Chapter 37

*Hazel*

 She explained how she had been forced to live in a faraway city, far from here, as survival in the desert had been impossible. Her mind seemed restless, as if it kept pulling her back here, like she had forgotten something important.

 “Where’s father?” I asked, expecting him to appear at any moment, which was why I had stayed quiet until now. She didn’t answer, avoiding my gaze. “Where is he?” I pressed further, a growing fear taking hold. She remained silent.

 “You should talk!” I yelled, though maybe I shouldn’t have, but desperation was evident in my voice. I started shaking her lightly, trying to force a response. Tears streamed down her face.

 “You should calm down, my lady,” Beta Shane said, helping me back into my seat.

 “He… he died saving me from the rouges,” she finally whispered, sobbing uncontrollably.

 It felt like a bombshell had exploded in my chest. Pain struck me harshly, making it difficult to breathe or even speak, and darkness threatened to overtake me.

*Orion*

 I could feel all her pain through our bond. Her heart was breaking, her lungs struggling for air. I held her tightly in my arms, knowing she was about to pass out. Beta Shane and her mother looked on, worried.

 We gave her water and let her rest for the night. Her head lay on my thigh as I gently caressed her soft hair. Even in her sleep, her heart was heavy with sorrow. She loved her parents deeply; losing her father was a pain she could barely bear. I had my father, yet I, too, suffered the grief of lives lost.

 Early the next morning, she awoke, silent, dusting her clothes. We all stepped outside from the cramped shelter, ready to continue the journey.

 I didn’t shift, knowing it would make little difference since Hazel’s wolf was still weak, also burdened by grief. The journey back to the pack was slow yet swift in alternating bursts. No one spoke; silence followed us all the way. We spent the day walking, resting whenever we could.

 It was very late at night when we reached the border.

 “Your majesty!” They bowed, intending to hand me a horse. I raised my hand, indicating they needn’t bother. After days of trekking, walking to the packhouse would be nothing.

 We finally arrived at the palace. I mindlinked Bella and the other servants.

 “You should take Luna to the pack hospital and care for her,” her mother insisted, following them.

 “You should get admitted as well, or call the pack doctor,” I suggested to Beta Shane.

 “Don’t forget, I have a mate — she’s going to take care of me,” he said with a sly smile. I scoffed and headed into my quarters.

 *Hazel*

 I felt like I was in a trance the entire time. I couldn’t handle the heartbreak; it was too much. If he truly died, why had he appeared in my dream? For a moment, I convinced myself he hadn’t died — until my mother showed me where he had been buried.

 Father had always sacrificed and remained loyal, never putting himself first. He didn’t deserve death. The more I thought about it, the heavier my heartbreak grew. I couldn’t speak, but I felt everything around me, every shadow of sorrow pressing down.

 Bella escorted me to the hospital. She gently removed my clothes and bathed me thoroughly. I had always despised being bathed, but I was too weak to lift a finger. I watched as she tended to me completely — brushing my teeth, washing and creaming my hair, restoring its shine. She helped me into a loose, comfortable gown and slippers.

 Once I was ready, she laid me down in the hospital bed for treatment, leaving briefly to prepare my meal.