Crowned by Fate Chapter 165

Skye’s POV

"Garrett?" I said aloud, wondering if I'd heard wrong. The name felt familiar on my tongue, but in this context, it made no sense. I turned to Adrian, searching his amber eyes for confirmation. "Is she saying Garrett?"

Adrian's brow furrowed slightly, the same confusion I felt reflected in his expression. Before either of us could voice our thoughts further, Morgan's lips moved again.

"Garrett... I'm sorry, Garrett..."

The repetition sent a chill down my spine. This wasn't random rambling or confused muttering. This was specific, targeted guilt that had burrowed so deep into her subconscious that even sedatives couldn't silence it.

My mind raced back to our pack meetings, to the times Garrett had briefed us on the competition.

He'd been thorough, professional, presenting detailed information about each major contender including Alpha Morgan. He'd mentioned her unique position as the only female Alpha in the running, how she'd built her power base by championing women's rights across the continent. He'd warned us not to underestimate her because of her gender—that getting this far required exceptional strength.

But never, not once, had he mentioned any personal connection.

"Has Garrett ever mentioned Alpha Morgan to you?" I asked Adrian quietly, keeping my voice low enough that only he could hear. "Beyond the competitor briefings, I mean?"

Adrian shook his head slowly. "No. But then again, I don't make a habit of prying into people's private lives."

I could see the wheels turning in his mind, the same suspicions forming that were crystallizing in mine. Our information specialist, our trusted pack member who'd proven invaluable in preparing for these trials—could he really be connected to one of Adrian's strongest rivals?

Adrian straightened, addressing Daniel directly. "This Garrett that Alpha Morgan keeps mentioning—do you know who he is?"

Daniel's hands still gripped Morgan's fingers, his knuckles white with tension. I watched him wrestle with something internal, loyalty warring with desperation on his weathered face. His eyes darted between us and his Alpha, clearly weighing whether to share what might be deeply personal information.

Lydia spoke up from where she'd retreated after Daniel's rough handling. "Alpha Morgan seems trapped in memories of this Garrett. Whatever happened between them, it's what's keeping her locked in these delusions."

"The longer she remains in this state," Lydia continued gently, "the harder it will be to bring her back. Her mind is creating its own prison."

That seemed to break through Daniel's last walls of resistance. He looked down at Morgan's face, still twisted in anguish.

"Garrett is Alpha Morgan's younger son," he said finally, the words seeming to physically pain him.

The shock hit me like a physical blow. Adrian's body tensed beside me, and even Xavier's usual easy confidence flickered. I heard my own sharp intake of breath.

"The Garrett who won first place in the speed races? That Garrett?"

Daniel's head snapped up, genuine surprise replacing some of the grief on his face. "You know about that?" His voice held a note of wonder. "I didn't think anyone still remembered. It's been years since... since he had that victory."

"I was there," Xavier interjected, stepping forward slightly. "That speed competition—I watched the whole thing. The kid was incredible. Never seen anyone move like that."

Adrian and I exchanged glances with Lydia. The pieces were falling into place with uncomfortable clarity. Our Garrett, with his brilliant mind and damaged leg, who'd become invaluable to Oasisborn Pack's intelligence network. Morgan's son, who'd once been a champion runner.

"Small world," I murmured.

Daniel's attention sharpened on us like a blade. "Why? You know something about him?" Hope and fear battled in his voice. "It's been three years since he left home. Just disappeared one day, and Morgan... she's never forgiven herself. She searches for him constantly, even hired private investigators, but he vanished like smoke."

"Garrett works for us now. He's Oasisborn Pack's information manager," Adrian said. "It's no surprise you couldn't find him. When Garrett doesn't want to be found, there's no finding him."

Daniel's eyes blazed with sudden life, hope transforming his exhausted features. But caution quickly crept back in. He stammered, "H-his leg... is it...?"

Adrian shook his head slowly, and I watched Daniel's hope crumble. "The damage was too severe. Some things can't be healed, not even with our regenerative abilities."

Daniel's face crumpled with fresh grief. He turned back to Morgan, stroking her hair with infinite gentleness.

"That's our fault. All of it. We failed him. But Morgan loves him. God, she loves that boy more than life itself. She had her reasons for... for what happened. Things I can't explain, things that would sound like excuses even if I tried."

Xavier, who'd been uncharacteristically quiet, finally burst out with frustration. "What are you all talking about? What happened to his leg? What reasons?" He looked between us with growing annoyance. "Is there some rule that says I can't know what's going on?"

Lydia fixed him with a look that could have frozen fire. The silent command to shut up was so clear that even Xavier closed his mouth with an audible click.

"Alpha Morgan can't wake up because she's trapped in guilt over Garrett. These herbs and incense can provide temporary calm, but they're bandages on a severed artery. They won't bring her back to consciousness."

Daniel seized on her words like a drowning man grasping for rope. He grabbed Lydia's shoulders again, desperation making his movements sharp. "You have another way. You must have another way. Please, tell me you do."

Lydia swayed slightly under his grip, clearly uncomfortable with the contact.

"Daniel," Xavier said, his voice carrying a warning. "Easy there."

Daniel released Lydia, his hands dropping to his sides, but his eyes remained fixed on her with burning intensity. "Please. If there's anything..."

Lydia turned to look directly at Adrian. "There might be one option," she said slowly. "Alpha Adrian, would you consider allowing Garrett to come here? To see Alpha Morgan?"