Chapter 7: Shattered Bonds

The room smelled like blood and lavender. Lucien hadn’t moved from Serena’s bedside. His fingers were still curled around hers, his grip loose but unwilling to let go. He hadn’t slept, hadn’t eaten. His body screamed for rest, but he ignored it, afraid that if he closed his eyes, she might slip away. Serena slept fitfully, her body wracked with fever. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her face twisted in pain, as if her body still fought against something unseen. The healer’s words echoed in Lucien’s head: *The bond is still intact... but it’s damaged.* He pressed his forehead to her hand. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, voice raw. “I should’ve protected you. I should’ve listened.” The door creaked open. Lucien didn’t look up. He didn’t need to. “I thought you’d be in the council room by now,” Evelyn said, her heels clicking against the stone floor. “The pack is restless. They want answers.” Lucien’s jaw clenched. “Get out.” Evelyn sighed, circling the bed like a predator. “You’r