9

Elena’s POV

Waking up was different this time.

I wasn't gasping for air, and neither was my lungs on fire, so that was a good guess.

I lay there for a while, staring at the ceiling.

I’d been told to rest. But how could I? I’d been half-bonded to a stranger. I was torn from everything I’d ever known.

Given no choice. No warning. No way.

Betrayed by the people I loved. Truly, my life was looking like a sope opera.

Even so, I was alive, And not just barely. I could feel it.

My wolf,

once buried deep and silent, now hovered just beneath the surface, pacing like a restless shadow.

She hadn’t spoken yet. Not in words. But I felt her now, and that was new.

Exciting even. Although I wish she-wolf talk.

But not entirely bad.

I pushed myself up slowly, testing my strength. My arms trembled, but I didn’t collapse. The floor beneath my bare feet was warm stone. My knees buckled slightly as I stood, but I held onto the bedpost until the dizziness passed, and I was sure I wasn't going to fal