Claimed by My Bully Alpha Chapter 455

Aurora’s P.O.V

When Alice called to tell me that Riley was finally awake, I nearly dropped everything I was doing. My heart slammed in my chest, and I don’t think I’ve ever run through the halls so fast in my life.

Caleb was right beside me, his face just as pale and anxious as mine, neither of us daring to say a word because we were both too afraid of what state Riley would be in. When we got to the infirmary, Alice was standing at the door, and for a moment, I thought I would cry just from the look of relief she gave me.

Inside, Riley was sitting up, looking around with that dazed confusion, his lips parting like he wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words. “Riley,” I whispered, my voice breaking as I took a step forward. He turned his head toward me, and I froze…just completely froze.

My knees buckled, and I would have hit the floor if Caleb hadn’t grabbed me by the shoulders and held me steady. Because when Riley looked at me, his eyes were still that familiar ocean blue, but there was something else, something unnatural. A perfect ring of green encircling the iris.

“Oh my gods…” I gasped, my hand clapping over my mouth. “No. No, no, this can’t be happening.”

Caleb tightened his grip on me, whispering harshly, “Aurora, breathe. Don’t lose it now.”

I turned desperately toward Alice, my eyes wild. “What’s wrong with him? Alice, what’s happening to Riley? Why are his eyes like that?!”

Alice’s face was unreadable for a moment, but then she stepped forward, her voice gentle, calm, like she was trying to soothe a child. “Aurora, listen to me. It’s alright. Riley’s awake, and he’s here. That’s what matters right now.”

“Doesn't that mean he’s in danger?” I nearly choked on the words. “Alice, what does that even mean? That’s not his eyes. That’s not normal.”

“Aurora…” Riley croaked out, his voice hoarse, his eyes still unfocused. “Why… Why are you crying? Did… did something happen?”

I couldn’t hold myself back anymore. I pulled free from Caleb’s hands and rushed to Riley’s side, wrapping my arms around him, holding him so tight he let out a little grunt. “You scared me,” I whispered into his hair, my tears wetting his hospital gown.

“You scared me so much, Riley. You can’t ever do that to me again, do you hear me?”

His hand came up weakly, patting my back. “I… I don’t remember. What happened to me? Why am I here?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly, pulling back just enough to see his face. “You were just sick, that’s all. You had a fever, and you’ve been resting for a few days, but you’re okay now. You’re fine.”

Alice nodded approvingly from where she stood. “She’s right. You’ve just been ill, Riley. But now that you’re awake, we can send you back to your room. Luna Maya will look after you until you’re strong again.”

Caleb forced a small smile, though his eyes betrayed how shaken he was. “Yeah, kid. Don’t worry about anything. Just focus on getting back on your feet.”

Riley blinked at us, still confused, but too weak to argue. He leaned into me a little, like he needed the support, and I felt my chest tighten at how fragile he seemed. Eventually, with Maya helping, we got him out of the infirmary and into his room, tucked under blankets while she promised she’d watch over him. I didn’t want to leave, not even for a second, but Alice’s firm tone told me that Caleb and I needed to stay behind.

When the door closed and Riley was out of earshot, I turned sharply to Alice, my voice shaking.

“Tell me the truth now. What’s wrong with him? That ring, what is it?”

Alice exhaled slowly, her hands clasped in front of her. “It isn’t just Riley,” she said quietly, her eyes flicking between me and Caleb. “Jade has it too.”

I felt my stomach drop. “Jade?” I echoed, my throat tight. “You mean… he has the same ring in his eyes?”

“Yes.” Alice’s tone was grave, her expression finally hardening. “It showed up as soon as they opened their eyes. I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure, but now I can’t hide it anymore. Aurora, Caleb—this isn’t just illness. It’s a sign.”

“A sign of what?” Caleb asked, his voice low and suspicious, his arms crossed over his chest.