Chapter 65

Olivia Martins

The first thing I noticed was the softness beneath me, the bed. Familiar. Faintly scented with pine and smoke and something that made my heart squeeze even before I opened my eyes.

Caspian.

But my body was heavy, like I’d sunk into the mattress itself. I blinked slowly, vision hazy, and shapes came into view, the white ceiling… The soft glow of evening light filtering in through a window… and people, blurry outlines, clustered near the foot of the bed.

I turned my head, sluggishly, and saw them more clearly now.

Caspian stood rigid at the corner of the room, arms crossed over his chest, jaw tight. His gaze flicked toward me and away again, unreadable. Ryker was beside him, worry etched deep into his brow. Bridget clung to Caspian’s arm like he might vanish if she let go.

Two guards lingered at the door, tension coiled in their posture. And the pack doctor stood closest, with a small smile on his face.

Something felt wro