Kamrynn's POV
The door to my room creaked open, and Tiona walked in carrying a tray of food, the smell wafting in before her. Amara followed close behind, her worried eyes scanning me as if expecting to find me on the brink of collapse.
"Kamrynn," Tiona said, her voice soft but strained. "How are you feeling? You gave us all such a scare."
I sat up slowly, managing a small smile. "I'm fine, really. There's no need to worry."
"No need to worry?" Amara repeated, dropping onto the edge of my bed with a huff. "You were out cold for two days, Kamrynn. Two days! We thought…" She trailed off, shaking her head as if banishing the thought.
Tiona set the tray on the bedside table and crossed her arms, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Luna Rmonica called everything off after we found you. The final day and night of the festival didn't happen. She didn't want anyone celebrating while you were like that."
My eyes widened. "She stopped the festival?"
"Completely," Tiona confirmed. "The Pack understood, of course, but it's been quiet around here ever since. Most of the guests have already left."
"Who's gone?" I asked, though I wasn't sure why it mattered.
"Alpha Zane and Luna Isla left yesterday morning," Amara said, ticking off names with her fingers. "Alpha Rain and Luna Rielle left not long after. The only ones still here are Alpha Draven and Thalia."
I was out for two days so that means… four days. That was all the time left before the mating ceremony. My stomach twisted as I realized just how little time I had to stop whatever nightmare was looming over the Pack.
"Kamrynn?" Tiona's voice brought me back to the present. "Are you sure you're okay? You look pale again."
I forced myself to nod, reaching for the glass of water on the tray. "I'm fine," I said, taking a sip. "Just tired, that's all."
Amara frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You've been through a lot. You shouldn't push yourself."
"I won't," I assured her, though the words felt like a lie. My mind was already racing, trying to piece together some sort of plan.
Tiona reached out, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "Eat something, Kamrynn. You need to regain your strength."
I nodded again, picking up the fork and taking a small bite of the food she'd brought. It tasted good, but every bite felt heavy, like a weight pressing on my chest. I forced myself to eat, knowing I couldn't afford to be weak.
"We'll let you rest after this," Amara said, her voice softer now. "But please, don't hesitate to call if you need anything. You've got us all worried sick."
"I will," I promised, though I knew rest wasn't on my agenda.
After finishing the meal, I thanked them both and watched as they left the room, closing the door softly behind them.
The room felt too quiet once they were gone, the silence pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket. I stood slowly, heading to the bathroom for a quick shower. The hot water did little to soothe the tension in my muscles or the storm raging in my mind.
Four days.
That was all the time I had to stop whatever Alpha Draven was planning. I had no clue what it was but I was most certain it had everything to do with the mating ceremony, it's why he's having it rushed. And I was also certain Thalia was in on it. Her coy glances, the way she was practically seducing Kyven-it all pointed to her having an agenda.
"She knows something," I muttered to myself as I pulled on a fresh set of clothes.
Aryna's voice echoed in my mind, calm but firm. "Are you sure this is the best approach? Confronting her could backfire."
"What other choice do I have?" I shot back. "She's the only link I have to Draven. If I don't do something now, it'll be too late."
Aryna sighed but didn't argue further, and I headed toward Thalia's room with my resolve set.
I stood outside Thalia's room, my heart pounding as I raised my fist to knock on the door. My mind replayed the events of the last few days-the poisoning, Draven's cryptic phone call, and now the dwindling days before the mating ceremony. Everything pointed to her father's sinister plan, and I couldn't shake the feeling that Thalia was involved.
The door creaked open, and Thalia's wide, startled eyes met mine. She froze, like a child caught with their hand in the cookie jar. "Oh, Kamrynn," she said, her voice unnaturally high-pitched. "I didn't expect to see you. Are you…feeling better? I heard you were passed out for a while."
I ignored her attempt at small talk, brushing past her into the room without a word.
"Uh…" Thalia hesitated, closing the door behind me. "Is something wrong?"
I turned to face her, studying her closely. She was fidgeting, her fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve. Her eyes darted around the room, never settling on me, as if searching for an escape. That behavior only solidified my suspicions.
"Yes, something's wrong," I said sharply, taking a step closer. "You have two minutes to tell me the truth, Thalia. What is your father planning?"
Her head snapped up, and her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you talking about? My father isn't planning anything."
I crossed my arms, my patience wearing thin. "Don't play dumb with me. I know he's up to something, and I know you're in on it."
Her confusion deepened, or perhaps it was an act. "Kamrynn, I have no idea what you're talking about. I think you might be-"
"Lying," I interrupted, my voice rising. My blood boiled at her feigned innocence.
Thalia opened her mouth to respond, but I didn't give her a chance. My frustration reached its breaking point and something in me snapped. I grabbed her by the hair, yanking hard enough to make her shriek in pain.
"Stop playing games!" I growled, pulling harder when she tried to pry my hand away. "Tell me what your father is planning!"