Chapter 29: Midnight Swim
Lily Carter POV
I bolted upright in bed, sweat dripping down my face as the nightmare faded. In my dream, Elder Thomas had been chasing me through the forest while Shadow Wolves laughed from the trees. Even though we’d escaped the courtyard trap three days ago, I still couldn’t sleep properly.
My hands shook as I pushed back the covers. The clock showed midnight, but I knew I wouldn’t fall asleep again anytime soon. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw those glazed faces of pack members who’d turned against us.
I slipped out of my room and tiptoed through the Alpha house. Maybe some fresh air would help calm my rushing heart. The Moon Pool always made me feel peaceful, and tonight I badly needed that peace.
But as I approached the holy pool, I heard a splash. Someone was already there.
I crept closer, staying hidden behind the trees. In the moonlight, I could see Caleb swimming smooth strokes across the pool’s surface. His movements looked angry, like he was fighting the water instead of going through it.
He pulled himself onto the pool’s edge, breathing hard. Even from my hiding spot, I could see the tightness in his shoulders.
"I know you’re there, Lily," he said without turning around. "Your scent gives you away."
Heat rushed to my face as I stepped out from behind the trees. "Sorry. I didn’t mean to watch. I just couldn’t sleep."
"Neither could I." Caleb’s voice sounded tired and angry. "Haven’t slept right since the courtyard incident."
I sat beside him at the pool’s edge, letting my feet dangle in the surprisingly warm water. "Keep having nightmares about our own pack trying to hurt us?"