The harsh anger instantly drained out of Aziel's face as he stood at the top of the dark basement steps. He was frozen where he stood, staring down at the still form on the narrow bed. Then, completely forgetting Irene, the chase, and the lingering threat of the approaching pack alpha, Aziel moved quickly.
He took the steep steps two at a time, rushing across the floor until he dropped to his knees beside the low bed frame. He reached out with a trembling hand, surprised he was even shaking, hovering over her before gently pressing two fingers against the side of Azaria's neck.
Relief flooded through him as he felt a faint pulse, but her breathing was agonizingly shallow, her skin cold to the touch, and her lips were dry and cracked. She was suffering from severe cold exposure and extreme exhaustion, completely unresponsive to his presence. He knew dreadfully that she needed immediate medical attention and warmth if she was going to recover from what she had been put through.
