Astrid's POV
The days that followed were a blur of weakness and quiet recovery. My world had shrunk to the confines of my chamber, a beautiful cage where the only sounds were the soft rustle of sheets and the gentle hum of the pack house in the distance. The poison, a cruel ghost in my system, had receded, but it had left a deep, physical exhaustion in its wake. My body felt as heavy and listless as my heart.
Of all my mates, it was Aidan who remained a constant, patient presence. Roshan and Zane came and went, their scents a confusing mix of protectiveness and a cold, angry frustration, but Aidan stayed. He was the one who prepared my meals, coaxing me to eat with a quiet persistence. He was the one who sat by my bedside for hours, not speaking, just being there. His presence was a balm
