The weight of Seraphina in my arms felt both precious and terrifying as I strode through the compound's halls. Blood—hers and mine—had dried in rust-colored patterns across her skin. Her body remained limp, her breathing shallow but steady. The vacancy in her usually expressive eyes haunted me.
Orion met me at the door to our suite, his face hardening at the sight of Seraphina's condition.
"Alpha," he said, his voice clipped as he held the door open. "The doctor is on his way."
I nodded curtly, carrying Seraphina directly to our bedroom. With painful gentleness, I laid her on the bed, reluctant to break contact even for a moment.
"What happened?" Orion asked, hovering in the doorway.
"Ambush. Well-coordinated." My voice sounded hollow even to my own ears. "At least eight rogues. They separated us deliberately, then went after her."
Orion cursed under his breath. "During a Moon Ceremony? That's—"
