Chapter 19

Summer's POV The hospital corridor felt eerily quiet as I made my way to Felix's room. My mind was still spinning from yesterday's confrontation with Alpha Foster... and Alexander's unexpected proposal. With every step, the weight of my choices pressed heavier on my shoulders. I paused outside Felix's door, inhaling deeply. He didn't need to see my anxiety—not again. He was already shouldering more than any five-year-old ever should. "Mommy!" Felix's face lit up when I entered, his one remaining eye sparkling. He looked so small, dwarfed by the oversized hospital bed. My heart ached. "Hey, sweetheart," I murmured, bending to kiss his forehead. His scent—warm oatmeal and wildflower honey—wrapped around me like a blanket, briefly grounding me. "How are you feeling today?" "Better," he said, though the shadows under his eyes betrayed him. "The doctor said I might get to go home soon." "That's wonderful news," I said, forcing a smile as I smoothed the tangles from his dark hair. He studied