"Alpha! Alpha, are you fine?!" Kayden's panicked voice echoed through the forest clearing. His heart thudded painfully as he stared at Lucian who stood frozen, eyes blank and unfocused, staring into the earth as though he had been swallowed by an endless abyss.
"Alpha!" Kayden called again, louder this time, his tone trembling with both worry and fear.
Lucian didn't respond. His shoulders remained stiff, his chest still, his expression disturbingly hollow. For a fleeting moment, it almost seemed as though his soul had been pulled out of him, leaving behind nothing but a body caught between worlds.
And then, suddenly—
Lucian gasped, a sharp, ragged sound that tore through the still air. His entire body jerked as though he had been struck by lightning.
"Alpha!" Kayden shouted again, dropping beside him instantly. His hands hovered helplessly over Lucian's trembling shoulders, unsure if touching him would help or worsen whatever unseen torment was gripping him.
