Callista stirred awake, her senses slowly adjusting to the world around her. As she opened her eyes, a sharp streak of sunlight from the grand window struck her vision, making her shut them again. She groaned softly, feeling a dull ache throughout her body. After a moment, she cautiously blinked, allowing her eyes to adjust to the warm glow of the room.
She found herself lying on a luxurious, king-sized bed, the silk sheets beneath her impossibly soft. The room was vast, adorned with intricate carvings on the walls and draped in rich, deep blue curtains that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. The furniture screamed of royalty—majestic and polished to perfection.
As she took in her surroundings, her gaze landed on two young women, both dressed in sky-blue dresses. Their hair was neatly braided, their expressions poised yet warm. She also noticed four guards standing at strategic points—two flanking her bed and two more stationed by the grand double doors. They wore royal blue tunics, their stance firm and alert.
An unfamiliar yet intoxicating scent lingered in the room, making her head turn instinctively. A sudden longing surged within her, but before she could dwell on it, her thoughts snapped back to Lucien.
"Where is Lucien?" she asked, her voice hoarse from disuse.
One of the maids stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Alpha Lucien left just a few minutes ago to attend an emergency in the court, Your Highness."
Callista frowned. "Your Highness?" she echoed in confusion.
The maid quickly lowered her gaze. "Apologies, my lady. Alpha Lucien has declared you as his mate and our soon-to-be Luna. Everyone in the pack recognizes you as their future queen."
Shock rippled through Callista. She barely had time to process this before another revelation hit her. "Wait… how long have I been here?"
The second maid, who bore a striking resemblance to the first, spoke gently. "Two weeks, my lady. You have been unconscious for two weeks."
Callista's breath caught in her throat. Two weeks? That long? She had lost so much time. And then, like a tidal wave, the memories came crashing down—the attack, her mother, the blood, the fear, Sabrina's chilling smile, and the unbearable loss.
A fresh wave of grief surged through her as she clenched the sheets beneath her. Her mother was gone. The only family she had left had been ripped away from her. A choked sob escaped her lips, and she turned away from the maids, wrapping her arms around herself as she trembled.
The maids exchanged a worried glance but remained silent, giving her the space she needed.
Unbeknownst to her, one of the guards had already left to inform Lucien that she was awake.
Moments later, heavy yet purposeful footsteps echoed through the hallway, approaching with urgency. Callista didn't have to look to know who it was—the bond between them told her everything.
Lucien had come for her.