I woke up to the harsh glow of overhead lights. My body ached, but I wasn’t in my bed. The scent of antiseptic filled the air, and I forced my eyes open, trying to make sense of my surroundings. The walls were white, sterile, and cold. Machines beeped softly around me.

Panic set in. Where was I?

A voice broke through my thoughts. "You’re awake."

I turned sharply, my heart racing. A man stood at the foot of my bed. The moment our eyes met; recognition slammed into me.

"Zach?" My voice was hoarse.

Beta Zachary Ryder. My childhood friend. The one I thought I lost forever.

He nodded, a ghost of a smirk on his face. "You’re safe now."

Safe. The word barely registered as memories of the attack came rushing back. Rogues. The packhouse. Running. The smoke. My chest tightened.

"How did you find me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Zach exhaled, crossing his arms. "I’ve been watching you."

A chill ran down my spine. "What? Why?"

He didn’t hesitate. "Because you were in danger the moment you forced yourself into Alpha Gavin’s pack."

Confusion clouded my mind. "What do you mean?"

Zach’s smirk faded. "Gavin isn’t who you think he is. He’s involved in an illegal scheme that has cost innocent packs their lives. Including mine."

I froze. "That’s impossible. Gavin would never—"

"He did." Zach’s voice was firm. "And now, you’re paying the price for being tied to him."

The room spun. I wanted to believe he was wrong, that this was some misunderstanding. But deep down, I knew Gavin had changed. I had ignored the warning signs, desperate to hold onto something that was never mine to begin with.

Before I could respond, the sound of a television caught my attention. I turned to see a news report flashing on the screen. My stomach dropped.

My face. My name. My disappearance. I had been missing for almost a week.

"That’s not possible," I breathed, shaking my head. "I—it was just a few hours ago."

"No, Ofelia. You were unconscious. Your body was weak." Zach leaned forward. "I brought you to a healer."

I frowned. Something felt different. I didn’t feel as sick, as drained. There was a strange energy running through my veins.

"What did they do to me?" I asked, my voice shaking.

Zach hesitated before answering. "They gave you an elixir. It won’t cure you, but it will prolong your life."

Shock rooted me in place. "That’s not possible."