The heavy feeling of dread from my potential transformation was just settling in when a frantic summons arrived for Draven. An emergency meeting of all Alphas had been called by the Elders, and his presence was required immediately. My own crisis, as pressing as it felt, had to be put on hold.
It had been days since the mark appeared, and my condition hadn't worsened. The fiery tendrils had stopped their spread, and the pulsing, red glow had faded to a dull throb. Seeing this, I knew I had to push Draven to go. No matter how much I wanted him by my side, his duties as Alpha were paramount, especially now. The Elders needed him, and I wouldn't be the reason he abandoned them.
"Draven, you have to go," I insisted, my voice firm despite the tremble in my heart. "They need you, and I'll be f
