Chapter 109

Clara reluctantly let Alicia into the room after watching her cry for over a minute. They walked to the table and sat in silence before Alicia spoke. “My life has always revolved around Damon. Did you know he saved me from some rogues when we were younger?” she asked. Clara shook her head.

“Damon and I don’t discuss you,” Clara murmured. She knew her words were insensitive, but she wanted Alicia to know her place. Surprisingly, Alicia simply smiled sadly. “Yeah, I didn’t expect him to. Damon wasn’t one to show or talk about his feelings, but I understood him, and I still do,” she murmured. Clara sighed.

“What do you want, Alicia?” Clara asked. Alicia pursed her lips, then turned to Clara. “I’m dying,” she said.

Clara scoffed. “You can’t be serious. Is this some trick?”

“I’m not trying to trick you, Clara. Why do you think I came back? When I left, Damon asked me never to return. The pack had mourned my death, and I truly didn't intend to come back. But then I contracted a rare, incurable disease, and I only have weeks, maybe a month, to live. As a healer, I’ve tried everything, but I don’t know what to do. All I can do is manage the pain,” Alicia murmured. Clara frowned. Could she be telling the truth?

As if reading Clara’s doubt, Alicia lifted her shirt, revealing dark, spreading marks on her stomach. “It started as a small spot, but it’s spreading rapidly. When it reaches my heart, I’ll die,” she whispered. Clara frowned. She was telling the truth.

“What do you want from Damon?” Clara asked after a moment. Alicia smiled sadly. “Every night, I’d sit and stare at the sky, wishing for Damon’s love and care. I know I can’t ask for his love—he clearly loves you now—but could he at least care for me until I die?”

Clara’s frown deepened. Even though she felt pity, she still didn’t trust Alicia. Alicia had tried to implicate her in poisoning.

“I know we didn’t part on good terms, but this is all I ask. I just want his company; I just want my best friend back,” Alicia murmured, beginning to cry.

Clara shifted uncomfortably, then placed a hand on Alicia’s back. “Okay, I’ll talk to Damon,” she murmured. Alicia immediately stopped crying, her eyes widening. “Seriously? Thank you so much!” she cried, hugging Clara tightly.

Alicia left almost immediately. Clara sat there for what felt like hours, pondering what had happened. Had she made the right choice?

Suddenly, she heard someone enter. She didn’t need to turn to know it was Damon. His presence filled the room. She melted into his arms as he embraced her.

“What are you thinking about? I called for you,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck.

“I was thinking about you,” she murmured. He growled approvingly. “What a coincidence. I was thinking about you too. I missed you,” he murmured, kissing her neck.

“I missed you more. How was your meeting?” she asked. He sighed.

“Insufferable. I wish you’d come; it would have been more fun. Luckily, we reached an agreement,” he murmured. She nodded. “That’s good to hear.”

They were silent, enjoying each other’s company. “Something’s bothering you,” he said. He knew her so well.

“Can we talk?” she asked. He tensed. “I don’t like the sound of that,” he murmured.

She turned in his arms to face him, caressing his face before kissing him. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing too…”

Before she could finish, he kissed her deeply, his tongue exploring her mouth. She moaned as he squeezed her breast. Just as he reached for her shirt, she stopped him. “Let’s talk first,” she murmured. He sighed, picked her up, carried her to the bed, and gently placed her down, sitting beside her and taking her hand.

“What do you want to talk about?” he asked. She sighed. “It’s about Alicia,” she muttered. His eyes darkened.

“What happened? Did she say anything?” he asked. She pursed her lips. “I want you to talk to her again,” she murmured. He stared at her, shocked, then confused. “I don’t understand.”

“She’s sick, Damon. She said she has weeks or a month to live, and she wants you by her side,” she murmured. They were silent for a while.

“Are you sure she’s sick?” he asked softly. She nodded. “I’m pretty sure. Look, I don’t want you near her, but I’m willing to sacrifice my sanity. If she’s really sick, I wouldn’t mind you caring for her. After all, she was someone you cared about… she might still be.”

He grabbed both her hands, turning her to face him. “What I care about is you, not her. I only know how to care for you,” he murmured. She smiled, moving closer and touching his face.

“You don’t have to care for her, but if she comes to you, don’t push her away. Talk to her kindly; see her as your sister,” she murmured. His eyes narrowed.

“I don’t like Delilah,” he blurted. She giggled. “Deep down, you do, or you wouldn’t be so protective. Treat Alicia like a sister, and remember she’s sick, so be gentle,” she murmured. He stared at her intently, making her self-conscious.

“Is something on my face?” she asked, reaching to wipe her face. He leaned down, resting his head on her shoulder. “You’re so perfect, my love. What am I going to do with you?” he murmured. She smiled.

“Make me your Luna tomorrow,” she said.

“Done.”

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