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"The reports we have been receiving all say the same thing," Corrine sighed. "The fae creatures engaged in battle are acting strangely."

"Strangely how?" Axel asked.

"Over the past few days, scouts say the creatures stopped fighting in the middle of a battle. Others ran away," Corrine explained.

"Do we know where they went?" Axel asked.

"There was no clear direction, though the reports we are getting today are a little more concerning. They can\'t find them."

"What do you mean?"

"The fae seem to have gone to ground. But, unfortunately, we can\'t track their movements. The hybrids and ferals are still on the loose, but the others are gone," Corrine sighed.

"What about the force that Penelope mentioned? What about Burning Ember? Have we been able to get eyes on it?"

Corrine shook her head sadly.

"We haven\'t been able to reach any of our scouts that far south in days."

Axel sighed and hung his head.

It had been almost three days since Ashleigh and the others had been brought back from Spring.

Myka had explained what they did. The Spring and Autumn connection, as well as the mound, were destroyed. He told them about the fight between the women and the Dark Queen, and in private, Myka shared with Axel what she had told him about his power. He explained the theory that she was controlling the creatures against their will.

What he had said was likely accurate. Ever since the explosion in the mountain, the fae had been acting differently. But now they were going into hiding. Was it possible that the Queen was still alive and in control of them?

"Have you seen her yet today?" Corrine asked, reaching a hand to Axel\'s shoulder.

Axel shook his head. He had been in his office all morning and even late into the night before.

Ashleigh and Alice were both still in the hospital.

Ashleigh had minor surgery on her back but came out without any complications. After the description of events that Myka gave, it was clear to everyone that she had exhausted herself. She was monitored, but there was no reason for concern. It would just take her body a few extra days to heal.

Alice had a minor infection in her leg, and her shoulder was immobilized. Still, there was nothing terribly concerning about her injuries.

She had woken up several times but had struggled to stay awake. Bell theorized that she, too, was exhausted. It was likely that the slow healing from her human genetics kept her from being able to stay awake for long periods.

Bell was confident that, in both cases, they just needed a few days of rest.

"I\'m going to go check in with her now," Axel smiled.

Even though he wished she would wake completely, just being near her and knowing she was safe was enough to comfort him.

***

Alice stirred in her bed. She felt groggy and heavy. She licked her lips. They were dry. Suddenly, she felt thirsty.

"Are you thirsty, dear?" a soft voice called from somewhere close.

Alice opened her eyes slowly.

As she tried to sit up and felt the tightness and discomfort in her shoulder, she remembered where she was and what had happened.

The trip to Spring, fighting the Dark Queen. She had woken up several times. She remembered seeing Axel, the relief and concern in his eyes. But there wasn\'t much more than that.

A pair of soft hands helped her to sit up, Alice\'s vision slowly began to focus, and the fog in her mind lifted. Once she was sitting up and her bed was propped to support her, the small woman beside her offered her a cup with a straw.

Alice took a sip of the cool water. It was exactly what she needed. The cold of the water helped her senses awaken, and her dry throat craved hydration.

"Thank you," she whispered as the woman set the cup down on the table beside her.

"Of course, dear," the woman replied, moving down the bed to adjust the blanket.

She was a small woman, older. Probably in her early sixties. Her hair was gray and white, curled and short. Her face was riddled with laugh lines and kindness. From a glance, Alice knew this was a motherly type. One that sought to nurture all she came in contact with.

But Alice did not recognize her.

"Who are you?" Alice asked in a hoarse whisper. She cleared her throat and took another sip of her water.

The woman smiled up at Alice.

"My name is Amaya," she said in a warm tone. "We have not met before. I am a nomad and have spent most of my time in the eastern territories. But I have always been a healer of sorts. So, your Alpha and the doctors here have allowed me to assist within the hospital."

"I see," Alice smiled. "Welcome to Winter."

"Thank you, dear," Amaya bowed to her.

Just then, someone walked by the door. Amaya leaned back and called to them.

"Can you let the doctor know Miss Alice has woken," Amaya smiled. "She is alert and sitting up."

The young woman nodded and smiled before turning and walking away.

"Do you know much about me?" Alice asked.

Amaya smiled.

"I know you are a special patient," she said sweetly. "That you are the Alpha\'s mate. And a good friend to Myka."

"You know Myka?" Alice asked.

"I do," Amaya chuckled. "He likes to travel alone, but he is also the first to help anyone that needs it. I have met him many times over the years. He\'s a good boy."

Alice nodded with a smile.

"He is," she agreed.

Alice took a deep breath.

"How long have I been here?" she asked.

"Three days," Amaya replied.

"Three days?!" Alice asked in surprise. She expected a few hours, one day at the most.

Amaya nodded.

"You have woken from time to time, but you always fall back asleep," Amaya smiled. "It is not surprising. Your body needs to rest. You push it too hard."

"Three days is a long time to rest," Alice sighed.

"You are lucky, very lucky," Amaya continued.

"Because I slept for three days?" Alice asked with a chuckle.

"No," Amaya laughed. "You are lucky that your body is strong. It was a big risk you took when you went to fight a monster."

Alice furrowed her brow as the woman seemed to be chastising her in a motherly way. Then she remembered the injury to her leg.

"Oh, that?" She laughed, touching her leg. "I have survived wounds much worse than a root to the leg, don\'t worry."

Amaya shook her head.

"Not the wound, dear. Your life was not in danger from that at all."

Alice furrowed her brows.

"Then what do you mean I\'m lucky? My shoulder wasn\'t life-threatening either."

Amaya looked at her with confusion on her expression. She let out a soft sigh and then looked at Alice as though she were being silly.

"The baby, Mama, I am talking about your little one," Amaya smiled warmly.

Alice felt a coldness settle over her body as she heard Amaya\'s words.

"You must be careful to keep this one safe," Amaya continued, reaching her hand and gently touching Alice at her lower abdomen. "Until it is time for you to meet each other."

Alice stared down at Amaya\'s hand on her stomach. Her chest heaved heavily as she took in deep breaths.

"Dear?" Amaya called to her.

For just a moment, Alice saw something else in place of Amaya\'s hand, a lotus flower in bloom. Her breathing became quick as the shock set in.