The soft beeping of the heart monitor was the first thing Rhys became aware of as he slowly drifted back to consciousness. His body felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and the dull, persistent ache in his arm. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, and the gentle hum of distant voices told him exactly where he was.
A hospital.
Rhys blinked, his vision blurry as the bright fluorescent lights above him came into focus. The ceiling was unfamiliar, stark white, and clean, and when he finally managed to shift his gaze, he saw the unmistakable sight of hospital curtains and medical equipment surrounding the bed.
"You're awake," A familiar voice said softly from the side of the room.
Rhys turned his head, wincing at the soreness in his neck, and found Kaelen sitting in a chair beside his bed, his expression calm but with a flicker of relief in his eyes.
"Hey," Kaelen continued, standing up and moving closer. "You gave us all quite a scare out there."
Rhys' mind raced as the memories of the forest, the storm, and the injury came flooding back. He remembered falling, the pain in his arm, and Dorian—the panic in Dorian's eyes as he left to find help. The events felt distant, like a dream, but the ache in his arm was a stark reminder that it had all been real.
"How... how long have I been out?" Rhys croaked, his throat dry and voice hoarse.
Kaelen gave him a reassuring smile. "Only a few hours. They reset your arm and treated you for exhaustion. You're going to be fine."
Rhys nodded slowly, his mind still foggy. He glanced down at his bandaged arm, feeling the tightness of the sling around his shoulder, but the ache wasn't unbearable anymore. The doctors must have given him something for the pain.
Then his heart lurched as another memory came back.
"Dorian," Rhys said, his voice suddenly filled with urgency as he looked back at Kaelen. "Where's Dorian? Is he okay?"
Kaelen's expression softened, his voice calm but reassuring. "He's here, in the same hospital. He was taken to the VIP wing with his parents. He's stable now, but he needed a lot of care after..." Kaelen trailed off, not needing to finish the sentence. He knew what had happened—Dorian's rut had hit him hard, and the physical and emotional toll had been immense.
Rhys let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through him at the news. "Thank god," He muttered, sinking back into the bed. "I was worried..."
Kaelen nodded, his eyes sympathetic. "I know. He'll be alright, though. He's with his parents now, and they're making sure he has everything he needs."
Rhys closed his eyes for a moment, letting the tension drain from his body as the weight of the situation settled in. He hadn't realized just how scared he had been—how much the thought of Dorian being in danger had eaten away at him until now.
The door to the hospital room creaked open suddenly, and Rhys' eyes snapped open to see two familiar figures stepping inside.
"Rhys!" Came the soft but urgent voice of Emilia, his Omega mother, as she rushed to his bedside, her arms already outstretched to embrace him. Behind her stood Victor, his Alpha father, holding the hands of two wide-eyed toddlers who looked around the room in awe.
"Mom?" Rhys murmured, his heart swelling at the sight of his family. "Dad?"
His mother, Emilia, wrapped her arms around him carefully, mindful of his injury but unable to stop herself from fussing over him. "You had us so worried!" She exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly as she pulled back to cup his face. "When we got the call, I thought—I thought..."
"I'm okay, Mom," Rhys said softly, giving her a tired but reassuring smile.
Victor, his father, gave a nod from behind her, his stern expression softening as he looked at his son. "You're tougher than you look, kid," Victor said, though there was a hint of relief in his voice as well. "But you had us scared there for a while."
Rhys chuckled softly, though the sound was weak. "I'm fine. Really."
At their feet, the twins—Lena and Eli, barely three years old—stood holding each other's hands, their matching golden eyes wide with curiosity. Lena tugged on Victor's pant leg, her small voice piping up. "Rhys got a boo-boo?"
Rhys couldn't help but smile at his younger siblings, his heart warming at their innocence. "Yeah, I got a little hurt, but I'll be okay," He said, his voice gentle as he tried to reassure them.
Lena nodded seriously, her little face scrunched in concentration as she seemed to accept his explanation. Eli, however, just stared up at Rhys, his thumb in his mouth, his wide eyes taking everything in silently.
"See? I told you, he's tough," Victor said, smiling down at the twins before giving Emilia a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.
Kaelen had stepped back slightly to give Rhys and his family space, his expression quiet and contemplative as he watched the scene unfold. But there was something in his eyes, a flicker of emotion that he quickly masked.
Rhys' gaze shifted back to Kaelen, his curiosity piqued. "You were the one who found me, weren't you?" Rhys asked, his voice softer now. "I don't remember much, but... thank you."
Kaelen gave him a small nod, his lips curving into a faint smile. "It wasn't just me," He said, his voice low. "We were all worried about you. But I'm glad you're alright."
Before Rhys could respond, a nurse stepped into the room, informing Emilia and Victor that the doctor would need to speak with them about Rhys' condition. They nodded and moved toward the door, but not before Emilia gave Rhys another quick kiss on the forehead and promised to return soon.
As they left, the room grew quieter, leaving Rhys and Kaelen alone for a moment. The warmth of Rhys' family had eased some of the tension, but there was still a lingering heaviness in the air—especially when Rhys thought about Dorian.
"Kaelen," Rhys said quietly, his voice laced with concern. "Is Dorian really going to be okay?"
Kaelen's eyes softened, and though his face was calm, there was something deeper in his gaze—something protective. "He'll be okay," Kaelen said quietly, his voice filled with quiet certainty. "He's stronger than he realizes."
Rhys nodded slowly, his mind drifting to Dorian again, even as his own exhaustion began to pull at him. He didn't know what would come next, but knowing Dorian was safe—knowing Kaelen had helped him—brought a strange sense of comfort he hadn't expected.
_
The sterile, muted atmosphere of the VIP wing of the hospital was worlds apart from the chaos of the storm and the struggles Dorian had endured in the forest. Here, the soft hum of machinery and the steady beeping of heart monitors were the only sounds breaking the heavy silence that surrounded Eryx and Cassandra Vaelis as they stood just outside their son's room.
Through the window, they could see Dorian lying in the hospital bed, his face pale but peaceful, his chest rising and falling with slow, steady breaths as he slept. He looked so calm, so unlike the poised and collected son they had raised to be their perfect Alpha heir.
But that perfection had come at a cost.
The door to the room clicked open quietly, and a doctor, dressed in the pristine white coat that marked his station, stepped into the hallway. His expression was calm but serious, his eyes flicking between Eryx and Cassandra as he approached.
"Mr. and Mrs. Vaelis," The doctor began, his voice steady but gentle. "I wanted to discuss Dorian's condition with you."
Cassandra's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, but her voice was calm and composed as she nodded. "Go on, doctor."
The doctor glanced at the clipboard in his hands before looking back at the Vaelis couple, his expression growing more serious. "As you know, Dorian has been taking rut suppressants for several years now, but it appears that the medication is losing its effectiveness. His body has built up a tolerance to the current dosage, which is why he experienced such a severe reaction this time."
Eryx's jaw tightened, his icy blue eyes flicking to the window where Dorian lay. "You're saying the suppressants are no longer working?"
The doctor nodded. "That's correct. We could increase the dosage or switch to a stronger suppressant, but that comes with significant risks—both to Dorian's health and his long-term hormonal balance."
Cassandra's lips pressed into a thin line, her mind already working through the implications of what the doctor was saying. She had always known the risks of long-term suppressant use, but the idea of their son being forced to endure his rut without the control they had worked so hard to instill in him...
"What are the alternatives?" Cassandra asked, her voice cool but controlled.
The doctor took a breath before continuing. "The most natural solution would be to allow Dorian's rut to progress without the use of suppressants. His body needs to reset, so to speak, and the safest option would be to let the rut occur naturally. It would be difficult, especially since he's been suppressing it for so long, but his body is designed for this process."
Eryx's eyes darkened, his posture rigid as he absorbed the doctor's words. The idea of letting Dorian experience a full rut—of relinquishing the control they had maintained over him for so long—set his teeth on edge. Dorian had been raised to be a model Alpha, a leader who could control every aspect of himself, and this... this felt like a failure.
"A stronger suppressant would be an option, of course," The doctor continued, sensing their hesitation. "But it's not something I would recommend unless absolutely necessary. The side effects would be significant, and it could potentially make his future ruts even more difficult to manage."
Cassandra's gaze shifted back to Dorian's sleeping face, her amber eyes thoughtful but cold. Her mind was a whirlwind of calculations and considerations. Letting Dorian's rut go natural—it would strip away the control they had carefully instilled in him. But at the same time, pushing him further into reliance on stronger medication could weaken him in the long run, making him more vulnerable.
Eryx's voice cut through her thoughts, his tone as cold and sharp as ever. "What would a natural rut look like after years of suppression? How would it affect him physically and mentally?"
The doctor's expression softened slightly, though his words were still measured. "It would likely be intense, especially given how long his body has been suppressing the cycle. He'll experience heightened instincts, increased physical strength, and significant emotional volatility. It will take a toll on him, but it's a process his body is meant to go through."
Eryx's eyes flicked back to Dorian, his expression unreadable. He had raised his son to be strong, disciplined, and in control of every aspect of his life. But this—this was something beyond the rigid structure they had created for him. Letting go of that control went against everything he believed in.
Cassandra remained silent, her mind racing through the possibilities, weighing the risks and rewards. Her gaze lingered on Dorian's sleeping face, the peaceful expression masking the turmoil that undoubtedly lay beneath the surface.
She knew that Dorian had been feeling the strain for some time. He had become more withdrawn, more introspective—something she had chalked up to the pressures of being an Alpha. But now, she realized that this—his body's need for release, for balance—was the source of his growing disconnect.
Finally, Cassandra spoke, her voice quiet but firm. "We'll need time to consider your recommendation, doctor. But for now, we'll focus on his recovery."
The doctor nodded, understanding the gravity of the decision they were facing. "Of course. Take all the time you need. We'll continue monitoring him closely."
As the doctor excused himself, leaving the Vaelis couple standing alone in the hallway, the tension between them was palpable.
Eryx's icy blue eyes flicked to Cassandra, his voice low but hard. "We can't let him spiral out of control."
Cassandra's gaze remained on Dorian, her face expressionless but her mind racing. "He's not spiraling. But we have to consider what's best for him in the long run."
Eryx's jaw tightened, his hands clenching at his sides. "Control is what's best for him. If he loses that, everything we've worked for will be at risk."
Cassandra turned to face him, her amber eyes cold but thoughtful. "You saw him, Eryx. The suppressants aren't working. We can't push him further without consequences. If we're not careful, we'll break him."
Eryx's gaze darkened, but he remained silent, his mind warring with the conflicting thoughts of discipline and care. Dorian had been raised to be strong, unbreakable. But this—this was beyond even their control.
For a long moment, they stood in silence, their eyes locked on their son through the window.
Finally, Cassandra spoke, her voice quiet but resolute. "We'll give him time to recover. And then we'll decide."
_
The hospital lobby was a blur of sterile white walls, bright lights, and the low hum of medical equipment. But none of it registered in Lyrian's mind as he rushed through the halls, his heart pounding in his chest with every step. His face was drawn tight with worry, his pale blue eyes wide with fear as the overwhelming weight of the situation pressed down on him.
Kaelen was waiting for him near the entrance to the VIP wing, his face calm but etched with the quiet tension he always carried when it came to their son. His golden-brown eyes met Lyrian's as soon as he entered, and though his expression was controlled, there was a flicker of concern in his gaze.
"They took him in," Kaelen said quietly, his voice steady but laced with the kind of worry he rarely let show. "He's stable, but they've been talking to the Vaelis couple about his condition."
Lyrian's chest tightened, his breath hitching as he tried to process the words. Dorian—their son, the child they had given up so long ago—was here, in this hospital, and he was in pain. The thought of it sent a fresh wave of guilt and fear crashing over him, and Lyrian felt his legs tremble beneath him.
"I... I need to see him," Lyrian whispered, his voice shaky with emotion. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his mind racing with the desperate need to be by Dorian's side. "I can't just stand here. I need to be with him."
Kaelen stepped forward, his hand resting gently on Lyrian's arm, his gaze soft but firm. "You know we can't just walk in there. His adoptive parents—"
"I don't care!" Lyrian interrupted, his voice rising slightly as his emotions threatened to spill over. His eyes were wild with worry, his usual calm demeanor cracking under the weight of his fear. "He's our son, Kaelen! I can't just stand here and do nothing while he's suffering!"
Kaelen's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced down the hallway where Dorian was being treated. He understood Lyrian's desperation—he felt it too, deep in his chest, a gnawing ache that wouldn't go away. But the reality of the situation was far more complicated than just rushing in.
"Lyrian," Kaelen said softly, his voice filled with quiet understanding, "I want to see him too. But barging in there now, with his parents... it's going to cause more harm than good."
Lyrian's chest heaved with the effort of holding back his emotions, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps as he struggled to keep himself together. But it was too much. The thought of Dorian—alone, hurting, after everything they had been through—was more than he could bear.
"I can't just wait," Lyrian whispered, his voice trembling with the weight of his emotions. "I can't just... stand by and let him suffer. He needs to know we're here. That we care."
Kaelen's gaze softened, his own heart aching at the sight of Lyrian's pain. He reached out, taking Lyrian's hand in his, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "We'll find a way. But we have to be careful."
Lyrian's eyes filled with unshed tears, his body trembling with the force of his emotions. He knew Kaelen was right—they couldn't just walk into the room and reveal the truth. But the thought of waiting—of standing on the sidelines while Dorian went through this alone—was unbearable.
"Please," Lyrian begged, his voice breaking. "Just... let me see him. I swear, I'll stay calm. I won't do anything to jeopardize the situation. But I need to be near him."
Kaelen's heart twisted painfully at the desperation in Lyrian's voice. He could feel the weight of the years pressing down on them both—the years of separation, the years of wondering what had become of their son. And now, with Dorian so close, the need to be with him was overwhelming.
For a long moment, Kaelen was silent, his mind racing as he considered their options. The risk was high—if the Vaelis couple saw them, if they recognized Lyrian—but Kaelen knew that keeping Lyrian away from Dorian was just as dangerous. The longer they stayed apart, the harder it would be to hold everything together.
Finally, Kaelen gave a small nod, his voice quiet but firm. "Alright. But you have to keep it together, Lyrian. If they see you—if anyone recognizes you—it could complicate things."
Lyrian nodded quickly, his eyes wide with hope and gratitude. "I'll stay calm. I swear."
Kaelen's heart ached as he looked at Lyrian, his own guilt and fear swirling in his chest. He knew this wasn't just about Dorian's condition—it was about the years they had lost, the connection they had been forced to sever. And now, with Dorian so close, the weight of that loss was almost unbearable.
They moved quietly down the hallway, keeping to the shadows as they approached the window to Dorian's room. Inside, they could see him lying in the bed, his face pale and peaceful as he slept, the soft rise and fall of his chest the only sign that he was still fighting through the effects of his rut and the exhaustion that had overtaken him.
Lyrian's breath hitched as he saw Dorian—his son, the child he had carried, the boy he had been forced to give up to protect. The sight of him lying there, so vulnerable, so still, sent a wave of guilt and love crashing over him, and he had to grip Kaelen's hand tightly to keep himself grounded.
"He looks so different," Lyrian whispered, his voice barely audible. "So much older. But... but he's still the same."
Kaelen's eyes softened, his gaze locked on Dorian's sleeping face. "He's strong. Just like you."
Lyrian's chest tightened at the words, his heart swelling with pride and pain all at once. He wanted nothing more than to rush into the room, to hold Dorian close and tell him the truth—that they had never stopped loving him, that they had never wanted to give him up. But he knew that wasn't possible. Not yet.
For now, all they could do was watch from a distance, their hearts aching with the weight of everything that had been lost—and the hope that, one day, they might be able to reclaim it.