chapter 94
Tori's POV:
I answered quickly. "Aunt? Is everything okay?"
"Tori, thank goodness," Janet's voice came through, tight with worry.
"It's your grandmother. She fell and injured her leg badly. The doctor says she needs surgery."
My heart, which had just begun to settle after Lucas's surgery, plummeted again. "Surgery? How bad is it?"
"They're not sure yet. The doctors are prepping her now."
"I'm at the Silver Moon medical facility with her now, but I don't know what to do. Anna's with me, and I can't manage both of them."
I closed my eyes, feeling torn in half.
Lucas lay unconscious in one hospital while my grandmother faced surgery in another. The two people I loved most in the world, both in danger at the same time.
"I'll be there as soon as I can," I promised, ending the call.
Hanging up, I turned toward Lucas's room. Through the small window in the door, I could see Elizabeth sitting by his bedside, her elegant posture betraying her exhaustion. Vivienne stood near the window.
Lucas had people—powerful people—who would ensure he received the best care possible.
My grandmother had only Janet... and me.
I took one last look at Lucas's still form, my heart aching with the knowledge that I wouldn't be there when he woke up. But I had to go. I couldn't abandon my grandmother now.
The vehicle rumbled through the dark forest, each mile taking me further from Lucas and closer to my other life—the one full of struggle and uncertainty.
The Silver Moon medical facility was nothing like Moontouch. Where Moontouch gleamed with state-of-the-art equipment and polished floors, this place was humble and worn. The scent of wolf herbs hung heavy in the air, a traditional remedy for pain that more advanced facilities had long abandoned.
"Tori!" Janet rushed toward me, little Anna clinging to her hand.
My five-year-old sister's eyes were puffy from crying, her small body trembling.
"Where is she?" I asked, following Janet down a narrow hallway.
Grandmother Eileen lay on a simple bed, her gray hair spread across the pillow. Her leg was propped up, the swelling visible even under the thin blanket.
Her normally bright silver eyes were dulled with pain.
"Tori," she whispered, reaching out a trembling hand. "You shouldn't have come all this way."
"Of course I came." I took her hand, noting how cold it felt. "What happened?"
Janet explained as I sat by Grandmother's side. "She was on her way to pick Anna up from school when she slipped and fell down the stairs. The doctor says she needs surgery, but—" She hesitated.
"But what?" I pressed.
"But Hannah refused to help with the medical costs." Janet's voice hardened. "She said that with Alexander considering cutting ties with her after her gambling losses at a high-society wolf party, she can't afford to help."
I shook my head, unsure if this was just another of Hannah's convenient excuses or the truth—not that it mattered anymore. I'd long since stopped expecting anything from my mother.
"Don't worry about the moon stones," I said firmly. "I'll handle it."
Janet barely makes enough to keep the household running. I did a quick mental calculation of my savings from my tutoring job and what remained of my scholarship money. It would be tight—very tight—but I could just manage it.
"I have some moonstones saved," I assured them, forcing confidence into my voice.
Janet's eyes filled with guilt. "I'm so sorry, Tori. I should be able to handle this, but between rent and Anna's school fees—"
"Hey," I interrupted gently, "you're already amazing for supporting this family on your own. You've been taking care of Grandma and Anna without any help from Hannah. That counts for something."
"But —"
"I'm not just being stubborn, Janet. I really can afford it," I insisted.
Janet studied my face for a moment before finally nodding, her shoulders relaxing slightly with relief.
A small tug at my sleeve pulled my attention away.
Anna looked up at me with those innocent eyes that somehow hadn't been poisoned by Hannah's bitterness.
"Tori, I missed you," she whispered, wrapping her arms around my waist and burying her face against my stomach. "Are you staying this time?"
"Of course I am, sweetie," I said, smoothing her hair. "I'll stay with you."
Janet gave me a tired smile. "Tori, why don't you take Anna home? You must be exhausted from the journey. I'll stay here with Mom tonight."
I didn't argue. The truth was, I was exhausted and needed to shower and change.
"Call me if anything changes," I told Janet, gathering my things. "Come on, Anna. Let's head home."
The little girl slipped her hand into mine, her warmth a small comfort in the chaos. I gave my grandmother a gentle kiss on the forehead before leading Anna out of the medical facility.
At home, I helped Anna change into pajamas and tucked her into bed, reading her favorite story until her breathing deepened into sleep.
She clung to my hand even in slumber, as if afraid I might disappear.
Poor thing—she must be terrified with everything happening to our family.
I gently stroked her forehead, then lay down beside her, too exhausted to make it to my own bed. My body ached with fatigue but my mind raced with chaotic thoughts.
Had Lucas woken up yet? Would he be disappointed not to see me there?
The phone's sudden ring cut through the quiet room.
I reached for it reflexively, my tired brain barely registering the action.