CHAPTER NINETY NINE – THE DIE IS CAST

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, Anna knew that everything had changed. The lines had been drawn, and there would be no going back. Whatever came next, she and Erik would face it together, their bond stronger than ever in the face of this new threat. As the chaos of the attack subsided, Erik's focus remained entirely on Anna. He gently scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest as he carried her to their private quarters. His touch was tender, a stark contrast to the fierce protectiveness radiating from his every pore. "I'm going to take care of you," Erik murmured, his voice a low, soothing rumble as he set Anna down on their bed. His eyes, usually a warm amber, now burned with a mixture of concern and barely contained rage. Anna winced as Erik carefully examined her wounds. The cut on her arm from the silver dagger was angry and red, the skin around it already starting to blister. Erik's jaw clenched at the sight, a low growl escaping