“What happened to him?” I choked out.
“He was shot with a laser weapon,” said someone from behind.
I saw an older Alaran male dressed in orange-gold and blue robes when I turned.
He carried himself with dignity, yet wasn’t overly intimidating.
I became self-conscious as he watched me curiously. “He what? Why?” I gulped, turning back to stare down at Trex’s serene face.
None of this made sense to me. Trex mentioned that the royal family was popular among the people of Alara. How could they do this to him?
The doctor treating Trex with Rekna had paused and squinted at me with a terrifying gaze.
Orin came closer and put a hand on my shoulder than leaned to speak into my ear. “Come with me.” His voice was laced with a warning.
The knowledge of me being Trex’s mate had to remain hidden until it was safe to reveal.
The older Alaran in the robes hadn’t creeped me out. His curiosity about me made me feel self-conscious. I doubted he knew of my connection to the Prince until now.
But this strange medic’s gaze made my skin crawl. There was something sinister in the way he looked me over.
I caught Rekna’s eye, and he gave me a half nod as if to say I should leave.
Facing Orin, I was torn. I hated to leave Trex’s side, but Trex would want me to be safe and let Orin do his job.
“We should go,” I whispered, feeling the eyes of the strange medic on me as we walked away.
Upon reaching the corridor, Orin glanced down at me with a furrowed brow. “Are you still in pain?”
I looked at my shoulder, shaking my head. “No.” I rubbed it. “I think I was sensing Trex’s pain.”
Orin’s face paled. “We need to get you somewhere safe. Tell no one what you told me.” He gently grasped my upper arm and took a step forward.
“But I don’t want to leave him. Can’t we stay nearby? I asked, stopping.
Orin pressed his lips, but I saw a flash of worry in his eyes. “He is in expert hands. I will tell you the minute he is awake. But he will kill me if anything happens to you. Let me take you to your suite and I will come back and check on him.”
I sighed and bowed my head. Orin was right. I had promised Trex I would stay put, and I’d already given away my connection to him.
My fists clenched, and I sent out my thoughts to him in an attempt to test our connection. To see if he was waking up. When all I got back was silence, I felt a surge of panic. My face and hands became covered in sweat. I felt lightheaded, but I took a few breaths to calm down.
He can’t leave me. He just can’t. Whatever gods are out there, please heal my Trex and make him well again. You brought us together. Don’t take him from me. Please, not now.
I PACED THE ROOM FORwhat felt like hours. My hands trembled as I rubbed my tunic and fought back tears, unable to bear the idea of life without Trex.
I’d tuned out Riley and Olivia’s whispers and continued to search for Trex’s thoughts in my mind, eager for him to regain consciousness.
Riley intercepted me by stepping in front, blocking my path. It surprised me and I snapped back to reality.
“You should sit down and relax. Let me get you something to eat or drink.”
I balled my fists and the knot in my stomach tightened. “I can’t eat. Not until I know Trex is going to be okay.”
Riley sighed and walked back to the sofa, resigned to the fact I was not ready to accept help from anyone.
Finally, the door slid open, and I swung my head to see Orin. His face didn’t betray his emotions, but when he got closer to me, he gave me a thin smile.
“Rekna says Prince Trex will be okay. He’ll be moved to his suite once he wakes up.
