“Why does she keep blacking out?”“I have done everything I can, but her body just won’t respond. There’s nothing physically wrong with her…it’s her mind.”“Then wake her up!”A figure shifted on the bed, a soft groan escaping her as the distant voices grew clearer.“I can’t wake her if she won’t wake up.”“Do I look like I give a damn?!”The sharp shout jolted Ashley awake. She winced, her eyes struggling against the harsh light. Pain stabbed through them, raw and unfamiliar, like they didn’t belong to her.“Ash!” A familiar male voice called, drawing closer.“Ahh…” she groaned, trying to push herself up as Nathan came into view.“It’s alright. I am here,” he said gently, helping her sit up.By the time she steadied, her vision had cleared just enough to make out his face.“Alpha Nathan?” She whispered, shock lacing her voice. Why was he here? Why was she here? The last thing she remembered was the rain… crying… then nothing. Did she pass out?“I am here,” he reassured. “Are you feel

“Left, right… steady now.”“Ahh!”“Just look at me. Focus…right, left.”Ashley had spent the last two days relearning how to walk, each step a battle, with Nathan constantly by her side, guiding, steadying, refusing to let her give up.“Ahhh!” A sharp cry tore from her lips as her legs gave out again, sending her crashing harshly to the ground. Her chest rose and fell unevenly as she fought to steady her breathing, pain and frustration tightening her throat.“You don’t have to push yourself this hard,” Nathan said, crouching beside her, his voice softer now, almost careful. “We can have you wheeled into the hall, or have someone stand in your place. As long as your presence is accounted for, the council won’t hold it against you.”She swallowed, her eyes closing briefly as if to gather what little strength she had left. Silence stretched between them before she opened them again and forced herself upright.“I won’t vote for a leader who can’t walk,” she s

“How dare you defame me?!” Lucien shot to his feet, his roar reverberating through the hall as he pointed an accusing finger at the stranger, Luke.“I am afraid you won’t be given a chance to speak until the election is over,” Elder Bathsheba said firmly, dismissing Luke with a sharp wave of his hand. “Keep your grievances until then.”Luke let out a harsh, humorless laugh. “Do I look like I came here for your permission?!” He bellowed, his voice rising above the murmurs, drawing shocked gasps from the crowd.“How dare you?!” one of the seated elders snapped, rising to his feet in outrage.“Bring them in,” Luke ordered, completely ignoring their protests.The heavy doors creaked open, and a group of men, bound in chains, were dragged into the hall. The clinking of metal echoed ominously, sending a ripple of unease through the crowd.Ashley’s gaze drifted toward Lucien, almost absentmindedly at first but then she froze.His expression had changed. Gone was

Making his way into the restaurant’s kitchen, Silas looked around for the waiter from earlier but couldn’t find him anywhere.“Hi, how can I help you?” A chef asked, noticing Silas lingering at the entrance.“I am looking for one of your waiters. Handsome guy, sharp jawline, neat stubble. His eyes were dark, maybe brown, and he had this easy smile. Do you know who I mean?” Silas described, and the chef’s expression showed he knew exactly who Silas was talking about.“Oh, that’s Luca. Can I know his offense? I am the manager as well as a chef here. You can tell me your grievances,” the man said firmly.“No. I would like to compensate him for a job well done. He has no offense,” Silas lied smoothly.“Oh. I sent him to the store. If you tell me where you are seated, I will bring him to you,” the manager offered.“No, that won’t be necessary. I will handle it myself,” Silas replied, his eyes sweeping the kitchen until they landed on a door at the far end, likely the store. Without waiting

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