Chapter 79:
Her words settled over the group, and I could see the resolve in the wolves’ eyes. They looked to her with a respect that was unbreakable, a trust that could only come from a leader who had proven herself time and again. She wasn’t just their Alpha—she was their strength, their hope.
The training began, and I worked with a group of younger wolves, showing them defensive techniques, the way to brace against an incoming force, how to anticipate the movements of an opponent. They were strong, eager to prove themselves, but I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, the quiet fear that lingered despite their confidence.
“Keep your stance steady,” I instructed one of the younger wolves, a tall but slender fighter named Ash. He stumbled a bit as he adjusted, his movements a bit awkward, but he nodded, his expression determined.
“I want to be ready, Dante,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of courage and trepidation.
“I want to protect the pack.”
I gave him a reassuring nod, recognizing the bravery beneath his fear.
“You will be ready. Just remember, you’re not fighting alone. Trust the wolves beside you, rely on each other, and you’ll be stronger together.”
As the training continued, I couldn’t help but watch Elara as she moved through the groups, guiding, encouraging, correcting with a patience that was as fierce as it was gentle. She embodied the very essence of what it meant to be a leader, showing every wolf here that she wasn’t just leading them into battle—she was leading them into a future they all believed in.
When the session ended, wolves dispersed to their next tasks, but I stayed behind, catching Elara’s eye as she finished speaking with Osric. She walked over, her expression softening as she approached.
“You looked good out there,” she said, a hint of warmth breaking through her usual seriousness.
“The younger wolves respect you. They listen to you.”
I shrugged, trying to downplay the pride that warmed my chest.
“They just need a little guidance. You’ve given them the foundation. I’m just helping them build on it.” She smiled, the kind of smile that reached her eyes, and for a moment, I forgot about the battle, about Silas, about everything but the way she looked at me.
“You’re doing more than that, Dante. You’re showing them what it means to protect, to fight for something greater than yourself.”
Her words settled over me, filling me with a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in years.
“I’m here for you, Elara. For the pack, for Talon. I want to help build something that lasts, something worth protecting.”
She looked away for a moment, as if collecting her thoughts, and then met my gaze again, her expression both vulnerable and resolute.
“I’m glad you’re here. I don’t know what we’re walking into with Silas, but knowing you’re beside me… it makes me feel like we can face whatever comes.”
There was so much more I wanted to say, so many things that hung between us, unspoken but deeply felt. But this wasn’t the time. We had a battle to prepare for, wolves to protect. Instead, I nodded, a silent promise that I would be there, no matter what, that I wouldn’t let her down.
That evening, as the pack settled into the compound, a quiet resolve settled over us all. Elara called another meeting with the council to discuss the final details of the defense. I listened as she outlined the patrol rotations, the positions for each group, every plan meticulously crafted to protect the pack. Her leadership was both reassuring and inspiring, her focus absolute.
But as I looked around, I could see the weight of it all pressing down on her. She was carrying the burden of every wolf here, every life that would be put at risk, and though she showed no sign of breaking, I could see the toll it was taking.
When the meeting ended, I caught up to her as she headed back to her den.
“Elara,” I called, my voice quiet but firm. She stopped, turning to face me, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
