Chapter 171 Aldric’s Wound 1

Chapter 171: Chapter 171 Aldric’s Wound 1

Talia’s POV

I followed the healers into the healers hall, with my legs moving on their own, and my eyes fixed on Kaelen’s limp body on the stretcher.

My heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears, and my breath came in short, shallow gasps. I could not think, and I could not speak, I could only follow.

They laid him on a bed, and Elena and her team surrounded him immediately, with their hands moving fast, and their voices calm and steady.

I watched them work, with their faces focused, and their movements precise. They did not hesitate, and they did not stop, because every second counted.

I stood to the side, watching, with my hands shaking at my sides. I did not know what to do with myself, because I could not help. I could only wait, and the waiting was worse than anything I had ever felt.

I wanted to scream, I wanted to push them aside and do something, anything, but I knew I would only be in the way. So I stood there, frozen, with my eyes fixed on Kaelen’s pale face.

The healers worked on Kaelen, cutting away his torn shirt, and cleaning the wounds that were still smoking and burning from the silver.

The sight of the wounds made my stomach turn, and I could feel the anger rising in my chest again, hot and sharp. Viktor was dead, but his poison was still hurting my mate.

I watched them work, and I felt my heart break with every passing second. The silver had poisoned him badly, and his wounds were deep.

Then I heard commotion at the entrance.

The sound of hurried footsteps and shouting voices filled the hall, and I turned to see what was happening. My heart was already racing, and I knew that whatever was coming, it would not be good news.

More wolves were being carried in. They were wounded warriors from the battle. I turned to look, and my heart stopped.

Aldric was being carried on a stretcher.

I had never seen him look so weak, and so fragile. He had always been so strong, so steady, and seeing him like this made my chest ache.

His face was pale, and there was blood soaking through his shirt. His eyes were closed, but his chest was still moving.

I took a deep breath, knowing that he was alive.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me, but it was quickly replaced by fear. He was alive, but he was hurt, and I did not know how bad it was.

I rushed to his side.

I pushed through the crowd of healers and warriors, until my eyes fixed on Aldric’s pale face. My hands were shaking, and my voice came out louder than I intended.

"What happened?" I asked, with my voice shaking.

One of the warriors carrying him spoke. "He was protecting a young wolf during the battle. A rogue got past us and was heading for the child, but Aldric threw himself in front of the pup."

The warrior’s voice was rough, and I could see the guilt in his eyes. He had been there, and he had not been fast enough to stop it.

My throat tightened, and I looked at Aldric’s pale face. He had been so strong, so steady, and always watching over the pack. And now he was lying on a stretcher, and he was bleeding.

The warriors laid Aldric on a bed, and Elena came over to check on him. She moved quickly, assessing his wounds, then she turned to me. "He is stable, but he needs rest. He will recover."

I let out a breath I did not know I was holding, and I nodded.

Then Elena returned to Kaelen.

Aldric’s eyes fluttered open, and he saw me standing over him. His voice was weak, but he managed a small smile.

"Did we win?" he asked.

I nodded, my eyes burning with tears. "Yes, Grandfather. We won."

His smile widened. "Good," he said. "I knew you would."

I squeezed his hand, and then I turned back to Kaelen.

I knew Aldric would be okay, and that gave me a small measure of peace. But before I could take a step, Aldric’s hand reached out and caught my wrist. His grip was weak, but it was there. I turned back to look at him, and his eyes were still opened, and fixed on me.

"Talia," he said. His voice was barely a whisper, and I could see the effort it took for him to speak. "Wait."

I knelt beside his bed and took his hand. "I am here, Grandfather. What is it?" ℯℯ𝑙.

He took a shallow breath, and his eyes moved across my face. "I am old," he said. "And I am tired."

My throat tightened. "You are not old, Grandfather. You are strong."

He shook his head, and a weak smile crossed his lips. "Not anymore. This battle... It showed me that my time is passing. I cannot lead the elders like I used to, and I cannot protect the pack the way I once did."

"Grandfather..." I started, but he squeezed my hand, silencing me.

"I am stepping down as an elder," he said. "I will focus on healing, on resting, and on letting the younger wolves take over. It is time."