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1087 Words
The next day, I woke up in the same sterile hospital room, but something felt different. The oppressive weight of the IV was gone, and I noticed the absence of the constant beeping from the machines. I sat up slowly, feeling weak but slightly more at ease.
The door creaked open, and the young woman entered, carrying a tray with a bowl of steaming soup. She gave me a tentative smile as she approached the bed.
"Good morning Luna," she said softly, setting the tray down on the bedside table. "They've decided to release you today."
I blinked in surprise. "Release me?"
She nodded, her expression gentle. "Yes. You're still weak, but you're out of immediate danger. They think you’ll be more comfortable recovering at home."
I stared at the soup, the aroma making my mouth water despite my resolve. "I don't have a home here," I muttered.
The woman’s smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "I know you feel that way now, but things can change."
I looked at her, studying her face. She seemed sincere, and for a moment, I wanted to believe her. "What's your name?" I asked, realizing I had never asked.
"Amy," she replied. "My name is Amy. I'm Matilda’s niece."
I nodded as I turned my attention to the mouth-watering soup in front of me. I hesitated, then picked up the spoon and dipped it into the soup. The first taste was like heaven, the warmth spreading through my body. Despite my inner turmoil, I couldn't deny that it was delicious.
Amy watched me eat, a small smile on her lips. "Thank you for eating," she said softly. "It means a lot to all of us."
I looked up at her, swallowing the soup. I can't believe she was making a big deal out of me eating, it felt weird. "I'm only doing this because I need my strength," I said, my voice firmer. "Don't think this means I've accepted anything."
Amy nodded. "I understand. But it’s a start. And I think you’ll find that not everyone here is your enemy."
The door creaked open, and a tall man with a warm smile entered, carrying a clipboard. He looked familiar, and I realized he had been there the day before, checking on me. He is Ethan the pack’s doctor. He approached the bed and gave me a reassuring nod.
"Good morning," he said, his voice gentle. "How are you feeling today?"
"Better, I guess," I replied cautiously.
He nodded, his eyes kind. "That's good to hear. You've made some progress since yesterday, your hypoglycemia is gone, and I've decided it's time to discharge you. But I need you to promise me something."
I frowned, unsure of where this was going. "What is it?"
"You need to eat and take care of yourself," Ethan said firmly. "Your body needs nourishment to function properly. Can you do that for me?"
I hesitated, my mind flashing back to my hunger strike. But the genuine concern in his eyes made me reconsider. "I'll try," I said softly.
Ethan smiled, satisfied with my response. "That's all I ask”.
As he finished up the discharge paperwork, he gave me a quick overview of what I needed to do to continue my recovery. "Remember, you're not alone here. If you need anything, you can always reach out to Matilda or Amy."
I nodded, feeling a strange mixture of gratitude and apprehension. "Thank you, Dr. Ethan."
He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Call me Ethan. And you're welcome. Take care of yourself."
Later that day, Amy helped me back to the house where I had been held captive. The pack hospital was just 10 minutes away and the drive was nice and pleasant, plus it was my first time being in such a luxurious SUV. I looked out the window seeing everyone as they went about their business with no care in the world at least they were free.
We finally arrived at the house It looked less foreboding in the daylight, but the memories of the past few days still haunted me. I felt a strange mixture of relief and apprehension.
Matilda was waiting for us when we arrived with a kind face, and she approached me with a worried expression. "Oh, you poor thing," she murmured. "I'm glad to see you well my dear Luna."
I nodded, feeling awkward. "Thank you," I said softly even though I was dying to correct her for calling me Luna. I hated it, it made my blood boil when they called me that because it felt like I was accepting this like I was accepting him.
Amy helped me to the room I had been staying in. I sat down on the bed, feeling exhausted.
Amy handed me a glass of water. "Drink this," she said gently. "You need to stay hydrated."
I took the glass, sipping the cool water. "Thank you, Amy," I said softly. "For everything."
She smiled. "It's no trouble at all. We’re all here to help you. Matilda has been very insistent on that."
I felt a surge of desperation was she willing to help me? I needed to get out of here, to escape this place and the memories that haunted me. I waited until she was about to leave, then grabbed her hand.
"Amy, I need you to help me," I said urgently.
She looked at me, confused. "Help you with what?"
"Help me escape," I said, my voice trembling. "I can't stay here any longer. I need to get away from him, from all of this. Please help me”,
Amy's eyes widened, and she shook her head slowly. "I can't do that," she said softly. "I'm sorry."
I felt a surge of anger and betrayal. "Why not? You said you'd help me!"
Amy's expression was pained. "I can't go against the Alpha. I can never."
I pulled my hand away from her, my anger boiling over. "So you’re just going to leave me here to suffer? To be his prisoner forever?"
Amy's eyes filled with tears. "I’m so sorry. I wish I could help you, but I can’t."
“Just go! Get out!”, I shouted
She stood there for a moment, her expression heartbroken, before she turned and left the room, closing the door behind her. I collapsed onto the bed, my body shaking with sobs. I felt more alone than ever, my hope shattered. Why won't they just let me leave?
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