Chapter 9: Visions
ARIA POV
Pain surged through my head like lightning, knocking me to my knees. The visions had been coming all day—flashes of wolves rushing, mountains I had never seen before, and blood on the snow. Each one caused blinding pain, making me want to scream.
I put my palms on my temples and rocked back and forth on the floor. What happened to me? Since Elder Malin’s arrival last night—since knowing I was the daughter of a slain Alpha—my mind has felt torn apart.
A harsh knock on the door made me flinch. I couldn’t deal with any more guards, questioning, or threats.
"Go away," I said softly.
The door opened anyhow. I looked up, ready to lash out at whoever had neglected me, but the words died in my throat.
Lucien stood in the doorway, his arms filled with plants and small fabric bags. The quietest triplet. He claimed to have been protecting me all along.
"You’re in pain," he whispered quietly. It was not a question.
I simply nodded, too tired to lie. The pull in my chest that connected me to him seemed like a calm heartbeat, unlike the harsh tug I felt with Kael or the frantic tugging with Jaxon.
Lucien closed the door behind him and crouched next to me. "I brought something that might help."
"Did your father send you to question me about Elder Malin?" I inquired, my voice firm despite the agony.