A/n: I just want to say thank you so much for the 1k+ views
✨️Chapter 11 – Recovery
Ariana drifted in and out of consciousness as the healers worked over her.
The fever was fierce, burning like a small sun inside her chest.
But they quickly determined the cause.
"It's magic exhaustion," the lead healer said calmly.
"She pushed herself far beyond a first-year limit. The earth magic surge was enormous."
Kai exhaled in pure relief.
No curses.
No foreign magic.
No danger.
Just fatigue.
Pure, simple, overwhelming exhaustion.
Her father — who had arrived only because the alarm triggered guardian alerts — stood by her bedside quietly, a hand on her ankle, rubbing small circles like he used to when she was little.
But he wasn't furious.
He wasn't blaming anyone.
He looked up at Kai with tired eyes.
"Thank you for bringing her in so fast."
Kai blinked, surprised.
"I… of course."
Mr. Sterling nodded once.
"She trusts you. Keep an eye on her."
Then he kissed Ariana's forehead gently and left the room so she could rest.
Just like that — no shouting, no accusations.
Kai stared after him, stunned.
Rylan whispered, "Honestly? I expected worse."
Calen shrugged. "Rich dads are unpredictable."
Zane muttered, "He wasn't unpredictable. He was scared."
Kai turned back to Ariana.
Her fever had broken.
The healing stones glowed softly against her skin.
Her breathing steadied.
She looked peaceful.
---
## **She Wakes Up**
An hour later, Ariana stirred.
Her eyes fluttered open.
"Kai…?"
He was by her side in an instant.
"I'm here."
She blinked groggily.
"…Did I pass out?"
"You didn't pass out," Rylan said from across the room.
"You saved the whole academy and then took a nap."
"A fever nap," Calen clarified.
"A heroic nap," Zane added.
Ariana groaned and covered her face.
"Did everyone see me get carried into the infirmary?"
"Only half the school," Calen said.
Rylan elbowed him. "Cal."
"What? She should know she's famous now."
Ariana's face turned red.
Kai leaned closer.
"How do you feel?"
She swallowed.
"Tired. Embarrassed. Hungry."
Kai allowed a very tiny smile.
"Those are all normal."
Zane moved toward them, hands behind his back.
"The healers said you should rest tonight. No training. No stress. No magic."
Ariana nodded.
Then frowned.
"Did… anything else happen? After I did the earth thing?"
"No," Kai said firmly.
"Nothing touched you. Nothing got near you. And the hooded figure vanished before the barrier broke."
"Vanished?" Ariana whispered.
Zane nodded.
"Before you even pushed the ground. They weren't after you. They weren't even close."
Ariana let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.
"So… I'm okay?"
Kai's voice softened.
"You're okay."
---
## **The Headmaster Visits**
Headmaster Solarin stepped in, robes sweeping across the floor.
His expression was unreadable, but his tone was gentle.
"Ariana Sterling."
She sat up a little.
"Yes, sir?"
"You saved the school today," he said.
"And you also discovered a magic reserve you never used before."
Ariana blinked.
"I did?"
"With guidance," he added, nodding toward Kai and the boys, "you will master it."
He turned to the Four Pillars.
"Good work protecting her."
Rylan puffed up proudly.
Calen smirked.
Zane bowed his head.
Kai simply nodded.
The Headmaster addressed Ariana again.
"For now, rest. Your abilities require balance. When you're stronger, we will continue your hybrid training."
Ariana nodded.
"Thank you, sir."
He left as quietly as he arrived.
---
## **The Night Quiet**
The room grew warm and soft again.
Rylan stretched.
"We'll guard the door."
Calen smirked. "Because someone has to keep stupid people out."
Zane adjusted his uniform. "We rotate shifts."
Kai stayed seated by her bed.
Ariana blinked.
"You guys… are staying all night?"
Kai answered for them.
"Yes."
Her heart gave a weird little flutter.
Kai continued, eyes gentle but serious.
"You're part of the pack now, Ariana. We protect our own."
Ariana exhaled, a small smile pulling at her lips.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Kai leaned back in his chair, finally letting some of the tension slip from his shoulders.
"Sleep," he said softly.
"We'll be here when you wake up."
Ariana closed her eyes.
Her wolf stirred inside her chest—
calm, quiet, safe.
And for the first time since arriving at Elmwood…
She slept peacefully.
A/n: Guys don't just read and pass, at least tell me what you think about it