#Chapter 43: The Wolf Awakens

Alexander Pain surged through me before I could even open my eyes, sharp and unrelenting. It clawed its way from my head down to my ribs, each breath a jagged edge slicing through me. Voices buzzed faintly in the background, muffled and distant. Then, like a crack of lightning splitting the darkness, I heard it—Sophia's voice. "Alexander? Oh, thank God! Alexander, can you hear me?" Her voice was thick with emotion, but it wasn’t relief that struck me. It was the faintest twinge of annoyance. Even in the fog of awakening, her tone carried that performative edge, a little too loud, a little too desperate. Had I heard that right? My eyes fluttered open, the harsh hospital light stinging them immediately. Everything was blurred, but I made out her figure, slumped in the chair by my bed. Her makeup was smudged, streaks of mascara running down her cheeks, her flaming hair I had once found strunning was far too blinding— a messy bun atop her head. She looked wrecked, and I migh