Chapter 21: The Wolf's Lament

Nick’s fingers lingered on Olivera’s forehead, the back of his hand pressed gently against her feverish skin. His concern deepened as he felt the heat radiating from her, and he knew he needed to provide her with some herbs to help manage her condition. She couldn’t afford to fall into a full-blown fever, not with the Alpha’s visit imminent. The Alpha was unpredictable and often cruel; it was crucial that Olivera remained in good health, both for her own sake and to avoid further complications. “Do you have these seizures often?” Nick asked, his voice tinged with worry. Olivera shook her head, her gaze fixed downward, her long hair falling like a curtain to obscure her face. “Not really. They only happen when I’m extremely upset,” she murmured. She braced herself for the next question, one that always seemed to follow her revelations. The pattern was familiar—Nick’s inquiries would inevitably lead to her darkest secret. “Isn’t your wolf supposed to prevent that?” Nick’s voice was ge