Chapter 58

I finally make it back onto packlands. I park in the parking lot and hurry into the hospital. I’m directed to the room where my mate’s uncle is, which is a bad sign already. Clearly, he’s still alive, and that’s troublesome for me. Now isn’t the time to worry about that. Maybe he’s at death’s door, and it won’t take long for him to be gone.

I walk down the hall, hating the smell of disinfectant. Hospitals smell horrible, and I hope I can get out of here fast. Something about hospitals always makes me squeamish.

I get to the room I’m looking for and stand outside the door. I have no idea what awaits me, but the sooner I find out, the sooner I can make a plan. I put my hand on the handle and open the door.

It’s dark in here; the curtains are drawn. Akia’s uncle is in a hospital bed, hooked up to a machine. I can’t tell how serious his injury is, but it doesn’t stop