**Tiana's POV**
Theo's face darkened with worry, and his hands moved frantically, checking me for any visible injuries. His touch was gentle but firm, searching for wounds or signs of what could be causing my pain. His panic was evident, and I could see the fear in his eyes as he realized the extent of my condition.
"Tiana, what's wrong? Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice urgent and strained. The sound of his voice sent a wave of calmness through me, but it was quickly replaced by a surge of pain.
I could barely form the words, but I forced myself to speak, each syllable a struggle. "No... just... can't move... Body pain..." My voice was barely above a whisper
Theo's eyes widened as he pressed the back of his hand to my forehead. "You're burning up," he muttered, panic lacing his voice. His hand felt cool against my skin, and I leaned into his touch.
Without wasting another moment, he scooped me up in his arms, lifting me effortlessly into a bridal carry. The sudden movement made my vision blur, but I clung to consciousness, focusing on the steady beat of Theo's heart against my ear.
The sound was reassuring, and I felt a sense of safety wash over me. I closed my eyes, letting the rhythm of his heartbeat lull me into a state of semi-consciousness.
"We need to get you to the infirmary," he said, his tone strained. He moved quickly but carefully, carrying me through the hallways of the pack house.
At the royal infirmary, despite my dizziness and pain, I couldn't help but notice that the royal physician was a woman. It was quite a surprise. The stern-looking woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, looked up from her desk as Theo burst through the door. "She needs help," Theo said, his voice commanding yet tinged with fear.
The physician quickly assessed the situation, her eyes narrowing as she took in my trembling form and flushed face. "Lay her down on the bed," she instructed, and Theo gently placed me on the nearest examination table.
The royal physician began her examination, her hands moving swiftly and expertly over my body, checking for signs of injury or illness. She took my temperature, her frown deepening as her hand lay on my skin. "She's running a high fever," she said, her tone professional but concerned. "What happened to her?"
"She was fine yesterday," Theo said, his voice tight with worry. "She had training, but it wasn't anything too intense. Could that be the cause?"
The physician shook her head. "Overexertion can sometimes cause fever, especially if the body is already weakened. But this level of fever suggests something more. Did she do anything else strenuous?"
Before I could attempt to answer, the infirmary door flew open, and Layla rushed in, her face flushed with anxiety. "See why you shouldn't have done what you did yesterday?" she exclaimed, her eyes filled with concern and a touch of reprimand.
Theo turned to her, confusion etched on his face. "What did she do?"
Layla took a deep breath, her gaze shifting between Theo and me. "She spent hours organizing and taking inventory of the supplies, and then she worked in the kitchen, cleaning and washing the dishes. I heard she even told all the maids to take a leave. She overworked herself, and I told her she didn't have to do it, but she insisted. If only I had seen her before she started."
Theo's face hardened as he turned back to me, his eyes full of a mixture of worry and frustration. "Tiana, why didn't you tell us? Why did you push yourself so hard?"
I managed a weak smile, my voice barely a whisper. "Wanted to help... didn't want to be a burden."
Theo's expression softened, and he brushed a strand of hair from my face. "You're not a burden," he said gently. "You never were. I want you here. If I didn't, you would have been long gone."
"See," Layla added. "I told you."
The physician interjected, her tone firm. "She needs rest and fluids. I'll prescribe something to help with the fever, but she must stay in bed and avoid any strenuous activities until she's fully recovered."
Theo nodded, his grip on my hand tightening as if he feared I might slip away.
As the evening sun began to filter through the infirmary window, casting soft rays across the room, I found myself drifting in and out of sleep. The comforting presence of Theo and Layla had done wonders for my spirits, and my fever had finally broken. I was starting to feel like myself again, although still weak and tired.
The door creaked open, and I turned my head slightly to see who had come to visit. To my surprise, it was Fiona. Her face was a mask of exaggerated concern, her eyes wide and her lips turned down in a theatrical pout.
This woman was so pretentious that it made my blood boil, but what could I do?
"Oh my God, Tiana," she exclaimed, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "I'm so sorry to see you in this state. I can't believe you're feeling so weak after everything."
She approached the bed, wringing her hands in a show of distress. "You know, it's probably because you don't have a wolf. You're just not strong enough to handle the training and the work."
Theo, who had been sitting beside me, stiffened at her words. His jaw tightened, and he looked ready to say something, but before he could, the door swung open again, and Amara walked in.
"Oh my goodness, Tiana," Amara said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "I heard you were sick. How are you feeling?"
Before I could respond, Amara's eyes landed on Fiona. Her expression shifted from worry to anger in an instant, her gaze hardening into a glare. "This is all your fault," she snapped, pointing an accusing finger at Fiona.
Fiona's eyes widened in mock surprise. "What? How can you say that?”