Inside, there was a pause. Then Drake spoke. Calm. Flat.
“No.”
The doctor sounded confused. “No…? Alpha, I don’t think you understand. This is a good thing. She can recover, she can—”
Drake cut him off, his voice colder now. “Didn’t Peterson tell you? For the past five years, I’ve only had him prescribe the most basic tonics. Nothing more.”
The doctor went quiet. “You mean… you’ve been holding back her treatment on purpose? Alpha, that’s… that’s not right. She deserves to know. She deserves a chance.”
Drake exhaled, low and irritated. “And if she sees everything, what then? Have you thought about that? What happens to Chiara? What happens to her when the truth comes out?”
“Alpha, with all respect, your mate’s life should come first,” the doctor insisted. “You can’t just keep her in the dark because it’s convenient for you.”
“It’s not convenient. It’s balanced.” Drake’s voice dropped, dangerous now. “I’m keeping things stable. I’m protecting both of them. You don’t get to question that.”
My hand tightened around my ring. My fingers shook.
So this whole time… he knew. He knew I could’ve seen again. And he chose to keep me blind.
Why…? Was I really that easy to control? That easy to hide away?