I nodded, though my mind was still racing. "I’m fine. But what about Croatia? It sounds like she’s been through so much."
Lirian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "She has, but she’s strong. Stronger than her father gives her credit for."
I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "And you? Are you okay?"
For a moment, he didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on our entwined fingers.
Then he looked up at me, a rare vulnerability in his eyes.
"I am now," he said quietly. "As long as you’re here, I’ll always be okay."
His words sent a warmth spreading through me, and I smiled, feeling a renewed sense of resolve.
No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew we would face them together.
Before the conversation could continue, a sudden commotion broke out in the corridor.
The noise startled me awake, and I sat up groggily just as the door swung open.
Ragnar entered, pushing Croatia in a wheelchair.
Her delicate frame looked even smaller with her injuries—bruises marred her face, and her legs were bandaged.
She greeted me softly, her eyes filled with sadness, but her demeanor was far from threatening.
Ragnar, however, ignored me entirely, his focus locked on Lirian. "We need to talk," he said gruffly.
Eric quickly stepped between Ragnar and the Alpha.
"We’re still discussing the matter you just mentioned," he said, his tone strained but polite.
Ragnar waved him off dismissively.
"What’s there to discuss? My Croatia is in love with your Alpha. If he doesn’t marry her, he’ll be nothing but ungrateful!"
His gaze shifted to me, and he sneered slightly.
"Luna, you’re beautiful and capable. You’ll have no trouble finding another mate. Let Croatia have her chance—she risked her life for him."
Lirian’s expression was unreadable, but when he spoke, his voice was cold and sharp.
"Croatia, do you share your father’s sentiment?" he asked, fixing her with a piercing gaze.
Croatia’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vehemently.
"No! I don’t want to marry you, Alpha. I helped you because it was the right thing to do, not because I expect anything in return. Please, Dad, let it go."
Ragnar’s face darkened as he turned to his daughter.
"What are you saying? You can’t even stand up anymore. Your acting career is over. You need to secure your future!"
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The readers' comments on the novel: After I left, the twin Alphas went crazy