Magnus's POV
The night blurred around Magnus until the shadows seemed to be all he could see at the edges of his eyes. He tried to move forward, but every muscle screamed. It felt like the wolfsbane clawed through his veins like fire, burning his throat every time he breathed.
He could feel his wolf fading, the beast retreating deep inside as if trying to hide from the toxin eating through their blood.
Across the clearing, Xavier wasn't faring any better. The Beta staggered, one knee sinking into the dirt, his black fur soaked in blood. His breathing was shallow, and each exhale came out like a growl torn in half.
"Beta Xavier," Magnus rasped through the pack link, though his voice was faint. "You still with me?"
Xavier turned his head slightly. His silver eyes dimmed, but they were still as sharp as ever. "Barely," he answered. It looked like that single word carried everything he felt at that moment.
