Killian’s POV

The room smells faintly of herbs and antiseptics, a scent that should be comforting but only makes my stomach tighten. I pace in slow circles, ears straining for any sound that could indicate Kieran’s discomfort. The wolf within me fidgets, restless, untrusting of every shadow and every soft creak. I have to appear calm. I must appear remorseful. Everyone is watching. Every glance, every gesture will be dissected.

Kieran lies on the bed, pale and still, yet there’s a ...