|| CASSENDRA'S POV ||

The morning light filtered through the chamber's curtains as I slowly regained consciousness, greeted by an unexpected sight. Dominico and Zavier, the Alpha Brothers, hovered around me, their expressions a mix of concern and an unfamiliar tenderness. The remnants of their stoic facade seemed to dissolve as they exchanged a glance, and I couldn't help but be taken aback by the sincerity in their eyes.

"Cassendra, you're awake," Dominico's deep voice resonated, a rare warmth softening its usual authoritative edge. Zavier nodded in agreement, his typically composed demeanor giving way to a genuine relief. "How are you feeling?"

I blinked, attempting to make sense of the...