“You know what? I have matters to handle in the pack tonight. Don’t wait for me,” Razen said coldly.

The door slammed as he left.

Pain spread through my body as I lay on the cold ground. A deep fear rose inside me. My hands moved to my stomach, and panic took over when I felt something warm running down my legs.

Blood.

“No… no…” I whispered, tears falling as I tried to sit up, my vision shaking from the pain.

With trembling fingers, I pulled out my crystal communicator and called Razen. It rang, once, twice, then he answered.

Relief filled me.

“Razen…”

“Don’t call me until you stop acting like a pup,” he snapped, then the call ended.

“No… please…” I whispered, trying again, but his crystal communicator was already off.

A cry broke from me as the pain grew worse. I quickly called for help. I couldn’t lose this pup.

As darkness began to take me, one thought stayed in my mind. If I lose this pup, Razen will pay for it twice over.

Then everything faded.

***

When I opened my eyes, I was lying on a bed in the healer’s ward. A healer stood beside me, her face filled with concern.

“Lady Nivella, you are finally awake,” she said gently.

I blinked, trying to remember. Then it came back.