Chapter 6

• Azalea:
• Sounds of approaching footsteps jolted me awake as I quickly remembered that last night, after I ran away from the pack house, I was exhausted and stopped to rest but unfortunately fell asleep beside a tree. Though, it hasn't fully dawn yet, I wouldn't know the exact time it is but I am sure it wasn't 7 AM yet because the early morning moon was still smiling down at me.
• The footsteps grew even louder, accompanied by aggressive voices. I forced myself up, my muscles protesting against the sudden movement as I hid behind the tree, tucking myself into a tight crevice between its massive roots.
• And there they are. The Lycan King's pack, the very people I had been running from. Their eyes, glowing with an otherworldly light as I shrunk further into my hiding place, my breath hitching in my throat. They were hunting for me.
• But as I pressed my back against the rough bark, a sudden, sharp pain erupted on my arm. My gaze turned down, and my blood ran cold. Bees. A hive nestled within the roots of the tree, and I had unwittingly disturbed them.
• A strangled gasp left my lips as the first bee stung me. I clapped a hand over my mouth, stifling the scream threatening to escape. The pain was sharp like a hot needle pricking my skin, but I knew it was nothing compared to what awaited me if I was found. It wouldn't cause my step sister anything to have me walk naked around the pack gathering at the full moon, serving as my punishment. She can do even worse. As for my step brother the Lycan King, though I just met him and by the little time I have known him at the pack house, he wouldn't hesitate to have me being flogged by the guards if he believes my step sister's lies.
• Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. They slipped down my cheeks as I clamped my mouth even tighter, biting on my own hand to keep me from crying out.
• I could hear them, the pack members, their murmurs growing louder, their footsteps crunching against the fallen dried leaves and the bees around me buzzed angrily,
• I dared not move, dared not breathe. The pain was escalating but I couldn't afford to be seen, couldn't afford to be caught.
• The bees continued to swarm, their buzzing growing louder in my ears, matching the rhythm of my frenzied heartbeat. I closed my eyes, the tears spilling from beneath my lashes.
• I suddenly saw two pack members searching towards the tree where I hid but suddenly, they were quick to see the bustling bees as they both retreated quickly.
• "Bees!" One of them shouted, signalling the rest of the pack not to get close. They started retreating until I could no longer see their shadows or hear their footsteps. I quickened my pace, desperately searching for an escape as I approached the road. My body was already in agony from the bee stings, my skin turning red and swollen.
• Just as I was about to cross the road, I started to feel dizzy, my view blurry as I fell in the middle of the tiled road. I realised a vehicle was hurtling towards me, its engine roaring as it approached at full speed.
• Time seemed to slow down as I glanced towards the oncoming car. I tried to crawl out of harm's way but my limbs and adrenaline felt heavy and unresponsive. The screeching tires and the blaring horn echoed in my ears.
• Reality distorted as there was a sickening screech of metal as this is the last scene I could remember.
• ***
• "Oh my God!" The man exclaimed fearfully as soon as he saw Azalea injured and bleeding from her head. He immediately rushed to her side and gently cradled her in his arms, carefully carrying her towards his car.
• As a stranger passing through on his way from a business trip, he had never expected to find himself in such a situation. He had decided to take this route, as it seemed like a shorter and more convenient path back home.
• Panicked thoughts rushed through his mind as he placed Azalea in the backseat of his car. He desperately needed to find a hospital, but being unfamiliar with the area, he didn't know where the nearest one was located. Gripping the steering wheel tightly, he determinedly began to drive, hoping to stumble upon a medical facility soon.
• Mere moments later, luck seemed to be on his side as he spotted a hospital in one of the local towns. He quickly pulled over and rushed towards the entrance, carrying Azalea carefully in his arms as he approached, and he was immediately met by a team of doctors and nurses.
• They swiftly took over, laying Azalea on a gurney and wheeling her towards the emergency room.
• The man paced back and forth outside as he saw the red light beeping from the theatre room.
• After what felt like an eternity, suddenly, the door swung open, and a doctor emerged, his face etched with concern as the man rushed towards him.
• "How is she? Is she going to be okay?" he asked, his voice quivering with anxiety.
• The doctor placed a comforting hand on the man's shoulder. "Her injuries were severe, and she's now in a coma and I hope nothing happens to the baby growing inside her."
• Baby? The man was shocked she was pregnant. He can't afford to be the reason two lives were taken.
• "Are you her husband? She needs to give him a special treatment. Though she has a lesser chance of survival. Her head and face were severely injured too… a face surgery is to be made."
• "Doctor, please do anything to save her, the money is not a problem. I'll pay. When will the surgery commence?" His voice, weary.
• "I'm sorry sir but we don't have such equipment to keep her safe or carry out any operation. Our hospital is a small and local one but you don't have to worry, I'll refer you to another hospital. Call this number, it's the doctor's direct line." He handed a business card to the man when suddenly, a voice distracted.
• "Doctor! Doctor! The patience is not breathing… " A nurse's voice called out as the doctor rushed back into the theatre room.