Chapter 222 The send-off

Chapter 222: Chapter 222 The send-off

Talia’s POV

Kaelen’s hand was wrapped around mine, warm and steady, as we walked through the hallways together.

I could feel the calluses on his palm, and I smiled, because it was the roughness of a warrior’s hand that had held me through so many nights. It was a familiar comfort, and I held onto it like a lifeline.

The pack house was buzzing with activity, and I could hear the murmurs of wolves gathering outside.

"They are all waiting for us," I said.

Kaelen squeezed my hand. "They want to say goodbye."

I nodded, and I felt the tears prick at my eyes. I had not expected to feel so emotional.

I thought I had prepared myself for this moment, but standing here, surrounded by the faces of wolves who had become my family, I realized that I had not been prepared at all.

I had spent so long being invisible, and being forgotten, that I had never imagined I would have a pack that would miss me.

We stepped outside, and the courtyard was full.

Wolves had gathered in a circle, with their faces a mixture of pride, worry, and hope. Some were holding small tokens, while others were whispering to each other. I saw Nora standing near the front, with her hands clasped together, and her eyes glistening with tears.

She was trying to be brave, I could see it in the way she held her shoulders back and lifted her chin. But the tears gave her away, and I felt my own eyes burn in response.

I saw Jax and Silas standing together, with their faces serious for once. I saw Cain at the edge of the crowd, with his arms crossed, and his face unreadable.

He stood like a statue, silent and unmoving, but I could see the tension in his jaw. I knew that he was worried, even if he would never admit it.

And I saw Piper, with her eyes red and her cheeks wet.

I squeezed Kaelen’s hand, and he squeezed back.

Aldric was at the front, standing tall despite his age.

His silver hair was combed back, and his shoulders were straight. He looked every bit the former Alpha he had been, and I felt a surge of pride knowing that he was my grandfather now.

He watched us approach, and his gray eyes were soft.

Kaelen walked to him first. He bowed his head. "Grandfather."

Aldric pulled him into a hug. It was quick but firm, and I saw Kaelen’s shoulders relax just a little.

"You take care of her," Aldric said, with his voice low.

Aldric’s voice was low, but I could hear the weight of his words. He was not just giving an order, he was entrusting Kaelen with something precious.

"I will," Kaelen answered.

Aldric pulled back and looked at him. "I know you will."

His eyes met Kaelen’s, and I saw the understanding passing between them. It was a silent conversation, and a bond that went beyond words.

He paused. "You have your father’s strength, Kaelen. Use it well."

Kaelen nodded. "I will, Grandfather."

Then Aldric turned to me. He took my hands, and he looked into my eyes.

"Bring her home, child." he whispered. "Bring your mother home."

I squeezed his hands. "I will, Grandfather," I said. "I promise."

He pulled me into a hug, and I felt the warmth of his embrace. "I know you will," he whispered.

When he pulled back, his eyes were wet. "You are the daughter I never had, Talia. And I am so proud of you."

I felt the tears spill over.

They ran down my cheeks, warm and unstoppable, and I did not try to hide them. This was not a moment for strength, it was a moment for love.

"Thank you, Grandfather." I said, trying to smile.

Nora stepped forward next. Her face was streaked with tears, and she was holding a small bundle wrapped in cloth.

"I made you something," she said, her voice shaking. "For the journey."

I took the bundle from her and unwrapped it. Inside was a small pouch, embroidered with a tiny silver moon.

"It is dried herbs," Nora said. "For healing. Just in case."

I clutched it to my chest. "Thank you, Nora. I will keep it with me always."

She hugged me tight.

Her arms were thin but strong, and I felt the love radiating from her. She had been one of my first friends in Blackmoor Valley, and I would miss her more than I could say.

"You come back safe, Luna. You hear me?" Nora said, as her voice cracked from crying.

I laughed through my tears. "I hear you."

Jax stepped forward next. His face was serious, which was unusual for him.

"Try not to get yourself killed," he said.

I laughed, because of course they were coming with us, but they were acting like they were not. "I will try." I replied anyway. 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

"And if you do," he added, "I will find a way to bring you back just so I can kill you myself."

Kaelen growled. “Jax...”

“Fine, fine, Mr Alpha.” Jax smiled, raising his hands up, as if he was in surrender.

I laughed again. "Noted," I said.

I saw a familiar face pushing through the crowd.