Prepare her

The heavy oak door creaked open, casting a sliver of light into the dimly lit room. Alpha Sahan, his presence commanding and intimidating, stepped inside with a grace that belied his formidable strength. His dark eyes scanned the room, immediately finding the maid, Marissa, who was tending to a small, pale figure lying on the bed.

Marissa straightened up, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her apron as she met the Alpha’s gaze. "Alpha Sahan," she greeted him with a bow of her head, her voice steady but soft. "Miss Lana's fever is still quite high."

Alpha Sahan’s gaze shifted to Lana, her normally vibrant face now flushed with fever and framed by damp, dishevelled hair. She looked so small and fragile against the large bed. A flicker of concern crossed his usually stoic features, his jaw tightening.

"How long has she been like this? Why hasn’t she woken up yet?" he asked, his deep voice barely above a whisper, yet it filled the room with its intensity. Alpha Sahan grew agitated knowing that there was a reason why Lana was sold to him.

"Since last night," Marissa replied, her eyes flickering with worry. "I've done all I can, but the fever won't break." She glanced at the poor unconscious lady, who had multiple scars of lashes over her back and neck.

Sahan moved closer to the bed, his eyes never leaving Lana’s face. He reached out, his large hand surprisingly gentle as he brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. ‘What am I doing? She is just a breeder.’ Alpha Sahan shook his head, while she stirred slightly but did not wake.

"Keep a close watch on her," he commanded, his tone firm but not unkind. "If her condition worsens, inform me immediately. She is not supposed to die without my consent."

Marissa nodded, her respect and fear for the Alpha evident in her eyes. "Yes, Alpha. I am checking her condition.” She bowed down to the alpha and stood there with her worries about Lana.

Sahan cast one last lingering look at Lana, his expression softening ever so slightly. "I hope her wolf is strong," he murmured, more to himself than to Marissa. "She will pull through."

With that, he turned to leave the room, leaving Marissa to continue her vigil over the feverish girl. Alpha Sahan lingered at the door, his hand resting on the polished wood as he seemed to deliberate for a moment.

He turned back, his eyes locking onto Marissa with renewed intensity. "Marissa," he called, his voice a blend of authority and concern, "ensure that Lana is prepared for tomorrow's event."

Marissa's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "But Alpha, with her fever, she—" She tried to say otherwise to secure Lana’s position. Marissa felt bad for her and did not wish for her to end up like the other girls before her.

"I understand your concern," Sahan interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "But she must be present. There is too much at stake. Do whatever it takes to have her ready."

Marissa nodded, her face pale but resolute. "Yes, Alpha. I will do my best." Alpha Sahan stepped closer, his towering presence casting a shadow over Marissa.

He softened his gaze a bit, a rare show of empathy. "I trust you, Marissa. Lana’s well-being is not my worry right now. The Luna’s official crowning is the real deal currently. If you think she cannot handle it, inform me immediately. I want her there at the event.”

Marissa took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "I will make sure she’s ready, Alpha. I’ll start preparing everything at once." Satisfied, Sahan gave a curt nod and turned his attention back to Lana, his expression unreadable.

He bent down, his voice a low murmur as he spoke to her unconscious form. "We shall see how long you survive, Lana. You will need your strength."

As he straightened, he looked back at Marissa. "Have a cold compress ready to help bring down the fever, and ensure she gets as much rest as possible. I'll send for some herbal remedies from the apothecary. They may help."

"Of course, Alpha," Marissa replied, already mentally compiling the list of tasks she needed to complete. With a final, lingering glance at Lana, Sahan turned and left the room, the weight of his presence still palpable even after he was gone.

“Phew, the alpha is so intimidating.” Marissa immediately set to work, her hands moving with efficiency as she fetched fresh linens and cool water for the compresses.

As she worked, Marissa couldn't help but marvel at the delicate balance the Alpha maintained—his formidable strength tempered by a genuine concern for those under his care.

She hoped fervently that Lana would find the strength to recover quickly, for tomorrow's event seemed to carry a significance far greater than she could fully comprehend. Quietly, she whispered to Lana, as if her words could penetrate the feverish haze. "Hold on, Miss Lana. We need you. The alpha needs you."

As the door closed behind Alpha Sahan, the room seemed to exhale a sigh of relief, the tension dissipating but leaving behind an air of urgency. Marissa set to work with methodical precision, her hands moving quickly as she gathered cool water and fresh linens. She wrung out a cloth, her thoughts churning like the water in the basin.

She glanced at Lana, lying so still and vulnerable. The young woman's usually vibrant spirit was subdued, and it pained Marissa to see her in such a state. She gently placed the cool compress on Lana's forehead, her fingers brushing against the heated skin.

"Why must she attend this event?" Marissa wondered silently. She knew better than to question the Alpha openly, but she couldn't help the worry gnawing at her. "What could be so important that he would risk her health?"

Marissa had served in the Alpha’s household long enough to understand the weight of his responsibilities and the delicate balance of power he maintained. Yet, she had never seen him so insistent, so determined to have someone participate despite such dire circumstances.

"Does he truly believe she’s essential to whatever’s happening tomorrow?" she mused. "Or is there something more? Something personal?"

She shifted the compress, her thoughts drifting back to the rare softness in the Alpha’s eyes when he looked at Lana. There was something there, something unspoken yet undeniable. Marissa had seen it before, fleeting glimpses of vulnerability in Sahan’s otherwise steely demeanour whenever Lana was involved.

"Could it be that he cares for her more than just a breeder or a subject?" Marissa pondered, a flicker of a smile touching her lips. "Perhaps there’s hope in that." Determined to see Lana through this, Marissa continued her ministrations with renewed vigor.

She mixed herbal remedies into a cup of water, hoping to coax Lana to drink even in her unconscious state. Every so often, she checked Lana's temperature, noting any slight changes with a mixture of hope and frustration.

As the hours wore on, Marissa found herself talking softly to Lana, her voice a soothing murmur in the quiet room. "You have to fight this, Miss Lana. I am counting on you. We all are."

She recalled the Alpha’s parting words, the way he had spoken to Lana with a tenderness that was rarely seen. "He believes in you, you know. And so do I. Just hold on a little longer. Probably you are not just a breeder for him.”

The night stretched on, and Marissa remained by Lana's side, her dedication unwavering. She knew that tomorrow would bring challenges, but for now, her focus was on the present, on doing everything she could to help Lana recover.

As dawn's light began to creep through the curtains, Marissa noticed a slight change. Lana's fever seemed to be breaking, her breathing becoming steadier. A sigh of relief escaped Marissa’s lips, and she whispered a silent prayer of thanks.

"Rest, Miss Lana. Gain your strength," she said softly, smoothing Lana's hair back. "Tomorrow is a new day, and you’ll need all your courage and resilience."

Whatever the event held, whatever challenges lay ahead, she would ensure Lana was ready. She owed it to the Alpha, to Lana, and to herself. The bond between them was unspoken yet strong, forged in these quiet, tender moments of care and trust.