CHAPTER SEVENTY-SEVEN - SHORT TALE

PIXIE

I had no idea how much time had passed since I'd managed to feed Amber the last bit of food on the tray, but I was startled awake by Amber's vicious growls, reverberating through my chest and into my ear.

I'd fallen asleep against Amber's side, my fingers curled in the mess of fur. I blinked in confusion, trying to figure out what had woken Amber when Asha's scent hit my nose.

"It's me," he said needlessly, standing at the door. He observed Amber and the way my body coiled defensively around my sleeping form while I slowly woke up.

Sensing Amber's fear and aggression, I reached out to calm my down but was interrupted by Asha, who growled once, his Alpha dominance slipping free and forcing Amber down.

"It's okay, Amber," I said again, hating the way Amber whimpered in Asha's presence. "That's Asha, he won't hurt you, you can trust him."

But Amber only huffed and crawled back to my bed, huddling in the corner and ignoring both I and Asha.

"It's late," Asha said, his eyes fixed on