"The pain means she's still alive," Roshan said quietly. "Still there. I'll endure it."
"So will I," Nyx added. "The bond is pulling us to her. We follow it. That's all that matters."
Talon looked between them, clearly wanting to argue further.
Then sighed.
"At least drink this." He held out a waterskin. "Willow bark and ginger. Won't suppress the bond pain but will help with the nausea and headaches. You'll be able to think clearer."
That seemed reasonable.
Both chiefs drank.
The relief was minor but noticeable—the pounding headache dulling to manageable levels, the nausea settling slightly.
Enough to think.
Enough to plan.
Enough to FUNCTION.
"Thank you," Roshan said.
Talon just nodded, packing the vials back into his medical supplies.
The group shifted back to beast form and continued north.
The bond still pulled.
Still hurt.
But at least now Roshan could think past the pain.
Could remember he was a CHIEF, not just a desperate male chasing his mate.
