Chapter 193
With a determined stride, I headed downstairs, my injured ankle protesting with every step. I ignored the pain, focusing on the task at hand. I had to get to the hospital, to Armand, to the Minister. Lives were depending on me.
"Alayna, where are you going?" My mother's voice stopped me in my tracks. She stood at the bottom of the stairs, her brow furrowed with concern.
"To the hospital, Mother," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
Her eyes widened in alarm. "The hospital? Alayna, no! It's too dangerous. You've injured your ankle, and..."
She trailed off, her gaze softening as she remembered something. "And remember that your wedding is near," she finished, her voice laced with a mixture of worry and excitement. "You can't risk getting sick or injured before your big day."
