Denise's POV
The sounds of pack celebration pierced through my sleep like jagged glass. Every howl and cheer sent tremors of anxiety through my weakened body, making me feel exposed and defenseless. Hot tears carved paths down my pale cheeks as overwhelming terror gripped my chest.
"Are you hurting? What's wrong?" Lopez's voice cut through the haze of panic. She had drawn the short straw for hospital duty today.
"Is someone attacking us? What's happening out there?" My voice cracked with fear.
"No attack. I'm not exactly sure what's going on, but I can go find out if you need me to," Lopez offered, already starting to rise from her chair.
"Don't go anywhere. Please stay with me," I begged, my fingers clutching at the hospital sheets. The desperation in my own voice made me cringe.
