The Child Fades

Elena’s POV

The world comes back in pieces.

A breath.

A heartbeat.

A sharp pain behind my ribs.

A cold cloth pressed to my forehead.

I blink slowly, and the ceiling swims into focus. I recognize the carved beams of the Alpha wing. I recognize the scent clinging to the sheets. Not mine. Not Maya’s. Damon’s.

My throat dries instantly.

Someone shifts beside the bed. “Elena?”

Rhea leans forward, pale, exhausted, her hand trembling as she touches ...