Chapter 181 The marking 1

Chapter 181: Chapter 181 The marking 1

Talia’s POV

The morning light filtered through the window, soft and golden.

I blinked against the brightness, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. It was a new day, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like everything was going to be okay.

I lay in Kaelen’s arms, with my head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, while his fingers traced lazy patterns on my back.

The touch was gentle, and almost absent-minded, and I knew he was thinking about something. But I did not want to break the silence. I just wanted to stay in this moment, with his arms around me and his heart beating beneath my ear.

I felt the warmth of his body against mine, and I closed my eyes again, trying to enjoy more of the moment. And, last night had been everything to me.

While I was lost in my thoughts, Kaelen moved slowly, and kissed the top of my head.

I felt the warmth of his lips on my skin, and I smiled. It was a simple gesture, but it meant everything.

"Good morning," he said.

"Good morning," I replied, tilting my head up to look at him.

His gray eyes were soft, and he smiled down at me. "Hungry?"

"Yes," I admitted.

He climbed out of bed and walked to the door. He spoke to someone in the hallway, and a few minutes later, a servant arrived with a tray of food. There were pancakes, eggs, fresh fruits, and a pot of tea.

We sat at the desk and ate together.

The food smelled delicious, and I realized how hungry I was. I picked up my fork and took a bite of the pancakes, savoring the sweetness.

The pancakes were warm and fluffy, and the fruits were sweet, and I watched Kaelen as he ate.

His movements were calm and deliberate, and I could see the strength in his hands. He was healed, and he was whole, and I was grateful for every moment.

And I felt the love swelling in my chest.

"Where do you want to go today?" I asked.

He wiped his mouth and set down his fork. "I want to check on Grandfather."

His voice was soft, and I could see the concern in his eyes. He had been worried about Aldric since the battle, and I knew he needed to see for himself that his grandfather was okay.

I nodded. "I want to see him too."

We walked to Aldric’s quarters after breakfast.

He was sitting in a chair near the window, with his gray eyes sharp, and his face still pale but healing. He smiled brightly when he saw us.

It was a warm smile, one that reminded me of the early days when I first arrived at Blackmoor Valley. He had been stern and distant then, but now, he was family.

"Kaelen, Talia," he said. "Come in."

Kaelen walked to him and knelt beside his chair.

I watched him kneel, and I saw the respect in his posture. He was an Alpha, but he was also a grandson, and he loved his grandfather deeply.

"How are you feeling, Grandfather?" he asked.

"I am old," Aldric said with a small smile. "But I am still here."

He looked at Kaelen, then at me, and his expression grew serious.

"I have something to tell you," he said. "I am stepping down as an elder."

Kaelen’s eyes widened. "Grandfather..."

"It is time," Aldric said, raising his hand to stop him. "I cannot lead like I used to. The pack needs younger wolves to take over. I have already spoken to Talia about this, and she agreed with me."

Kaelen looked at me, and I nodded.

“I could not argue with grandfather even if I wanted to,” I said matter of factly.

"I do not like it," Kaelen said, turning back to Aldric.

His voice was low, and I could hear the sadness in it. He did not want to see his grandfather step down, but he knew it was the right decision.

"But I understand." He said finally.

Aldric smiled. "I am not leaving. I will still be here, still watching over all of you. It would just be from the sidelines."

Kaelen nodded slowly. "If that is what you want."

"It is," Aldric said, patting his back.

We called a gathering of the pack in the courtyard.

The news spread quickly, and I could see the curiosity in the eyes of the wolves as they gathered. They knew something important was about to happen.

Wolves filed in, with their faces curious, and their voices low. Aldric stood at the front with Kaelen beside him.

I stood beside Kaelen, with my hand in his.

Aldric raised his hand, and the crowd fell silent.

The silence was immediate and complete. Every eye was on Aldric, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on all of us.

"I have been an elder of Shadowfang Pack for many years," he said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "But the time has come for me to step down. I am old, and I am tired. The pack needs young wolves to lead."

Murmurs spread through the crowd. I saw surprised faces, some nodding.

"I will still be here," Aldric continued. "I will still watch over you all, but I will no longer hold the title of elder."

The crowd went silent again. Then one wolf stepped forward and bowed.

It was a sign of respect, and a gesture that showed the pack’s gratitude for all Aldric had done. One by one, the others followed, and I felt tears prick at my eyes.

Another followed, and soon, the entire pack was bowing to Aldric.

He smiled, and I saw the tears in his eyes.