The night dragged on in silence inside Theo's territory.
No one had slept. No one had rested.
Every warrior sat outside with their weapons beside them, as though guarding the pack would somehow bring their Alpha back.
Kimberly walked out of the lantern house with shaky steps. Zach rushed to support her, but she gently pushed his hand away.
"I'm fine," she whispered.
Her voice wasn't strong. It trembled like a cracked glass that could break any second.
Mohandria watched her from the fire pit. "You barely slept. Your body is weakening."
Kimberly shook her head. "I can't rest. Theo is fighting something I don't understand. Every time I close my eyes, I feel heat on my skin. Every breath I take feels heavy… like he's calling out to me."
Zach exchanged a glance with Mohandria. "Your bond is going through the final test."
Kimberly swallowed hard. "The test won't kill him?"
Mohandria hesitated.
"Tell me the truth," Kimberly demanded softly, her eyes sharp with pain.
