When I pull up out front, the dark vibes are so strong that it almost looks like clouds have gathered around the roof.
Is it the curse I’m seeing, or just the hopelessness of my people?
As I approach the old church, a few people see me coming and hurry towards me. I recognize Sally and Giles, younger pack members who have taken on more responsibility as others fell ill.
“It’s good to see you, Alpha,” Sally says. “Tonight is a busy one.”
“I’m here to help,” I reply. “Tell me what you need.”
“The burial will be in a few hours,” Giles says. “The graves are currently being dug. We have seven to farewell tonight.”
Too many.
“How are the healers holding up?” I ask. “Have they had enough breaks today?”
“Not really,” Sally replies. “It’s difficult to get them to stop. They take every death so personally. Kara is passed out in one of the back rooms right now. She really believes that if she doesn’t leave her patients alone, they won’t die.”
“Is she right?” I ask, my tone grim.
“No,” Giles answers sadly. “A little boy died in her arms earlier today.”
“Fuck,” I mutter.
Sally nods. “We’re truly out of options, Alpha. Please tell us you have good news.”
I look into their trusting, expectant faces, and I literally can’t think of a word to say. Telling them about Hyacinth seems like a ridiculous thing to do, especially since mating with her hasn’t changed anything.
“All I can tell you is, I’m working on it,” I say, sighing. “And so are the others. I believe Sadie and Trina are still at the manor, working with the elders.”
“And they really can’t leave?” Giles asks. “They’re trapped there?”
“It seems so,” I answer. “But I have absolutely no idea about how magic works, so don’t ask me to explain it.”
“Creepy,” Giles says with a little whistle. “Witches are even more dangerous than we feared.”
His words hit me on a personal level, and anger sparks in my chest. I brush past both of them to go inside, hurrying away before I take out my inner pain on them.
Witches. Witches did it all! Maybe we should have worked harder to exterminate them.
Dark memories threaten my mind, and I roughly shove them away, focusing on the hard work in the infirmary to distract myself. Going from bed to bed, I talk to my people, comforting them as best I can.
I feel like a fraud. Walking around, counseling hope, when I have none.
Soon, I move on to changing beds and stacking supplies, trying to stay active to distract my mind. While I work with a couple of others to restock the equipment, I see several new patients being brought in.
I’ve never felt so helpless. I would cut open my chest and give my own heart if it would stop this.
Desperation cascades through me, a fiery wave that pricks goosebumps onto my skin. I stagger out the back, leaning on my knees as I gulp fresh air and let the sweat cool on my skin.
Is this another panic attack? I wouldn’t blame myself if it were.
“Alpha?” A soft voice drifts through the night.
“Yes?” I ask, straightening up. I run a hand through my hair and try to compose myself, but I suspect I’m not fooling anyone.
Even myself.
“The graves are finished,” Giles says. “We’re going over to pay our respects now. Are you coming?”
