My Hockey Alpha
Even though I had seen her like this already twice since I got the news, it was still as jarring as ever.
“Oh, Jess,” I whispered, taking a few shaky steps toward the hospital bed. I stopped beside her, looking down at her sleeping body. It was funny; even in this state, she looked beautiful. She was always beautiful, like a ray of sunshine peeking through on a cloudy day.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This was it. I couldn’t afford to hesitate any longer. I had to go through with the Claiming ceremony.
I lit a candle on the bedside table, its flickering flame casting dancing shadows on the walls. With trembling hands, I reached out and took Jessica’s limp hand in mine. I