Shifting fates

Chapter Six: Awake

Voices drift through the haze of sleep, low and urgent. I keep my eyes shut, my body heavy and aching, listening.

“She’s just being dramatic,” Ellie says, her voice laced with annoyance. “Throwing a tantrum because I found my mate and she didn’t. It’s pathetic, really.”

Lucian scoffs. “You really think that’s all this is?” His tone is sharp, edged with something close to anger. “She collapsed in the woods, Ellie. She…” He hesitates. “I can’t feel her wolf anymore.”

A beat of silence. Then, our mother sighs. “Enough, Lucian. Stop pandering to her.”

“I’m not—”

“You are.” Her voice is firm, brooking no argument. “Her wolf is just sleeping. She’s sulking because she didn’t find a mate. That’s all.”

I keep my breathing steady, my body still. I don’t know what I’ve been expecting—maybe concern, maybe even just an ounce of understanding—but not this. Not complete dismissal, like what happened to me means nothing. Like it isn’t their fault.

The silence stretches. Sensing the conversation slipping from her favor, Ellie huffs dramatically. “Oh, look. She’s awake.”

I crack my eyes open just enough to see Lucian’s gaze snap to mine, his concern still etched into every line of his face. “Ray, are you okay?”

Before I can even form an answer, Ellie rolls her eyes. “Oh, stop being so childish. This is embarrassing.”

Our mother folds her arms. “You need to get up. Your sister’s mate acceptance ceremony is tonight.”

My stomach twists.

“She’ll officially bond with the Alpha and become Luna,” she continues, as if that’s all that matters. “You need to pull yourself together and be there for your sister.”

It isn’t a request. It’s an order.

I swallow against the rawness in my throat, the ache in my chest. Her words should hurt, but I’m too numb to feel them. Too hollow.

No one acknowledges my pain. No one cares.

I exhale slowly and force myself to sit up. The room tilts violently. My body is weak and unsteady. When I swing my legs over the side of the bed and try to stand, my knees buckle. I barely catch myself on the edge of the mattress.

Ellie scoffs. “Oh, come on. Could you be any more dramatic?”

Our mother sighs, already walking toward the door. “Fix yourself up and be presentable. We leave soon.”

Ellie throws me a smirk before following her out, leaving me alone with Lucian.

He hesitates, watching me closely. “Ray,” he says, softer now. “Tell me what happened.”

I don’t look at him. “Just leave it, Luc.” My voice is quiet but firm. “What’s done is done.”

His jaw tightens like he wants to argue, but he only runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “Do you need help getting sorted?”

I force a small, wry grin. “I think I can manage to get dressed without supervision, thanks.”

Lucian snorts, some of the tension fading from his face. “Alright. I’ll grab you something to eat and be back soon.”

I nod, waiting until he’s gone before allowing myself to break.