Derrick's POV
I was making my way back to my room, ready to call it a night when I heard a sudden commotion. Frowning, I turned toward the hallway where the noise was coming from—confused and alert. That's when I saw him.
Nathan.
Naked.
Running from the guards.
Before I could even process what was happening, a deafening gunshot split the air—and Nathan dropped to the ground.
My breath caught in my throat as I looked past him, already boiling with rage at whoever dared to shoot him. And then I saw her.
Anita.
My frown deepened as I rushed toward Nathan. As I drew closer, I realized he was slipping out of consciousness.
"Get the healer!" I barked, rage lacing my voice as I knelt beside him. Without a second thought, I lifted his limp body into my arms. His blood—thick and dark—trailed behind us as I carried him to my chambers. It poured from the wound in his thigh, soaking into my sleeves and dripping onto the floor.
