My phone rings sharply in the darkness, jolting me awake so violently that, for a moment, I struggle to remember where I
am
My heart pounds wildly in my chest as I fumble blindly for the device, eyes still blurry with sleep
“Siena,” Rairity’s urgent voice cuts through the haze, instantly clearing the fog and filling me with dread. “It’s Eli–he collapsed. They’re taking him to the medical center now.
My breath catches painfully, guilt stabbing sharply through my chest. I’m on my way.” I whisper hoarsely, my voice shaking with sudden fear.
I throw aside the covers, the night’s chill biting at my bare skin as I stumble from bed.
My hands tremble so violently that it takes several tries to pull on clothes–whatever I can grab first–before racing toward the door. My wolf whines mournfully inside me, sensing my panic, her worry mingling painfully with mine.
The corridors are empty and silent, lit only by dim emergency lights. My footsteps echo sharply as I sprint through the shadowed halls, my heart thudding painfully against my ribs.
Fear wraps tight fingers around my throat, choking me with thoughts of Eli’s pale face earlier tonight, the exhaustion Id seen but ignored.
My stomach twists sharply in bitter self–recrimination–had I pushed him too far, too relentlessly? Is this not a sign of inexperience?
Impostor.
By the time I burst into the medical center, my pulse pounds so loudly I can barely hear. The sterile scent of antiseptic assaults me, and harsh lights blind me after the dim corridors. Rairity stands anxiously in the waiting area, her usually calm expression tense with worry.
“What’s happening?” I gasp breathlessly, chest tight with guilt and dread. “Is he-?”
“The doctor’s with him,” she says quickly, gently squeezing my trembling hand. They’re running tests now.”
1 slump into a stiff plastic chair, burying my face briefly in shaking hands. “This is my fault,” I whisper painfully, my voice cracking with guilt. I pushed them too hard, Kair. I was so desperate–so desperate to prove Windhowl’s worth, to prove my own–that I endangered them
The confession burns bitterly on my tongue, shame stabbing sharply through my heart. Tears sting behind my eyelids, but I refuse to let them fall.
The warriors look to me for strength. Don’t crumble now. Breathe, you can do this–Alpha.
“You did what any good leader would’ve done.” Rairity says firmly, though her voice trembles slightly. “You fought for your pack’s dignity. Eli knows that.”
Her words offer little comfort, but I nod weakly, grateful for her loyalty.
Still, self–blame coils painfully in my stomach, the ache of my mistakes gnawing relentlessly at my conscience.
Minutes stretch painfully into what feels like hours, the waiting room silent except for the faint hum of machines and our own anxious breathing.
E
Chapter 38
I pace restlessly, hands running nervously through my tangled, sleep–mussed hair, my thoughts torturous with worry
Every second feels like an eternity, dread building relentlessly
When the doctor finally steps out, his expression is serious but calm, and I nearly crumble in relief. “He’s stable,” he announces, offering a reassuring smile. “Severe exhaustion and dehydration, but his heart shows no additional damage”
