I watched her closely. The shaking of hands. The lowered gaze. The careful tone. Every word was shaped to make her the wounded one.
Tears slid down her cheeks.
“I only wish we were not enemies. We were sisters of the pack once. I want that again.”
At once, the males reacted.
“Stop making her cry, Liora,” Alden snapped.
“Come, Selene,” Draven said gently. “You should not be walking. Let us return you to your chamber.”
Their care for her struck like a blade. Immediate. Protective. Undeserved.
“I will feed you,” Alden said, taking her hand. “You must eat properly.”
“Yes,” Draven added. “We will bring you seafood. Your favorite. You need strength.”
Then they turned toward me.
“You eat what we brought, Liora,” Alden said. “You have been released from healing. Do not be difficult.”
And with that, they guided Selene out of the chamber, leaving me alone once more.
I stared at the tray. Dry bread. Bland eggs. Hard fruit.
From the stone passageway beyond, laughter echoed. Selene’s voice carried clearly. “Mmm, I love crab legs! You remembered I dislike bread, yes? Seafood is my favorite!”
Of course it was. I was given leftovers. She was given a feast.
I did not cry. Not now. I was simply finished.