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,

one in particular. "I should

"Astrid."

me from behind, pulling me against his

have been comforting, but nothing

against the top of my head, his hold firm but

care of yourself too," he murmured. "Too much stress, too much grief-it won't help him. It won't

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

took her, Killian. And now he's-" I sucked

still here. And he needs his mother strong.

to scream that I was already breaking. That I had shattered the moment

But I didn't.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and turned to the doctor standing at

I wasn't.

to ask anyway.

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

on his

"he didn't suffer any serious injuries. The worst was the impact to his

wake soon, though he will

nearly buckled

guided me gently to sit on the cot beside Ryker, his

the doctor added with a small nod.

believe him. I needed to

time, I just sat the

fingers

my

mouth as

except for the soft crackling of the torches

Killian

eyes, leaning into his warmth, letting his presence keep me

into

Then-

movement against

My eyes snapped open.

twitched in

my heart leaping into my

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