Julian's POV
I woke to the sterile smell of antiseptic and the rhythmic beeping of machines. My head throbbed mercilessly, each pulse sending waves of pain through my skull. As my vision cleared, I registered the white walls of the pack's medical den surrounding me.
"Julian? Thank the Moon Goddess you're awake."
Natalie's voice. Not the one I wanted to hear. I turned my head slightly, wincing at the movement, to find her sitting beside my bed. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled despite the early hour, her blue eyes wide with what looked like concern.
"Where's Aurelia?" The question escaped my lips before I could stop it.
Something flickered across Natalie's face – disappointment? Irritation? It vanished too quickly to identify.
"She's not here," Natalie said, her voice soft. "After what happened... well, Daniel said she refused to help when you were injured."
