Luna Queen's Fury

8 Idiot

Steady beeping greets me as I wake, making me groan. The unmistakable scent of antiseptics is mixed with something more earthy and pungent.

Hospital... again.

I struggle to open my eyes and give a sigh of relief when they finally obey, only to find the lights thankfully turned down. My body feels like lead thrown off a mountain, as just turning my head towards the sound of soft snores takes too much effort.

Instantly, I recognize Ethan's mop of messy hair and Chris as they snooze with their heads resting on my bedside. Movement behind them draws my attention to two figures just outside of the soft light the bedside lamp casts.

Blinking, the figures come into focus. Derek and Mack both stare at me with relief flashing in their eyes. I don't miss the stoic man's grin as he draws his finger to his lips in a hush movement.

Already, I can feel sleep creeping in to claim me once more as my eyes struggle to stay open. Painstakingly slowly, I inch my hand over to Chris and brush the hair from his forehead.

Feeling the sparks dance across my fingertips slips a smile on my lips. Even in sleep, he leans into my touch, nuzzling my hand as sleep once again claims me.

-----

Cold hands on my skin wake me up next with a start. Instantly, my eyes lock with an elderly gentleman in a white lab coat that I vaguely remember as the royal's chief physician.

"Sire!" he calls, shifting his attention back to me. "Welcome back Highness, you gave us quite a fright."

"Ah, Luna!" Doc calls, practically hip checking the old man out of the way. "You are a sight for sore eyes!" He grins like he's won the lottery as he checks my pulse with those frigid doctor's hands.

"How long was I out?" I croak out, my throat feeling like the Sahara.

Chris is the next to appear, holding a glass with a straw to my lips. The first sip of cool water brings instant, welcomed relief.

"Take it easy baby, you've been through a lot," the worry and relief in his voice sets my heart racing.

"The babies?!" I blurt out as I try and sit up. The sharp movement sends pain throughout me as my body protests at any use.

"Shhh," he coos, catching me and laying me back down. "The pups are fine. They're so strong, just like their mother."

"And Mira?" I whisper, struggling to swallow the lump in my throat.

"Safe. Everything is okay now," he whispers, brushing my hair back from my face.

Safe. It was worth it.

After a final sip, I lay my head back down, feeling like I've used up every ounce of energy I had. Chris looks down at me so tenderly with his watery gaze that the world just fades away.

"Good," I murmur, taking one of his large hands in both of mine and clutching it above my heart. He traces soft circles on my cheek with his free hand, lulling me closer towards sleep.

"How are ye feeling, Highness?" a man asks, drawing my attention away from Chris. The newcomer is well on in years and stooped slightly but even that can't diminish his wiry height.

"Sleepy and a bit sore," I mumble. "All my muscles ache, like I've done cross county or something..."

"To be expected dear," the lady next to the old man assures. "We had to give you strong medicine to draw out the toxins... We'll give you a lotion to use to relax your muscles again. Though you should rest more now, we can talk more later."