When I wake, my head is heavy like fog. My body aches. The world tastes like iron and cold. I try to move and Jax is there before I can even think. He holds me like the world could break if he let go. His hands shake against my shoulders. His voice is soft and raw.
“You’re awake.” He says. “You scared me.”
I try to speak. My throat is dry. My mouth tastes of smoke and the moon. I see Joseph across the room. He stands like he always does — tall, calm, a wall that holds the pack together. Elsie is beside him, her face drawn but kind. Around the room, the warriors sit with bandages, dirty and tired from the fight. The pack is whole again, at least for now.
Joseph looks at me and nods once. “Good. You’re back.” He speaks to the room. “She’s awake.”
A small murmur rolls through the pack. So
