<h4>Chapter 347: E’s Wounded</h4>


    <strong>***************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 346</strong>


    <strong>~Zara’s POV~</strong>


    I squeezed her arm gently, a sense of pride swelling in my chest for her. Tempest had experienced her fair share of life’s challenges, yet here she stood, stronger and wiser.


    "Thanks for asking," she said, her tone lightening as she bumped her shoulder against mine.


    "Anytime," I replied with a grin.


    As we continued our stroll, Tempest’s usual energy returned, and sheunched into a lively discussion about party nning ideas for the pack’s uing Spring Festival.


    But even as Iughed at her animated suggestions, a part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that, like Tempest, I was also standing at the edge of something uncertain. Something that could change everything.


    I just didn’t know what it was yet.


    Pushing my worries aside, Tempest’sughter echoed around us as we stepped back into the house. For a moment, her earlier vulnerability seemed far away, reced by her usual spark.


    "What’s the matter?"


    "Nothing much. I just thought of something." She shrugged


    "Such as?"


    She stopped, cing a hand on her hip. "Were you even listening to my ns for the uing spring festival?"


    I smiled guiltily. And Tempest sighed. But soon, her spark returned.


    "I’m telling you, Zara, we need to have an arch of cherry blossoms for the Spring Festival. Imagine it! Lanterns hanging from the trees, soft music ying, and couples dancing under the moonlight. It’s going to be magical!"


    I chuckled, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. "You’ve already got this all nned out in your head, haven’t you?"


    "Of course! Someone has to keep this pack looking like the fairytale we all deserve."


    Before I could respond, one of the new maids hurried toward me, her steps quick but graceful. Her name was Mira, a petite young woman with wide, brown eyes that always seemed a little too alert.


    "Ma’am," she said, holding out my phone with both hands. "A call for you."


    "Thank you," I said, taking the phone from her.


    As soon as I saw E’s name on the screen, a small, familiar pang of warmth filled me. But the moment I answered and heard her voice, my stomach dropped.


    "E?" I asked quickly, my heart racing at the tremor in her tone.


    "Zara," she responded weakly. Her voice was weak and strained. "I was attacked."


    "What?!" My shout echoed in the room, drawing Tempest’s attention immediately.


    "I..." E’s voice cracked, and I could hear the painced in her words. "I tried to fight back, but they were too strong. My leg—it’s bad, Zara."


    My chest tightened as panic and anger swirled inside me. "Where are you? Are you safe now?"


    "I’m at the hospital," she said. "But Zara, they’lle back for me. I know they will."


    "Not while I’m around," I snapped, already moving toward the stairs. "Your wolf didn’t..."


    "She was the one who helped minimise the damage I got. And now, I think she took a heavy hit because healing is slow."


    "Zara, what happened?" Tempest asked, hurrying after me.


    "E was attacked," I said hurriedly. "She’s in the hospital. I need to go."


    "Do you need me toe?"


    I shook my head as I reached the top of the stairs. "Stay here. If Snow gets home before I do, let him know where I went."


    "Be careful, Zara," Tempest called after me.


    I rushed into my room, grabbed my bag, and was already heading out when my eyes caught a figure near the doorway—Vani. She stood off to the side, her gaze fixed on me with an expression I couldn’t quite ce.


    I didn’t have time to dwell on it. I ignored her and bolted out the door to meet Scott, who was already waiting with the car.


    I thanked Tempest silently for arranging this for me.


    I knew she didn’t do it just because I couldn’t drive myself but for my safety and protection.


    "To the hospital, Scott," I said as I slid into the back seat.


    "Right away, ma’am," he replied, the car already speeding off before I could settle fully into the seat.


    As soon as we arrived, the sterile smell of the hospital assaulted my nostrils the moment I stepped through the doors. I strode quickly down the hallway, my heels clicking against the floor as I enquired about her room details.


    Once I was directed, I bolted in search of E’s room. A nurse directed me to the ward, and as I entered, my eyes immediatelynded on E.


    She was lying on the hospital bed, her leg suspended in a sling. Her usually radiant face was pale, and her eyes were clouded with pain.


    "E," I breathed, rushing to her side.


    Her lips curved into a weak smile. "Hey, Zara."


    "Oh my God, what happened?" I asked, my voice trembling with both worry and fury as I gently took her hand.


    E sighed, her head leaning back against the pillow. "I should’ve listened to you," she murmured.


    I frowned. "What do you mean?"


    Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought she wasn’t going to answer. Then she let out a shaky breath.


    "Kent set me up," she said bitterly.


    My stomach churned. "What?"


    E’s eyes flickered to me, and the betrayal was evident in her gaze. "He sent me a message asking to meet him. I thought... I thought maybe he was trying to make things right. But when I got there, it wasn’t him."


    "Who was it?" I demanded, my voice low and sharp.


    "A woman," E said, her lips curling into a bitter smile. "A witch. She said Kent was hers. That I was nothing but a distraction."


    My blood boiled. "What did she do to you?"


    E gestured toward her leg. "She used some magic and threw me around like a rag doll before leaving me there. And when my wolf took over to fight, she injured her leg badly with her powers."


    Her voice cracked, and she looked away. "I couldn’t even fight back."


    I clenched my fists, a wave of anger sweeping through me. "Give me a name."


    This ??ontent is taken from fre??webnove(l).??????