’t moved since bringing her back. He hadn’t trusted himself to step away.

The bond between them was restless. Uneasy.

Then, he felt it—a familiar presence stirring through the bond.

Valmora’s voice rose through the bond, unmistakable now.

Draven didn’t react outwardly. He only closed his eyes briefly, the memory aligning instantly with what Meredith’s grandmother had already told him by the river.

he said quietly.

There was a small pause, more like a restraint. Then—

Valmora replied, her tone low and controlled, but threaded with fury.

Draven’s hand tightened around Meredith’s, careful not to wake her.

he said, more statement than question.

The admission carried weight.

Draven exhaled slowly.

Valmora answered, anger flaring briefly before settling again. "

Draven’s jaw clenched. He glanced toward the window, toward the direction of the woods beyond.

," he said.

Valmora corrected. "

There was no boast or exaggeration in her voice, just certainty.

Valmora continued coldly, "

Draven didn’t doubt it.

Silence settled between them for a moment—thick, contemplative. Then his gaze returned to Meredith.

he said, his voice rougher now.

" Valmora replied. And for the first time, something close to remorse edged her presence. "

Draven swallowed.

" Valmora warned. "

Draven leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his thumb brushing slowly over Meredith’s knuckles.

he agreed quietly.

The bond settled.

Meredith shifted faintly in her sleep, a quiet sound escaping her throat. Draven straightened immediately, brushing a damp strand of silver hair from her face.

"Rest," he murmured, whether to her or to himself, he wasn’t even sure of anything anymore.

But one thing was now clear, even clearer than before. The danger wasn’t over.

And Meredith was no longer invisible to the world.