Amelia's POV

"Ryder, please." My voice cracked. "It's me. You know me."

He tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he couldn't solve. Then his eyes flashed gold again—just for a second—and he winced, pressing his palm against his temple.

"My head," he muttered. "Why does my head hurt so much?"

Dr. Merrick moved closer, his movements careful. "Alpha, I need you to stay calm. You've been poisoned. We're trying to help you."

"Poisoned?" Ryder's laugh was harsh, wrong. "That's ...