The stone corridor swayed around her as Livia clung desperately to the wall, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. The heat was relentless now — no longer a flicker in her chest but a raging wildfire tearing through every nerve, every inch of her trembling body.
Her knees buckled, and she stumbled forward, pressing her forehead against the cold stone in a futile attempt to steady herself. But nothing helped.
Her skin burned as if molten fire had replaced her blood, and her heart pounded so violently she swore the entire pack could hear it.
> "Lilly…" she whimpered. "It's too much…"
> "Hold on," her wolf whispered back, her voice just as shaky. "We knew this would happen. We're free now… and this is the price."
