Kamrynn's POV
I floated in a vast expanse of black water, the abyss stretching endlessly in every direction. There was no light, no sound, no sense of up or down. The oppressive silence pressed against me, thick and suffocating, as if the darkness itself was alive. I struggled to move, but the water clung to me, pulling me deeper into the void.
"Help," I tried to cry out, but no sound left my lips. My lungs burned as the dark liquid filled them, choking me. The pressure in my chest grew unbearable, and my limbs felt like lead.
Panic clawed at me as the abyss tightened its grip, the currents dragging me down with merciless force. My vision blurred, my mind screamed, and just as I was about to surrender to the darkness, I jolted awake.
I gasped, clutching my chest as I shot upright in bed. My breath came in ragged gulps, my heart pounding like a drum in my ears. The nightmare clung to me, its cold, clammy fingers refusing to let go.
"Kamrynn!" Rmonica's voice broke through the fog of fear, warm and filled with relief.
I turned my head slowly, the motion sending a dull ache through my body. She was seated beside me, her eyes brimming with concern. "Thank the goddess, you're awake! I was so worried!"
"Rmonica?" My voice cracked, raspy and weak. "What…what happened?"
She reached out, taking my hand in both of hers. "You've been unconscious for two days, Kamrynn. We found you passed out in your room. You had us all terrified."
"Two days?" I repeated in shock, my chest tightening as the memory of Alpha Draven and the syringe flashed in my mind, the liquid seeping into my bloodstream. The fear, the helplessness. My pulse quickened.
The encounter with Alpha Draven almost felt like a distant dream now, the edges of the memory blurred and surreal. But the fear it left behind was sharp and real, like a blade hovering over my neck.
What did he inject me with? What had he done to me?
"Oh no…"
Panic surged through me, and my hands instinctively flew to my belly. "My babies-are they okay? Please tell me they're okay!"
Rmonica was quick to reassure me, her hands covering mine. "Your babies are fine," she said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "I wouldn't let anything happen to them, Kamrynn. I promise."
Her words brought a wave of relief, but my heart still pounded. "Are you sure?" I whispered, my voice trembling.
She nodded, squeezing my hands tightly. "The doctor checked everything. Your babies are perfectly healthy. You've been through a lot, but they're strong, just like their mother."
I closed my eyes, exhaling shakily as I let her words sink in. "Thank the goddess," I murmured, rubbing my belly protectively.
"How are you feeling now?" Rmonica pressed, her voice gentle but insistent. "Do you feel any pain? Anywhere at all?"
"My throat is dry, and my body aches," I admitted, my voice still hoarse. "But it's not unbearable."
Her brows furrowed in concern as she placed a hand on my forehead, checking for a fever. "The doctor said you were in a coma-like state," she explained, sitting back slightly. "He couldn't find any physical injuries or illnesses, though. It was as if your body just…shut down."
"Shut down?" I echoed, my heart sinking.
"Yes." Her gaze softened as she continued. "He mentioned it might have been due to extreme stress or exhaustion. But he ran every test he could think of and found no signs of lasting damage. He said your body is remarkably resilient, Kamrynn."
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to nod. "That's…good, I guess."
Her concerned gaze lingered on me. "Kamrynn, do you remember what happened? Why you passed out?"
I hesitated, my thoughts racing. The memory of Draven's sinister words and the syringe loomed large in my mind, but I didn't have enough evidence to confront him, let alone share my suspicions with Rmonica. All I knew was that he was planning something-something dark and terrible.
But what?
My stomach twisted as I replayed his chilling words in my mind, but they weren't enough. Without solid proof, I'd only be raising alarm bells based on gut instinct and fragmented memories. And if I was wrong, the consequences of accusing an Alpha falsely could be catastrophic.
I inhaled shakily, pushing the thought aside. No, I couldn't tell Rmonica. Not yet. Not until I had something concrete.
"No," I lied, shaking my head slowly. "I don't remember anything."
Rmonica's shoulders slumped slightly, her lips pressing into a thin line. "It's okay," she said finally, her voice kind but tinged with worry. "Whatever it was, you're awake now, and that's all that matters. You're strong, Kamrynn. You'll get through this."
"Thank you," I murmured, my gratitude genuine despite the weight of my secret.
She stood, smoothing her dress. "I'll make sure some food is sent up to you right away. You need to eat and rest. No arguments, okay?"
I managed a weak smile. "Okay."
Rmonica gave my hand one last squeeze before heading to the door. "I'll check on you later. Just focus on resting, Kamrynn."
"I will," I promised, watching her leave. But as the door clicked shut, the unease I'd been suppressing bubbled back to the surface.
A wave of nausea hit me like a punch to the gut. I barely made it to the bathroom before doubling over the sink, retching violently.
A thick, black substance spewed out, splattering into the basin with a sickening sound. The sight and smell made my stomach turn, and I clung to the edge of the sink, trembling as more of the vile liquid forced its way out.
"Aryna," I gasped, my voice shaky. "What…what is this?"
Aryna's voice was grim. "Kamrynn, it's poison. Alpha Draven poisoned you."
I stared at the sink in horror, the reality sinking in. "Poison?"
"Yes," Aryna confirmed. "That injection was meant to kill you. But you're the goddess's descendant, Kamrynn. Your body is immune to poison."
The words hit me like a thunderclap. "Immune?"
"You didn't know? It's one of your special abilities." Aryna said softly. "Your body has been fighting the poison for two days. That's why you were unconscious. And this-" she indicated the black sludge, "-is what your body just expelled. It's the last of the poison."
I gripped the sink tighter, my mind racing. Draven had tried to kill me despite the fact that I had only heard a small snippet of his conversation. He was willing to go to such lengths to protect his secret.
"He failed," I whispered, my voice shaking.
"This time," Aryna warned. "But Kamrynn, this means he's capable of anything. Your life is in danger. Everyone's life is in danger."
I wiped my mouth with a trembling hand, staring at the sink as the black sludge swirled down the drain. My legs felt weak, my heart pounding with fear and anger.
"I need to stop him," I said firmly.
"We need a plan," Aryna urged. "Don't rush. Be careful."
I nodded, determination hardening my resolve. He messed with the wrong people. Draven had made his move, and now it was my turn.