Astrid's POV.

When I finally opened my eyes, it was morning. I blinked slowly, trying to shake off the lingering grogginess. I felt a little better, though still lightheaded.

The sedative had done its job, lulling me into a deep sleep, but now something felt off. The room was eerily quiet, and the silence gnawed at me.

I turned my head to the side, expecting to see someone—anyone—but the room was empty. Dane wasn’t here.

Beta Ivar had promised to explain everything to him, to clear up the misunderstanding, so why wasn’t he here? Why hadn’t he come to see me?

An uneasy feeling settled in my chest, tightening with...