Chapter 31 Raven's POV I woke up to a banging headache and a sore throat Hind potting up , but a sharp pain hit my back like fire tearing through my spice , Shit . I winced and laid back down , gritting my teeth . Every inch of me felt battered and bruised . Ishifted slightly , letting my eyes roam the space . It wasn't familiar . The walls were made of smooth stone , a little too rustic and earthy to be part of the pack house . There were herbs hanging from the salters and glass jars neatly lined up on wooden shelves . The air smelled like mint , lavender , and something more medicinal , was in a healer's hut - though I had no memory of getting here . Panic coiled in my chest as fragments of my last memory surfaced . The party . The accusation . Olivia's cold voice echoing through the hall as the accused me of stealing a bracelet . The guests ' eyes judging me . The way Alpha Ethan - my own mate- had looked at me with disappointment and ordered punishment without even hearing my side . The memory hit like a stap . My throat tightened , tears pricking the comers of my eyes . I bit down on my lip until I tasted blood , refusing to let them fall . Not again . Not now. Footsteps echoed from the hallway , getting closer . I quickly wiped my face , trying to mask any sign of weakness . The last thing I needed was more pity or judgment . The door creaked open , and a woman stepped into view . She looked to be in her early fifties , with soft brown skin , braid , and kind eyes that immediately made me feel small and broken . ar - streaked haired in a neat " Oh , you're awake , " she said with a gentle smile , walking toward me . I'm Mirella , the healer . Beta Matthew brought you here . You were unconscious for nearly two days . " I blinked at her , my lips parting to speak , but no sound came out . She leaned in and placed a cool hand on my forehead . " Don't strain yourself , You're safe now . " Then she turned slightly and called over her shoulder , * Matthew ! She's awake ! " I tensed . Beta Matthew ? Why would he help me ? She turned back to me , gently lihing my arm and rubbing a pungent herb - infused salve on the bruises near my elbow . " You've got bruises all over . Cracked ribs , and deep lashes on your back . Whoever did this .. " Her voice trailed off , shaking her head . " You didn't deserve it. No one does . " Tears sprang to my eyes a s again . I looked away , biting the inside of my cheek to keep them from falling . " I'm giving you a mixture of pain - relieving herbs . Drink slowly , " she said , handing me a warm cup . " It will ease the soreness in your throat and body . You've been through something terrible , child . " The tea was bitter, but I didn't protest . It soothed my throat , the warmth settling in r A knock at the door was followed by a familiar voice . " Is she awake ? " my stomach . I turned my head to see Beta Matthew step inside . His usually stern face was shadowed with concern . He wore a simple white shirt , sleeves rolled up , and there were dark circles under his eyes like he hadn't slept in days . He came closer and sat at the chair beside my bed , " Hey , " he said softly , his voice losing its usual command . " How are you feeling ? " My lips trembled . I couldn't stop it this time . " I didn't steal anything , " I whispered hoarsely , my voice breaking on the last word . " I swear I didn't . " The tears poured freely now , and I covered my face with my hands . My body shook from the weight of it all - the pain , the humiliation , the betrayal . I sobbed uncontrollably , wishing the ground would swallow me whole " I believe you ," Matthew said firmly , vonice cutting through my storm of emotion like a line , " That's why I saved you . " 1/3 Chapter 31 My breath caught , He leaned forward , his eyes serious . " I knew something was wrong the second heard the accusation . Olisia was too calm , Too ready . And than ha was blinded , tried to speak up , but he was too far gone in his anger . " I know ," Matthew sakl , jaw tightening . " And it wasn't right " I locked away , wiping at the tears staining my cheeks . My heart clenched at the memory of Alpha Ethan's eyes cold , unrecognizing , as if I were nothing to him . I swallowed , hard There was so much I couldn't say out loud . No one knew he was my mate . Except from that witch that took him away from ne Not even him ... How could I call someone mine when he didn't see me ... didn't feel me ? Matthew sat still for a moment , watching me quietly , almost as if he could read my thoughts but knew better than to pry " He didn't even care , " he said suddenly , his voice laced with quiet anger . " Not once did he ask how you were doing . Not once . After the punishment . after seeing what Olivia had orchestrated ... he just walked away like none of it mattered . Like you didn't matter ." His words hit harder than I expected . I gripped the edge of the blanket , my knuckles whitening . " Olivia's reach is growing , " he continued . " She knows how to twist the narrative . But Ethan ... he should've seen through it . The Alpha I knew he wouldn't have stood by and watched someone suffer without just cause . And yet he did . " I opened my mouth to respond , but a sharp buzz interrupted us . Matthew sighed and pulled out his phone , glancing at the screen . His brows drew together . " What is it ? " I asked , voice hoarse again . He hesitated for a moment , thumb hovering over the screen before answering , " It's Ethan . " A cold shiver ran down my spine . Matthew answered the call , stepping slightly away but not far enough that I couldn't hear the faint tone of Alpha authority on the other end . His back straightened as he listened , his mouth thinning into a hard line . When he finally ended the call , he didn't say anything right away . He just stared at the phone for a long second , his jaw clenched . " What did he say ? Lasked , already fearing the answer , Matthew turned to face me , his expression unreadable at first - but there was something burning in his eyes . Resentment . Frustration else ... disappointment ? " He's demanding you be discharged , " he said quietly . Effective immediately . " My heart dropped . " What ?" And something " He wants you back at the pack house , " Matthew continued , his voice tight . " Says your rest is over . That you're to return to your duties at once . " I stared at him , unable to speak . Chapter 37 Chapter 32 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!