Chapter 166: "Sacred Claims and Hidden Pain"
(Grace's POV)
The air in Helena's room felt heavier than usual, like it pressed down on my lungs, making it harder to breathe. I sat quietly at the edge of her bed, trying to take slow, even breaths, but the ache in my chest and the faint burn in my throat weren't subsiding. My weakened wolf state was taking its toll, and I hated myself for letting it show in front of her.
Helena looked at me with sharp violet-gold eyes that missed nothing. Her frail hand rested atop mine. "You don't look well, Grace."
I forced a weak smile. "It's just the rain from earlier. I’ll be fine after some rest."
Her stern expression told me I wasn’t fooling her. "Don’t try to dismiss me. Your wolf energy is nearly nonexistent, and that's more than just exhaus
