The Royal Mark-Chapter 362: Two Lives

"Why are you crying?" Elsa asked Chris, whose tears were like waterfalls falling uncontrollably.

"I... I’m just happy that you are here, awake, and smiling. Rocco also just started talking. I couldn’t be happier."

"Come here..." Elsa gestured for Chris to sit beside her.

Chris hastily complied, and upon sitting on the bed, Elsa swiftly wrapped her arms around him and their son.

"I’m sorry... I thought I could save you, but I had to flee before I get killed. I was not able to get the cure for you and Yakobo," Elsa sighed.

"Mordrak didn’t even have it; he fooled you to get you. We already raided Kurzen but found nothing. But don’t worry about me, my love. I have already talked to your mother, and she could use the water from the Moonwell to help me and Yakobo."

"She can do that? Then why didn’t she tell me sooner? I could have planned it differently and shouldn’t have disobeyed you," Elsa wondered.

"Uhm... It was too late when she found out... How are you feeling?" Chris quickly changed the topic to deviate Elsa from asking more about the cute for him.

"I am feeling good! I am so happy to see you both..." Elsa took Rocco and talked in a high-pitched voice, tickling him. "Come here, you little cutie, did you miss Mommy?"

Rocco just giggled and put his fist in his mouth before giggling again.

"The healer already told me how I got here in Qiryn when I woke up. But I am not sure what they told you, but I need to tell you something. Please don’t get angry with me," Elsa said with hesitation and fear. She didn’t know what details about her had reached Chris.

Chris looked at her, his eyes softening. "What is it, Elsa?"

She took a deep breath, steeling herself. "Chris, I’m pregnant."

A gentle smile appeared on Chris’s face. "I know," he said softly.

Elsa’s eyes widened in surprise. "How? I just found out before going to Kurzen."

"I knew before you did, or at least suspected it," Chris replied. "And there’s more. Your mother, Hera, has important information about the poison Milda used on you."

Before Chris could explain further, Elsa suddenly convulsed and vomited black blood. Her eyes rolled back, and she lost consciousness.

"Elsa!" Chris shouted, his voice filled with panic. He turned to the servants. "Call Princess Hera immediately!"

His loud voice and the flurry of servants and healers hastily attending to Elsa frightened Rocco, causing him to cry loudly. Chris stood up, panicking, unsure whether to tend to his wife or his son first. He tried to calm Rocco while anxiously watching the healers examine Elsa.

Within moments, Hera arrived, her face a mask of concern. She took one look at Elsa and nodded. "It’s time," she said solemnly. "We need to go to the Tree of Life. It’s her only chance."

Chris nodded, his heart pounding. "Then let’s go. We can’t waste any more time." He handed Rocco to Hera before lifting her unconscious wife and hurriedly heading towards the entrance of the castle.

’Get me a horse...’ he said in his mind link to Hoven before changing his mind, ’No, get me Nathan instead. Elsa is in trouble. We need to bring her to the Tree of Life!’

Hoven replied, ’Noted. Let’s meet outside.’

Nathan and Chris arrived at the entrance of the castle at the same time. He quickly handed Elsa over to her father and said "Bring her to the Tree of Life, I will follow you there."

Nathan did not speak any more words and took off. He didn’t ask any more questions for he could see the worry and panic in Chris’ eyes.

Hoven immediately shifted into his wolf form and uttered via their mind link, ’Hop in, hurry!’

Chris mounted on Hoven’s back while watching Nathan fly away while carrying Elsa in his arms.

Chris and Hoven raced through the forest, the wind whipping past them as they followed the path towards the Tree of Life. The urgency of the situation gnawed at Chris’ heart, but he held on tightly, his thoughts focused solely on Elsa.

Nathan, flying ahead with Elsa in his arms, reached the clearing first. He descended gently, laying Elsa at the base of the ancient, luminous Tree of Life.

Chris arrived moments later, dismounting from Hoven and rushing to Elsa’s side. He cradled her hand in his, whispering words of encouragement. "Stay with me, Elsa. We’re almost there."

With no hesitation, he entered into the small opening in the center of the tree.

The air around the Tree of Life shimmered, and a figure emerged from its glowing inner wall. The goddess of the Tree of Life, resplendent in her otherworldly beauty, looked at Chris with cold, piercing eyes. "What is this impudence? What made you disturb my peace?" she demanded, her voice echoing with ancient power.

Chris, undeterred by her hostility, stood his ground. "She’s been poisoned with dark magic and it’s draining her life and the life within her. She’s pregnant. Please, she needs your help. You are her only chance."

The goddess’ gaze flickered to Elsa, her expression softening slightly as she saw the black veins of poison spreading across Elsa’s pale skin. She sighed, a note of resignation in her voice. "Very well, but I don’t give anything for free."

"I am aware of that. I am willing to exchange my life for hers. Take me instead, please don’t let her and our unborn child die," Chris pleaded.

The goddess laughed, her voice echoing loudly. "You ask too much, and yet your offering is not even worthy. I do not take a life that is already bound to end."

Chris’s heart sank. Fear consumed him, but he knew he had no choice but to ask. "What is it that you want? Tell me, and I will give it to you. Just please, let her and our baby live." He knelt, tears streaming down his face. "Please, I beg you, help me."

"Before you ask for my help, werewolf, listen carefully. Should you really be asking me to save just two lives?" the goddess questioned, her tone carrying a deeper meaning.