Damien's POV
The scent of antiseptic clung to my skin, like a second layer, a sterile veil that failed to mask the chaos churning within me. The guilt eating me. As I stated Zendaya lay on the infirmary bed, her face pale, her breathing shallow, each rise and fall a silent testament to her resilience. I stood beside her, arms crossed, jaw clenched, battling the storm of emotions threatening to consume me.
"No visitors," I instructed the nurse, my voice a low growl. She nodded quickly, eyes wide with anxiety retreating from the room. As if my presence was suffocating. And I knew why, Midnight was almost fronting, using my Alpha phenomenon to send anyone away from mate, his way of protecting her.
I remained still for a beat, staring down at the girl who's turned my world sideways. The alliance pawn now turned mate. I almost laughed at the irony of it.
