Chapter 169

Elara's POV

When I woke the next morning, the sterile scent of herbs and wolf-healers' salves clung to the air. My lashes fluttered open, and the first thing I saw was Zarek.

The Steelbound Alpha, my storm-shadow.

He was slumped against the side of my bed in the infirmary chamber, his head resting by my arm as if he had fought sleep until exhaustion dragged him under. His broad shoulders curved in