When my consciousness returned, it was not the cold water that greeted me but the stark white ceiling of a healer’s ward. The sterile air carried faint traces of herbs used in pack medicine. My body felt unbearably heavy, every breath dragging through my chest as though the water still lingered there.
Turning my head, I froze at the sight of Alpha Alaric seated beside me. His hair was disheveled, his shirt wrinkled, his face pale with exhaustion, though relief ignited the moment our eyes met.
He immediately began signing, his hands moving swiftly, his gestures filled with urgency.
“My love, you are awake! I never meant to leave you behind. Ronan Stormclaw was away, and Nyra needed me; she is pregnant, and I had to take her to the healers first. Please, you must understand…”
His movements slowed, his eyes softening, his tone shifting into one of coaxing persuasion. “You know how vital heirs are to the Silverfang Pack. If something had happened to Nyra’s child, the family would never forgive you. Even your parents would have cast you out. I only did this to protect you, Kaia. Please believe me.”