#Chapter 66: Unburried Feelings

Alexander The storm raged outside, tearing at the world with unrelenting fury. Inside, the fire crackled, its warmth battling the cold that had nearly stolen her life. But it couldn’t melt the ice between us—an ache buried deep, untouched by flame. Lauren had been so still when I found her, her face pale, body half-buried in the snow. Too close to death. Her leg, once a bloody mess, now wrapped in the torn remnants of my shirt. Yet she breathed. She was here. I hadn’t moved since setting her by the fire. I didn’t know if I’d slept. My eyes hadn’t left her face, my breath unconsciously falling into rhythm with hers. She curled into me, her small hand gripping my fur, finally resting. But my heart still pounded, the fear refusing to fade. This was too close. Far too close to death for comfort. I pressed my head against her, exhaling slowly. I can’t lose her again. But I can’t control her, either. And worst of all, one thought was burning in my mind—why hadn’t she transfor