I woke up gasping, my heart hammering against my ribs as if it wanted to break free. For a few terrifying seconds, I didn't know where I was.
My body trembled, sweat plastering my hair to my face, and the world spun before settling into the familiar sight of the omegas' room cracked walls, two worn-out beds, the faint smell of herbs and laundry soap.
Joan's voice sliced through my haze. "Ellie! You're awake!"
I blinked, trying to focus. She was hovering above me, eyes wide with panic, while Elara stood near the foot of the bed clutching a damp cloth.
"What—what happened?" I croaked, my throat dry like sandpaper.
"You were screaming," Joan said, sitting beside me. "You scared the life out of us! You called his name-"
My stomach twisted painfully. "Whose name?"
Elara answered for her, voice flat. "The Alpha's."
Everything inside me froze.
"I—what?"
