Mira did not wake immediately, which terrified him more than the collapse itself. Ryker carried her through the corridor with steady arms and a storm behind his eyes. The pack parted without a word as he passed; no one dared speak, and no one dared question him. He felt every fragile beat of her heart against his chest; the bond screamed in panic inside him, a living wire stretched too tight.
He forcefully opened the doors to his private chamber and laid her carefully on the bed; the room smelt of cedar and iron and something distinctly his, but the familiarity did nothing to calm him. Her skin looked pale against the dark blankets, and her breathing was shallow. He knelt beside her and pressed two fingers against her throat, and he felt her pulse was weak but present, and he was relieved
