Page 30 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"However," the healer paused, "Her Majesty seems quite shaken. When she wakes, she may be emotionally volatile."

I nodded wearily. "I understand. You may go."

"Yes, Your Majesty." He bowed and left.

Now it was just the two of us. I sank into the chair beside the bed, studying her pale face. I reached out and took her hand again.

Still so cold. I wrapped both my hands around hers, trying to warm her.

But I couldn't make sense of it. Why had Alice run? I'd felt her panic. Her determination to escape.

What happened to her? Why had she changed so drastically overnight? The day before our wedding, when we met, she'd blushed and said she was excited. Happy to become my mate.

But on our wedding day, she transformed. No more smiles. Cold. Distant.

And this morning—I'd woken to her warmth still in the sheets, but Alice was gone. I thought she'd just gone to another room. Then the bond jolted violently.

The thread connecting us pulled. Trembled. Screamed at me—

She's leaving you.

In that moment, only one thought existed: she was really going to leave me.

"Once I'm pregnant, I'll divorce him." Her words echoed in my head again and again.

Damn it! She'd meant it! Not playing games—she genuinely wanted to escape. I'd gone half-mad, charging out without even grabbing my coat.

I'd followed the bond until I reached the edge of the palace grounds. Finally, I saw her.

"Alice!" I shouted her name, panic bleeding through every syllable.

She ran faster. Didn't look back. Didn't hesitate. Like I was some kind of monster.

Rage surged through me. She wanted to leave me so badly? She hated me so much?

"Alice! Stop right now!" I roared, fury shredding my control. I'd imagined a hundred ways to punish her.

Then she collapsed in front of me. Every thought vanished. Only one thing mattered: she couldn't be hurt.

Remembering it now, my hands still trembled. I stared at her face, emotions churning.

Why? Why run? She used to love me...

A soft moan came from the bed. My body tensed instantly.

Alice's eyes fluttered open. Those green eyes looked confused at first, then focused. The next second, she bolted upright, panic flashing across her face. She scanned the room, voice shaking. "How did I get here?"

Her gaze landed on me. Panic shifted to wariness. Fear. "You... what are you going to do to me?"

It felt like someone had driven a knife through my heart.

She was afraid of me. Guarding against me. Looking at me like I'd hurt her.

"Alice, is that what you think of me?" I bit out, fighting to control my emotions.

She pressed her lips together. Didn't speak. Just stared at me, body shrinking back.

"I saved you last night." I breathed deeply, forcing my voice calm. "You collapsed outside the boundary. I carried you back. The healer said you're just exhausted and stressed. Rest and you'll recover."