Chapter 71. Relief

Alison’s POV

The stench of blood lingered in the crisp evening air, heavy and suffocating. My breaths came in shallow gasps as I leaned against the car, my stomach still churning from what I’d just witnessed. Priya’s mangled, lifeless body was a sight I couldn’t erase, no matter how hard I tried. My fingers trembled as they clutched the edge of the car door, grounding myself against the tidal wave of nausea threatening to overwhelm me again.

“Alison?”

Xander’s voice snapped me out of my daze. I turned to see him striding toward me, his face lined with concern. His clothes were fresh, a stark contrast to the bloodstained ones he had worn during the fight. Yet, the raw ferocity of his wolf still lingered in his eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now as he stopped inches away. His gaze searched mine, desperate for an answer.

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure if I was lying to him or myself. “I’m fine,” I whispered, my voice hoarse.