Chapter 429: Family on the Edge

Astrid's POV

The corridors leading to the infirmary felt impossibly long, the walls closing in on me with every step.

My heart pounded, a relentless drumbeat of panic and guilt, louder than my own breath, louder than the torches flickering along the stone walls.

Ryker.

My son.

The thought of him lying there, unconscious and injured, made my stomach twist violently. I should have been there. I should have protected them both.

Killian's hand was firm on the small of my back, steadying me, grounding me, but I barely felt it.

The only thing I could focus on was the door ahead, slightly ajar, spilling faint light into the dim hallway.

I hesitated for only a second before pushing it open.

The moment I saw him, my legs nearly gave out beneath me.

Ryker lay on the bed, his small body dwarfed by the sheets tucked around him.

His face was too pale, his lashes dark against his cheeks, his breathing slow and shallow.

A thick bandage was wrapped around his head, stark against his golden hair.

My vision blurred as I rushed to his side, my hands trembling as they hovered over him before finally, gently, gripping his hand.

His fingers were warm but limp in mine.

Tears burned my eyes, hot and unrelenting.

"Ryker," I whispered, my voice breaking.

He didn't stir.

I tightened my grip on his small hand, my thumb brushing over his knuckles, as if I could will him to wake up, to open those sharp, intelligent eyes and tell me he was okay.

But he didn't move.

escaped my

there," I whispered hoarsely, to no one in particular. "I should

"Astrid."

from

should have been comforting, but nothing could ease the weight crushing my

against the top of my

care of yourself too," he murmured. "Too much stress, too much

fresh wave of pain surged through me, cutting deep, slicing through my

now he's-"

is still here.

that I was already breaking. That I had shattered the moment Elara's screams

But I didn't.

throat and turned to the doctor standing at the foot of Ryker's cot, waiting patiently for

I wasn't.

myself to ask anyway.

steady eyes and a calm presence-exhaled softly before speaking. "Ryker was thrown against the wall during the attack.

on his hand

tone firm, reassuring, "he didn't suffer any serious injuries. The worst was

soon, though he will feel weak for a

knees nearly buckled

sit on the cot beside Ryker,

a small nod. "Just

wanted to believe him. I

long time, I just

fingers

my

covering mouth as I fought

for the soft crackling of the torches and the faint

fabric as Killian sat

his warmth, letting his presence keep me

too far into

Then-

faint, barely-there movement against

My eyes snapped open.

twitched in my

my heart

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255