A majority of the council had agreed to seek Elara's help. Lucian closed his eyes briefly with a sigh of relief escaping his lips. The burden on his shoulders seemed to lighten, replaced by a fragile hope for his pack's future.
A collective sigh of relief swept through the pack hall. Hope, fragile but real, had been rekindled.
The wolves council dispersed after Lucian sent a letter to the Siberian pack, inviting Elara to their pack.
The message arrived sealed with black wax, bearing a symbol Liam recognized. The words were carefully chosen carefully.
"To the Healer of the Siberian Pack," it began. "A disease has fallen upon Stone Haven. Our remedies have failed. We have heard whispers of your…gift. If you possess the power to restore balance, we implore you to come to our aid, and you'll be heavily rewarded."
Alpha Liam held the message as if it might bite him. Stone Haven. The name alone left a bitter taste. He sent for Elara and Bram, his face unreadable.
Elara arrived, with Bram trailing behind, his brow furrowed with worry.
"Lucian of Stone Haven requests your presence, Elara," Liam stated, his voice carefully neutral. "He believes your…medical gift…can cure their affliction."
Elara's face lit up, but Liam raised a hand, cutting off her excitement. "I have denied the request."
The words landed hard. Elara's shoulders slumped, the light fading from her eyes. Bram, however, seemed to exhale a silent sigh of relief.
The next morning, Elara sought out Alpha Liam in his den. She found him studying maps of their territory, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Alpha Liam," Elara began, her voice respectful but firm, "I understand your concerns about Stone Haven, but I must ask you to reconsider your decision."
Liam looked up, his gaze unwavering. "Elara, we've discussed this. My answer remains the same. It's too dangerous."
"But I believe I can help them," Elara persisted. "To ease suffering. How can I turn my back on an entire pack in need?"
Liam sighed, running a hand through his thick mane. "It's not that I don't trust your abilities, Elara. It's that I don't trust Stone Haven. They're not to be trusted."
"But if we can offer them help, show them our compassion, maybe we can begin to change that," Elara argued. "Maybe we can start to build a bridge between our packs."
Liam was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer now. "I know you mean well, Elara but you're asking me to risk your life, to send you into the heart of enemy territory. That's not a decision I take lightly."
Elara stepped closer, her eyes filled with determination. "I know the risks, Alpha. But I'm willing to take them. I believe this is worth fighting for."
"Protect yourself against an entire pack?" Liam scoffed, but his voice lacked its usual force.
"This isn't just about a cure, Alpha. It's about respect. For generations, Stone Haven has seen us as weak, as easy prey. By offering our help, we show them our strength, our compassion. We show them that we are not to be trifled with."
She paused, drawing a deep breath. "And it's about more than pack politics. It's about what I am. Healing is my purpose, my gift. How can I turn my back on those who are suffering, no matter who they are? How can I call myself a healer if I let fear dictate my actions?"
Liam looked at Elara, his expression a battleground of conflicting emotions. He saw her unwavering conviction, her genuine desire to help. He knew she was stubborn, and he suspected that even if he forbade her from going, she would find a way.
He sighed, running a weary hand through his thick mane. "Very well," he conceded, his voice heavy. "I will allow you to travel to Stone Haven, Elara. But it will be under my conditions."
Relief washed over Elara's face, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"First, Lucian of Stone Haven must ensure your safety and promise to protect you with his life and to guarantee your well-being. If he breaks that oath, there will be consequences."
"And second," Liam concluded, his gaze piercing, "you will return to the Siberian pack as soon as your task is complete. No exceptions. Is that understood?"
Elara nodded, her heart soaring with a mix of relief and determination.
Later that evening, Elara found herself by the Whispering Fall, a small waterfall in the forest where she often went to clear her head. A figure emerged from the shadows
It was Lyra, her best friend since childhood and the daughter of Alpha Liam.
"Elara, what are you thinking?" Lyra asked, her voice laced with concern. "Going to Stone Haven? It's madness!"
"I have to, Lyra," Elara replied, her voice firm despite the doubt in her heart. "They're suffering. I can help."
Lyra stepped closer, her eyes pleading. "But it's Stone Haven! They're ruthless. My father is right – it's a trap. Those people kill everything they deem weaker. You love healing, right? So why not do it here? We could open a pharmacy together, right here in our territory. We could help our own people, build something that lasts. Why risk your life for a pack that hates ours?"
Elara reached out, taking Lyra's hands in hers. "I know, Lyra, but this is different. This is a chance to do something bigger, to heal a whole pack, to bridge the gap between our pack and Stone Haven. And maybe... maybe it's a chance for you too."
Lyra frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
"Come with me, Lyra," Elara said, her voice filled with hope. "We could face this together. You're strong, resourceful, and you know me better than anyone. We could help each other, protect each other. And who knows, maybe they need someone to organize supplies, or tend to the gardens, or just offer a kind word. We could make a real difference, together."
Lyra hesitated, her eyes flickering with a mixture of longing and fear. But then she shook her head, her expression hardening. "No, Elara. I can't. I won't. Stone Haven is too dangerous. And I'm not a healer, I'm not a warrior. I'd just be in the way. My place is here, with our pack, with our people. I have to stay and protect what we've built."
Elara rolled her eyes. "I understand," she said softly. "But I wish you could see it my way."
Lyra's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Promise me you'll be careful. Promise me you won't take unnecessary risks."
"I promise," Elara said, squeezing her hands. "I'll do everything I can to stay safe. But I need you to understand, Lyra. I need you to support me, not criticize me. This is what I want to do."
Lyra sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know," she whispered. "Just... please come back to me. And... and if you have to go, then go with my blessing, not my disapproval."
Elara pulled her into a tight embrace. "I will, Lyra. I will. And thank you. Your support means everything to me."
Bram also disagreed but after much pleading from Elara, he finally agreed.
Stone Haven agreed to the term Alpha Liam had place and sent Harvey to pick Elara up.
he finally arrived and bowed respectfully to Liam.
"Harvey of Stone Haven," Liam began, his voice a low rumble, "your pack has requested Elara's help. I am entrusting her to your care, but understand this: her safety is your responsibility. Your pack will answer to me for her well-being. Do you swear to protect her, to treat her with respect, and to ensure her safe return to our pack?"
Harvey met Liam's gaze, his own eyes filled with sincerity. "I swear it, Alpha Liam. I owe Elara my life. I will protect her with everything I have and ensure that she is treated with the honor she deserves."
Liam studied him for a long moment, searching for any hint of deceit. Finally, he nodded, a flicker of something akin to trust in his eyes. "Very well. You may go."
Harvey bowed again and backed out of the chamber.
Liam turned back to Elara, his expression softening slightly. "Be careful, Elara," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "Stone Haven is a viper's nest. Trust no one."
"I will be cautious, Alpha," Elara promised, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for your faith in me."
She turned to Bram, embracing him fiercely. "Don't worry, Father," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll be alright. I'll come back."
Bram hugged her tightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Be safe, Elara," he murmured, his voice choked. "And never forget who you are."
"Be safe Elara and make sure you better come back or I'll come to Stone Haven and drag you home," Lyra said, which made everyone to laugh.
...The journey was long and arduous, taking them through dense forests and across rocky terrain.
To lighten the mood, Harvey began to tell Elara stories about his pack, about the quirky traditions and the brave warriors and the challenges they faced. He even made her laugh with tales of his own clumsy attempts at hunting as a young pup. As they chatted, Elara found herself feeling more at ease, as if a small bridge was already being built between their two packs.
They were traveling through a narrow ravine, the walls rising steeply on either side, when it happened.
Without warning, a volley of arrows rained down upon them. Elara and Harvey ducked for cover, but it was too late. Harvey cried out in pain, clutching his arm.
"Rogues!" Elara shouted in panic, but Harvey hand clamped over her mouth, looking up to see who they were, his eyes widened in disbelief which made Elara confused, wondering if he knew them.