Struggling to rise from the chilly, antiseptic floor of the hospital hallway, I couldn’t ignore the palpable feeling of destion that filled the air. The echo of Nadia’s harsh words resounded in my mind, while the sharp sting of her p remained on my cheek, a constant reminder of her anger. I couldn’t let the pain and humiliation consume me, Instead, I had to find the strength to keep going. Every step forward felt like pushing against an invisible force, the weight of my regrets pulling me back.


    Taking a deep breath, I gathered myposure and slowly pushed open the door to the room at the end of the hallway. Stepping inside, the air was filled with the joyful sounds ofughter and chatter, breaking the heavy silence that had surrounded me. I took a moment topose myself, straightening my shoulders and wiping away the remnants of tears from my cheeks. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone catching sight of me in this state, not now, not ever.


    As I entered, my eyes swiftly scanned the room until they settled on Axton, who was seated on a chair with his leg casually propped up on a table. The sight of him, his usually cheerful and carefree sell, now wearing an expression of difort and frustration, caused my heart to tighten. His leg was encased in a cast, decorated with amateur artwork and heartfelt notes, making his vulnerability even more apparent.


    Uncertain, I hesitated at the threshold, debating whether it was appropriate to cross into his domain. I watched as Axton’s head lifted, his senses picking up my scent, and his eyes brightened with a mix of surprise and relief


    “Chestnuti” he eximed, his voice filled with genuine warmth. “I had been wondering when you w


    With a heavy heart filled with guilt, I mustered a smile as I approached him.


    “Just checking in. How are you?”


    would finallye to see me.”


    Invitingly, Axton motioned towards the unupied chair next to him, wordlessly urging me to sit down. I debated for a moment, but ultimately decided to sink down into the seat, grateful for the familiar warmth of his presence that offered a small sense of sce amidst my inner chaos.


    Settling in beside him, I immediately sensed the mix of curiosity and apprehension radiating from the other pack members in the room. I could sense their curiosity as they all nced at me, silently questioning my presence. The fact that I was the sole member of the Thomholde pack inside the room made the experience even more significant, But I couldn’t find the courage to exin, unable to find the right words to express the overwhelming whirlwind of emotions inside me.


    Ignoring the inquisitive stares and discreet murmurs that encircled us, I directed my full concentration towards Axton. Weary and resigned, Auton shrugged, releasing a sigh that spoke volumes.


    “Could be better,” he admitted, his gaze flickering to his injured leg. “But I’ll survive.


    I reached out and felt the warmth of his arm beneath my fingertips, hoping to provide some sce. I couldn’t help but notice that he seemed a bit more recovered than Zeke, and I was conflicted about feeling slightly relieved by that


    “I’m sorry,” I murmured, my words heavy with remorse. “This is all my fault.”


    With his head shaking. Axton’s intense eyes pierced into mine, never once wavering.


    “No, Chesnut,” he said firmly, his voice tinged with determination. “Come on, don’t me yourself for any of this. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t hold yourself ountable for things that are outside of your control”


    A young woman from the pack loaned forward eagerly, her eyes twinkling mischievously. With every word she spoke, her voice overflowed with curiosity, creating a bubbly and engaging conversation.


    “So, what’s your name?”


    Nervously, Ifidgeted in my seat, acutely aware of all eyes on me.


    “Uh, I’m Maya,” I replied, offering a tentative smile. “I can’t figure out why he still does it, but Acton insists on calling me Chesnut


    The woman nodded, her smile growing bigger and brighter. With a friendly gesture, she extended her hand in greeting and introduced herself.


    23%


    “Nice to meet you, Maya!”


    Her friendly demeanor was instantly apparent as I shook her hand, and I felt aforting warmth spread through me.


    The other pack members joined in, their voices blending together as they introduced themselves one by one and bombarded me with questions about my identity and connection to Axton. I did my best to answer, my words stumbling and tripping as I struggled to navigate the uncharted waters of casual


    conversation.N?velDrama.Org: text ? owner.


    “We’re… uh, friends,” I exined, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment as I caught Axton’s amused gaze. “I mean, we’ve known each other for a


    while.”


    The pack members exchanged knowing nces, their eyes twinkling mischievously.


    “Oh, just friends, huh?”


    One of them yfully taunted Axton, winking mischievously.


    Running a hand through his hair, Axton groaned yfully to express his frustration.


    “Come on, guys,” he protested, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment. “Give me a break.”


    “I don’t know, maybe it’s just me. But it’s notmon for me to smell like I’ve been ying in my friend’s clothes.”


    Instead of deterring them, the teasing only seemed to embolden them, as they relentlessly pelted me with questions and lighthearted jabs. Despite my initial apprehension, I found myself rxing in theirpany, the heaviness that had burdened my shoulders slowly fading away.


    Just


    st as I was about to reply, one of the pack members came forward, his eyes sparkling mischievously.


    “Hey, Axton,” he said with a smirk, “mind if we add a little something to your cast?”


    Axton grinned, his face lighting up with confidence and excitement, seemingly unaffected by the uing challenge.


    “Go for it,” he replied, his tone yful. “As long as it’s nothing too embarrassing.”


    The pack member pulled out a marker from his pocket and started doodling on Axton’s cast, contributing to the colorful array of drawings and messages that covered its surface. With a smile on my face, I witnessed the crude sketches gradually morphing into distinct forms, the room bing more lighthearted asughter resonated all around.


    For a brief moment, I let go of the overwhelming chaos and turmoil, immersing myself in the pure delight ofpanionship and friendship. But even as i


    ghed and joked with Axton and the others, I couldn’t shake off the gnawing sense of unease that lingered at the back of my mind.


    The hours dragged on, and as the room gradually emptied out, leaving only Axton and me alone together, I became more and more restless. In the dimly lit room, I stole a quick nce at Axton, admining how the soft light made his features more gentle.


    “I should go,” With reluctance in my voice, I uttered the words, already feeling the weight of my own thoughts closing in on me. “It’s time for you to get some rest and recharge.”


    Right as I was about to make my exit, Axton’s touch on my wrist stopped me in my tracks, and I found myself captivated by his gaze.


    “Chestnut, would you


    mind staying for a little longer!”


    How could I possibly say no to that? My heart skips a beat just thinking about it.


    “Sure.”