The hospital I had in mind was owned by the Blackwood family, a powerful and ruthless clan in our territory. They had the ability to bend the rules and operate outside the law, often using their connections to manipulate situations in their favor. I felt like a fly trapped in a web, powerless against whatever they might do. I didn’t want to be a pawn in Kaidon’s game, especially now that Elara had returned.
As we arrived, the nurse quickly assessed my condition. “You’re lucky you came when you did. This infection could have turned deadly,” she said, her voice brisk and efficient.
I spent the next few days recovering in the sterile hospital room, the scent of antiseptic filling the air. Kaidon didn’t visit. He had forgotten about me, too wrapped up in Elara’s presence to spare a thought for me. My wolf howled in frustration, a deep, primal sorrow that echoed within my very soul.
Gideon was my only visitor. Each day, he would come, bringing me news from the pack and trying to lift my spirits. He also attempted to talk to Kaidon about my situation, but Kaidon’s dismissive response echoed in my mind. "I don’t want to hear about her," he had said, disgust dripping from his words.
A week later, Kaidon finally remembered me. He arrived with Elara by his side, his eyes catching mine for a brief moment before flitting away. "Luna, I didn’t know you were in the hospital," he said, a flash of guilt crossing his face. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.
Elara clung to his arm, a wide smile on her face that twisted in my gut like a knife. “Sorry, Luna,” she said, her tone sugary sweet. “Kaidon has been with me, making sure I’m okay. We’ve been so busy catching up.” The wolf in me growled at the sight of her, jealousy bubbling to the surface, demanding to be acknowledged.
Her words twisted in my heart like a dagger. “You two must have a strong bond,” I replied, my voice steady, even as pain clawed at my insides.
Elara raised her hands, fingers intertwined with Kaidon’s. “Of course, we’ve known each other forever.”
I forced a smile, trying to keep the hurt at bay. “It’s okay. We’re getting divorced anyway, so you two can be together openly now.”