Page 29 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Ahh—" I screamed and collapsed.

My wolf howled in anguish inside me.

Pain I'd never experienced before, tearing me in half. Even my soul trembled. My vision blurred. Darkness swallowed me fast.

In the last moment before consciousness faded, strong arms caught me. Then Cedric's frantic voice, "Alice, what's wrong? You okay?"

Chapter Seven

Cedric

"Alice!" My voice tore through the morning light, edged with a panic I'd never felt before.

I watched her body go rigid the moment she crossed the palace boundary, then crumple like a puppet with cut strings.

My heart nearly stopped. I lunged forward, insane with fear, and caught her in my arms. Her face was deathly pale, lips bloodless, eyes shut tight. She was limp. Unresponsive.

"Alice!" My hands shook. My voice shook. "Wake up! Open your eyes!"

Nothing. Her breath grew fainter, like it might vanish altogether. The terror was suffocating.

I'd never been this afraid. Not surrounded by enemies on the battlefield. Not even holding Arcales as he took his last breath. But now, seeing her like this—my heart was shredding itself to pieces.

My wolf howled in my chest, desperate and terrified, begging me to save our mate.

"Damn it!" I cursed under my breath. Her body was ice-cold, light as a feather. I couldn't think. I just ran, holding her tight.

"Get the healers!" I roared at my men. "Now! Every healer in the palace! Move!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

I carried Alice back as fast as I could, then laid her carefully on the bed. Still pale. Brow furrowed. Breath so shallow I could barely feel it.

"Alice..." I gripped her cold hand. "Please. Please wake up..."

She didn't respond.

"Your Majesty!" The healers burst through the door, panting.

"Check her. Now." My voice cracked despite my best efforts.

The healer moved quickly, examining Alice while I stood frozen at the bedside, watching his every move.

Time dragged. Every second was agony. He checked her pulse. Lifted her eyelids. Listened to her breathing.

Each motion made my heart lurch. My fists clenched tighter and tighter until my nails bit into my palms.

Finally, the healer straightened and turned to me.

"Your Majesty," he said calmly, "the Queen is unharmed."

My body went slack. I almost fell.

"You're... you're sure?" My voice was hoarse. "She's really okay? Then why did she collapse? She's so pale..."

"I'm certain, Your Majesty." The healer nodded. "Her Majesty simply fainted from extreme stress and exhaustion. A good night's rest, and she'll recover by morning."

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. The knot in my chest finally loosened.