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Eline scoffed. Now, the old man is just being very, very paranoid. "They ain't even mated yet, Harhan. Even for mated couples, it's very rare. The chances are very very slim."

He huffed, "You're right, I'm just being paranoid. I can't help it. Those two are way too compatible which makes them exhibit qualities only mated pairs should. This sickness just from fighting and being apart from each other is a case study."

"That's not what's happening here, Harhan. Ismena just lost her father and got some really traumatizing information. She has been crying for days and has slipped into depression. It's only normal that she falls sick."

"Yeah, right." The old man doesn't seem to share the same opinion with her and he didn't even bother to hide it.

"Well, let's hope it doesn't happen." Eline let out a deep breath. They saw him out before closing the door softly behind him.

"What's a Crave Shock?" Sandra asked immediately after they were alone again.

"Sometimes, when a mate is very sick and her life partner isn't with her; providing occasional touching or making love to him, his body can go into a Crave Shock. It's very dangerous. Once it starts, it kills the mate within fifteen minutes of no intervention from his mated partner."

"Jesus, what a mindfuck. Just fifteen minutes? It takes more than an hour to get to the Tower!"

"One hour, thirty-seven minutes. Forty-five minutes when you run there in shifted form." Eline confirmed.

"Oh, my God. My best friend will die!"

"Ismena is not gonna go into Crave Shock, Sandra. As I said, it's very rare and it only happens to mated couples who are apart from each other. That was what killed The Alpha King's father after the Queen died."

Sandra's eyes widened, "Really?"

Eline nodded, "His could have been easily prevented, it could have been stopped. All he needed was contact from his children—his wife's genetics are in them. All he needed was their touch but he refused it when he went into Crave Shock. He was so powerful that even in Crave Shock, he was aware of his surroundings and capable of speech. Rumors said the Alpha King tried his best to reach him, but he verbally refused the help. He wanted to join his wife."

"The Alpha King begged and begged, but the late King had made up his mind. The Alpha King had no choice, but to stand there and watch him die."

Sandra shook her head, feeling sick in the pit of her stomach. That's a very horrible thing to happen to a child, being forced to watch your parent die and you're unable to do anything. She might be angry at the Alpha King for hurting her best friend and pushing her away, but she feels really sad for him. He has been through so much.

"Let's hope Mena never goes into it," She concluded, biting her finger nervously.

Eline snorted, "Not possible."

They ate breakfast in silence, before they took breakfast to Ismena. Sandra fed her while Eline wiped her body with cold water.

Ismena's eyes were closed, she was barely aware of her surroundings but thankfully, they were able to get her to eat.

By evening, Sandra was beside herself with worry. "Eline...?"

"Hmm?" They'd just finished administering her evening herbs. Now, they stood at the foot of the bed, watching her restless sleep. Ismena whined, shaking her head repeatedly, before settling back to sleep.

"Shouldn't we at least try to get the Alpha K—"

"I wish we can, Sandra. You don't know how much I wish that." Eline worried her lips, "But, I don't think it's such a good idea. Ismena will not like it at all."

Sandra sighed, knowing Eline was right. She didn't say anything again.

The next two days passed in a haze.

Ismena's fever did not break but with the drugs and care, she was doing better.

Or so they thought.

In the middle of the night, Ismena began convulsing.

Eline and Sandra sprang up from the bed instantly, when they heard the unusual movement. They'd been sleeping beside her to watch over her and even in sleep, they'd been on high alert.

"What is going on!?" Sandra was gonna shout in panic, but her voice came out drowsy.