Chapter 223 The send-off 2

Chapter 223: Chapter 223 The send-off 2

Talia’s POV

It was Finn, the young wolf I had carried out of the forest during the rogue attack. His leg was fully healed now, and he walked with confidence.

He stopped in front of me, and his eyes were bright with emotion.

"Luna," he said, with his voice steady despite the tears in his eyes. "I wanted to officially say thank you, for saving my life. I would not be standing here if it were not for you."

I felt my throat tighten. "Finn, you do not have to thank me. I was just doing what was right."

He shook his head. "No. You carried me out of that forest when I could not walk. You fought off rogues for me, and you made sure I got to the healers." He paused, and a tear slipped down his cheek. "I will never forget what you did for me."

I reached out and took his hand. "You are strong, Finn. And you are going to do great things for this pack. I believe in you."

He smiled, and he nodded. "I will make you proud, Luna. I promise."

I pulled him into a quick hug, and I felt his arms wrap around me. "I know you will," I said.

He pulled back and wiped his eyes. "Please come back safe."

I smiled. "I will."

He nodded and stepped back into the crowd, but I could see the gratitude in his eyes.

Kaelen leaned closer to me, and whispered in to my ears. “My beautiful Luna, please do not hug any more boys or men in this place, so I do not end up breaking someone’s leg.”

I almost burst in to uncontrollable laughter, and had to quickly cover my mouth with my two hands to hide it.

Before I could give a reply to Kaelen, Silas stepped forward and handed me a small, folded piece of paper.

His hands were steady, and his eyes were calm. He had always been the one to think ahead, and to plan for every possibility.

"It is a map," he said. "A more detailed one than the one you have. I drew it myself. It shows the safest routes through the mountains."

I unfolded it and looked at the intricate lines and markings.

The paper was worn at the edges, and I could see the faint traces of ink where he had erased and redrawn certain sections. He had put hours into this, and I felt the weight of his effort.

"Silas, this is beautiful." I smiled.

He shrugged, but I could see the pride in his eyes.

It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. Silas was not one for grand speeches, but he showed his love through his actions.

"I wanted to help." Silas said finally, before stepping away.

Cain stepped forward, but he did not say anything. He just placed a small knife in my hand. The blade was sharp, and the hilt was carved with intricate patterns.

"It was mine," he said. "It has never failed me."

I looked at the knife, then at him. "Cain, I cannot take this."

"You can," he said. "And you will."

I nodded, and I slipped the knife into my belt. Because I knew better than to argue with Cain, as he hardly takes no for an answer. Which was probably why he was Kaelen’s beta anyway.

The weight of the knife was reassuring, and a reminder that I was not helpless. I had weapons, I had allies, and I had the strength to use them.

"Thank you, Cain." I said.

He nodded once, and he stepped back.

That was Cain’s way, quiet and steady, giving what he could without expecting anything in return.

Piper pushed through the crowd, and she threw her arms around me.

"I am coming with you," she said. "Remember?"

I hugged her back. "I remember."

She pulled back and wiped her eyes.

Her smile was wobbly, but it was there. She was trying to be strong for me, and I loved her for it.

"I packed extra snacks. And extra weapons. And extra everything."

I laughed. "Of course you did."

She grinned. The familiar spark of mischief was back in her eyes, and I felt a warmth spread through my chest. Even in moments like this, Piper could still make me smile.

"Someone has to be prepared, and I knew it would all come in handy." Piper said.

“Yes they will bestie. I trust you.” I smiled at her, and she smiled back with her teary face.

I looked at the faces around me. The wolves who had become my family. The wolves who had believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself.

Kaelen took my hand. His fingers laced through mine, and I felt the warmth of his palm against my skin. It was a reminder that I was not alone, that he would be with me every step of the way.

"We should go. We still have a long day ahead of us." He said.

I nodded, and I turned to the pack one last time.

"Thank you," I said. "Thank you all, for everything."

The wolves bowed their heads.

It was a silent gesture, but it carried more weight than any words could. They were trusting me, believing in me, and sending me off with their blessings.

And I felt the love wrapping around me like a warm blanket.