(Continued from Chapter 41)
Aria Nora
It’s been four days.
Four long days of watching Cade breathe in shallow, broken rhythms. Four days of changing blood-soaked bandages that shouldn’t still be bleeding. Four days of whispered arguments outside the cave room, arguments I tune out because I refuse to leave his side.
Four days of carrying the guilt.
I dip the cloth into the cool water and press it to Cade’s forehead. His skin is burning, but he keeps shivering like it’s winter. The fever hasn’t let go since they brought him back... unconscious and drenched in blood.
“You have to fight,” I whisper, even though I don’t know if he can hear me. “Your pack needs you.”
I need you.
But I don’t say it out loud. The words feel too heavy. How can I need someone I barely remember? And still...
