Chapter 119
Kessler’s POV
With hurried steps, we made our way to the pack hospital. I wonder what might have gone wrong for my attention to be needed at the hospital, but I was grateful that Lyra was right by my side.
The thought of anything happening to Lyra filled me with dread as I remembered what had happened in her room.
As we approached the hospital, my heart raced with worry. The memory of finding Lyra in distress in her room flashed through my mind.
It’s a relief that Lyra was able to control her powers without harming the baby. Ryder must have taken advantage of the situation, knowing we were all focused on Annie’s well-being.
I wondered if there was a connection between Ryder’s actions and Annie’s condition. Regardless, I made a mental note to investigate the matter swiftly. The safety and security of our pack were important and we needed to uncover the truth to protect everyone.
Many serious issues have happened within my pack, and I can no longer afford to overlook them.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
We arrived at the pack hospital swiftly, and I wasted no time in seeking answers from Daniel, our pack doctor. “Daniel, what’s wrong?” I asked urgently.
Daniel’s expression was grave as he met my gaze. “Luna doesn’t have much time, but she pleaded to see you.”
My heart sank at his words, with thoughts of Annie’s condition being critical. Without hesitation, I followed Daniel to Annie’s bedside.
I’m grateful that she at least wants to see me, considering how lifeless she looked when we rescued her.
Despite everything she’s put us through as a pack and in terms of my relationship with Lyra, I find myself craving for her to get better.
As I approach Annie’s bedside, the pack doctor’s voice stops me in my tracks. “Please be gentle with her, she needs all the love she can get.”
I haven’t made any public announcements denouncing her as my Luna. Everyone still thinks she is Luna, except for a few in the inner court circles.
I nod silently, absorbing the doctor’s words. Stepping closer to Annie’s bedside, I see her fragile form lying there, her breathing shallow and her eyes closed. But the thought still lingers. How did it happen?
Lyra was beside me until we reached the hospital, but she decided to stay outside when I walked in to see Annie, allowing us to have our moment. I am grateful for her understanding.
Annie stirs slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. There’s a flicker of recognition in her eyes as she looks at me. “Alpha Kessler, you came,” she says weakly, her voice barely audible. A small smile forms on her lips, but it’s clear that it’s forced by the look in her eyes.
I nod my head, “I came immediately when I got the mind link,” I said, my voice gentle.
Annie bursts out crying, though faintly. “I’m so sorry, Kessler,” she manages to say amidst her tears.
I place a finger on her lips gently, shushing her. “It’s okay, Annie, don’t apologize. Just focus on getting better.”
She shook her head, her expression pained. “Please, let me,” she pleaded. “I’ve done so many horrible things to you and your pack. I don’t deserve the kindness you’re showing to make sure I’m fine.”
“For the record, you are still Luna,” I said firmly, trying to persuade her to hold on and stay alive.
“Stop it, Kessler, I know I’ve not been a good example to our pack. I was manipulative and I tried to win my way into your bed even when I knew you found your mate.” She said, her faint voice filled with regret.
“I need all the forgiveness I can get. I’m sorry for making Lyra’s life a living hell. I’ve been so consumed with my passion to become a Luna that I rejected my mate.”
I place a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Annie, you don’t need to apologize, we’ll work through this together.”
She shakes her head, her eyes pleading. “Please, contact him for me and hand over his baby to him.”
“Stop, you will both take care of your baby together. It’s not too late to make things right, Annie.” I interrupted her.
Annie shook her head, her voice filled with regret. “I’m not proud of the woman I’ve become. I don’t know if I will be able to live with the guilt of everything I have done.”
“You need to forgive yourself, that baby needs you and Xander. I know you will be great together.” I told her gently, placing a hand on hers.
Annie shakes her head harder, tears streaming down her face. I can see that she has given up hope of survival, even if there was any sign she would come through. My heart aches for her, I can feel her guilt and the struggle she faces.
“Please, while she is with Xander, I trust you and Lyra to keep an eye on her. You both are her godparents and take care of her like she is your blood,” Annie said with a pleading tone.
I didn’t like hearing everything she was saying; it sounded like someone preparing for the worst, making sure everything was in order before passing away.
“Stop this, Annie, Daniel is doing his best, and we’re all praying to the moon goddess for your recovery.” I insist, trying to sway her off the depressing talk.
Annie mods. “And please, tell Lyra to forgive me. I can’t bear to look into her eyes with everything I’ve done to her. You both deserve each other, and I’m so sorry for coming between you two.”
Lost in thought, I wonder why life has to be so cruel. Who could have done this terrible thing to her, causing her to lose the will to stay and care for her daughter?
Turning to Annie, I ask firmly, “Who did this to you, Annie? Answer me. I know you’ve made mistakes and been with the wrong people, but please, tell me who dumped you at our pack border.”
I was met with silence, Annie’s face turned towards the wall. I could tell she was exhausted from talking and crying. It was clear she had strained herself too much and needed rest.
However, a nagging feeling urged me to try once more. I moved closer to her and gently shook her shoulder. “Annie, who did this to you?” I asked again, but I was met with continued silence.
I panic as I consider the possibilities of what might have happened. I shook her again, but there was still no response. Worried now, I checked her pulse and realized it was weak.
I called out to Daniel in panic, watching as he rushed inside and took swift action to check on Annie. I stepped aside, allowing him the space to do his job. I observed as he brought out his stethoscope and checked everything he needed to.
Daniel’s expression turned somber as he removed the stethoscope and looked at me with sadness in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Alpha, we lost her.”
Everything happened in a daze as if I were dreaming. We were just having a conversation, and right after I asked her who was responsible for what happened to her, she passed away.
“No, this can’t be,” I say to Daniel. “Check her thoroughly. She was talking just minutes ago.”
“I’m sorry, Alpha,” Daniel replies softly. “I know you’re still in denial, not accepting that she’s gone, but she is Alpha.”
“She’s no longer with us,” I mutter through gritted teeth. “How are we supposed to find out who did this to her?”
Ryder is unconscious, and I doubt he will survive the harm inflicted upon him. My heart cringes with the realization of Lyra being in that state if she hasn’t acted fast.
I can’t imagine my life without Lyra. In that instance, she steps in. I know she’s worried about me; perhaps the pack doctor asked her to come to him.
She comes closer to me, holding me steady as I look at her and say, “She’s gone.”
Lyra wraps her hand around me, her protruding stomach poking me, and I melt into her touch, finding solace.
Lyra guided me outside the room, and we settled onto one of the chairs. “Daniel told me she should rest, he doubts she’ll be herself again if she survives,” Lyra said softly, trying to ease my worries.
I looked into Lyra’s eyes and said, “Sunshine, there’s something else.” I hesitated, dreading to voice my concern, unsure if she would agree to it.
Her curiosity piqued, Lyra leaned closer and asked, “What is it?”