I felt like I was swimming through thick fog as consciousness slowly returned. The muted beeping of medical machines penetrated my awareness before I could even open my eyes. My eyelids were so heavy, like they were weighted down with lead.
When I finally managed to blink them open, I found myself tucked into my nest in Silverholm. The familiar comfort of the blankets and pillows surrounded me, but now they were joined by IV lines and monitoring equipment. For a moment, I stared blankly at the ceiling, trying to gather my scattered thoughts.
Then it all rushed back.
The video call. The explosion. The burning wreckage.
"Kaelen," I whispered, my voice cracking from disuse.
My wolf surged forward immediately, fierce and certain. *Mate lives. Mate not gone.*
I clung to her conviction like a drowning woman to a life raft. My hand drifted down to my swollen belly, checking on Rhys. His presence felt strong but agitated. He kicked against my palm as if reassuring me he was okay.
