“What?” Rish gasped. “She’s getting her wolf back? How come she’s getting it before me? I’m older, and we’re both in the pack now. Why is she getting hers first?”
More than shocked about Levi getting her wolf, he was shocked that she was getting it before him. When he was clearly older.
“Keep your voice down, Rish, she’s sleeping,” Maya hushed him. “The timing of getting your wolf back doesn’t depend on age, dumbass. It happens when it’s supposed to. Because you both didn’t get your wolves on time, it’s more difficult and painful when the process finally happens.”
Priya looked at Maya with concern. “Am I going to go through the same thing?” She was scared.
Seeing Levi suffer for the last two days had been tough. Though Priya had endured a lot before, getting a wolf seemed far more painful.
“Who knows, Priya,” Maya said honestly. “Levi and Rish were not cursed; it’s just because they weren’t in the pack that they’re only getting their wolves now. But you’re different. Your wolf is of pure royal blood, so it might be way more painful. I can’t say it will be easy.”
Maya knew it was useless to hide the truth. Sooner or later, Priya was bound to get her wolf, and it was better if she was mentally prepared.
Maya hadn’t expected Levi to be like this, nor had she thought it was time for her to get her wolf. Now, seeing the situation, she feared Priya would have an even more painful experience. She couldn’t imagine the unbearable pain Priya might suffer.
Royal bloods usually endured far more pain when they got their wolves, and since Priya’s wolf would be freed from shackles after the curse was lifted, the situation could be far worse than what Levi or Rish experienced.
Rish frowned, still struggling to understand. “But it doesn’t seem fair. I should’ve gotten mine first.”
Maya placed a calming hand on his shoulder. “Life isn’t always fair, Rish. What matters is that you support each other through this. Your time will come soon enough.”
Priya took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. “So, there’s no way to make it less painful?”
Maya shook her head. “I wish there was, Priya. The pain is part of the process. And you should mentally prepare yourself too.”
Priya nodded, trying to accept the harsh reality. “Okay. I’ll try.”
Just then, Levi stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She looked around, her gaze landing on her family. “What’s going on?” she asked weakly.
“Nothing for you to worry about right now,” Maya said softly, brushing her daughter’s hair back. “Just rest.”
Levi tried to smile, though it was more of a grimace. “I’m trying, Mom. It’s just… a lot.”
“We know, honey,” Maya said. “But you’re doing great. Just focus on getting better.”
Rish squeezed Levi’s hand gently. “You’re tough, Levi.”
Levi closed her eyes again, comforted by their presence. Priya, Rish, and Maya exchanged determined looks.
“I will be here now, you both should rest too, timely,” Maya said.
The night wore on, and Maya stayed by Levi’s side, offering comfort whenever she stirred. Rish and Priya took turns resting, though neither could sleep deeply with the worry weighing on their minds.
In the early hours of the morning, Levi’s fever finally got better. She woke up, her eyes clearer and her face less flushed. She looked around, her voice still weak but steady. “I feel a bit better.”
Maya smiled, tears of relief welling in her eyes. “That’s good to hear, sweetheart. Just keep resting.”
Priya and Rish both at the same time enter inside the room, after a long rest, they were clearly tired from taking care of Levi from day and night.
Rish leaned in, his face full of concern and hope. “You really scared us, Levi. But I knew you were tough enough to get through this.”
Levi managed a small smile. “I’m not going anywhere. And I’m not missing my favourite food.”
Priya laughed softly. “We’ll all eat it together, just like you wanted.”
“Where is Priyank though? He didn’t come to see me even once?” Levi asked.
“Oh, he went home because something urgent came up with the company,” Priya answered.
She also didn’t feel good when Priyank told her two days ago that he had to leave due to something important. Though he is her mate and he doesn’t share the bond that seriously, she felt anxious in his absence. She never thought she would feel like that, and it was clearly shocking for her.
But she knew he wouldn’t leave her unless it was something serious. After the attack, he was extremely cautious about keeping her safe, even willing to put his own safety at risk.
“He only left because Maya and Jackson made sure to give him their word that they’d keep me protected,” Priya added.
Levi sighed, her worry easing a little. “I guess that makes sense. Or else he leaving you is like a myth.”
Priya nodded. “Exactly.”
Maya watched the exchange with a thoughtful look. “Priya, why don’t you and Rish get some proper rest now? You’ve both done so much already.”
Rish shook his head. “I’m fine, Mom. I want to be here.”
Priya nodded in agreement. “Me too. We’re not going anywhere until Levi’s completely better.”
Maya smiled at their determination. “Alright, I am going to sleep, and you two at least take turns getting some sleep. You need to take care of yourselves too.” She walked away to rest a bit.
“You guys are the best,” Levi said, her voice stronger than it had been in days.
Rish grinned. “We know. Just remember this next time I ask you for a favour.”
Levi laughed softly. “Deal. But aren’t you my brother? How come you will ask me for a favour in exchange for this?” She narrowed her eyes and looked at him.
“So what? I can ask for favours as I want. You’re younger, don’t forget.” Rish replied, shrugging his shoulders.
“But I’m getting my wolf earlier,” Levi mocked.
“Stop it, you two. I’m going to take a bath. You both better behave. And you, Rish, don’t indulge her in more talking. She needs a lot more rest; she’s not healed properly yet,” Priya said, crossing her arms.
“Roger, boss.”