Chapter 9. Crescent Gossip

The forced physical dormancy induced by Dr. Elara’s experimental relaxant lasted nearly two full days. When Aria finally woke, the fever was gone, replaced by a deep, bone-weary exhaustion and a chilling certainty that her privacy, and her life, were now irretrievably exposed.

She was back in her small dormitory room, the cracked window now neatly replaced with a fresh pane of glass that offered no solace. The aggressive cold of the isolation ward had been replaced by the quiet, pervasive chill of social isolation.

Leah, her usually oblivious roommate, was gone for a shift rotation, which was probably a mercy. Aria knew she couldn't face Leah's inevitable, bewildered questions right now.

The moment Aria stepped onto the dormitory floor, the change was palpable. She wasn't met with the usual indifference; she was met with a wall of active avoidance. Wolves, usually careless and loud, paused their conversations the instant they scented her. They didn&#