Chapter 16: Loss
**Marcus's POV**
I lay watching Lily sleep, her breathing finally even and peaceful after hours of restless, tear-filled rest. Dr. Chen had eventually ordered her to actually lie down on the bed beside me, threatening to sedate her if she didn't get proper rest. Lily had protested weakly, terrified of hurting me, but I'd insisted. Having her close helped—the mate bond settled when she was near, like my wolf knew she was safe and could finally relax.
She was curled on her side facing me, one hand still holding mine between us, her face soft and vulnerable in sleep. The dark circles under her eyes stood out starkly against her pale skin, and I could see faint bruises on her arms from where my aunt had grabbed her. She was still so fragile, still healing from her own traum
