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.

my throat, and my shoulders

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

"Astrid."

wrapped around me from behind, pulling me

been comforting, but nothing could ease the weight crushing my

the top of my

have to take care of yourself too," he murmured. "Too much stress, too much grief-it won't

name, a fresh wave of pain surged through me,

now he's-" I sucked in a sharp breath, unable to say it out

still here. And he needs

shattered the moment Elara's screams

But I didn't.

standing at the foot of Ryker's cot, waiting patiently for me to

I wasn't.

I forced myself to ask

man with steady eyes and a calm presence-exhaled softly before speaking. "Ryker was thrown against the wall during the attack. He hit his head hard enough to lose

grip on his

continued, his tone firm, reassuring, "he didn't suffer any serious injuries. The worst was the impact to

expect him to wake soon, though he will feel weak for

knees nearly buckled

sit on the cot beside

doctor added with a small nod. "Just like

to believe him.

I just sat the

fingers

my

covering mouth as I fought

quiet except for the soft crackling

Killian sat beside

leaning into his warmth, letting

into

Then-

movement against

My eyes snapped open.

twitched in

heart leaping into my

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