Marin moved at once.
Not because Arik ordered him.
Because Liam's breath hitched.
"Examination bed," Marin said sharply, already crossing the room. "Now. And if you freeze my office, Your Highness, I will sedate you after I stabilize him."
Arik carried Liam to the bed.
"I can walk," Liam said faintly.
"No," Arik replied.
Marin pointed at Liam without looking away from the diagnostic cabinet. "For once, I agree with the terrifying alpha. Do not walk. Do not argue. Do not make the bleeding worse simply to preserve your dignity."
"My dignity is structurally important."
"Then keep it seated."
Arik set Liam down with such care that it made the earlier violence feel impossible. One hand stayed at Liam's back. The other hovered near his face, not touching the blood again but clearly wanting to.
Marin pressed two fingers to Liam's throat, then activated a diagnostic scan with his other hand.
"What happened?"
"Felix," Arik said.
Marin's expression hardened. "Poison?"
