CHAPTER 32

Zayne groaned as he blinked open his eyes. The light in the room was dim, yet even that was too bright for him. His body ached in places he didn’t know could ache, and every breath felt like he was pulling air through fire. He shifted slightly, only to feel the pull of weak muscles protesting every motion. It took him several minutes just to swing his legs over the side of the bed. Sweat spread along his forehead with the effort. His fingers trembled as he tried to button his shirt with one hand and steady himself with the other. A soft knock came at the door before it opened and a young nurse walked in. She bowed her head respectfully. "Alpha Zayne," she said softly, surprised to see him awake. "You're up... finally." "How long?" Zayne rasped, “How long have I been out?” The nurse hesitated. "Four days, Alpha. You’ve been unconscious since the incident… the poisoning." Zayne closed his eyes briefly. A bitter taste coated his tongue at the word "poisoning." "And Eva?" he asked.