Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Mason

As we stood at the border, our chests heaving with exhaustion, I couldn’t help but look back at the trail of devastation left behind. The battle had taken its toll on our pack, and the once proud and united group was now reduced to a sc attered band of survivors. The sight of our fallen comrades haunted my thoughts; their sacrifice was a reminder of the price we had paid for our shattered dreams.

Shawn and the loyal pack members who stood guard at the border were a testament to our unwavering determination. Their snarls and growls were a warning to our pursuers, a fierce display of loyalty and protection. We had bought ourselves a temporary respite. A brief moment of safety within the sanctuary of Shadowmoon’s domain.

The ground beneath us trembled, a testament to the relentless pursuit of An nalise’s forces. Their triumphant cries echoed in the distance, a reminder that our defeat was not easily forgotten. The bitter taste of failure lingered on my tongue, a constant reminder of our inability to hold our ground and protect our pack.

But despite the weight of defeat, I couldn’t allow despair to consume us. We had to regroup to find a way to rise from the ashes. The survival of our pack depended on it. We tended to the wounded, providing what little comfort we could in the midst of our own exhaustion. Bandages were hastily applied, wounds cleaned, and supportive words were offered to those who needed them.

Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Shawn’s mournful howl cut through the air. It was a lament for the fallen-a tribute to their bravery, and a plea for resilience. His voice carried the weight of our collective grief but also a glimmer of hope. We couldn’t let this defeat define us. We had to find the strength to carry on, and to honor the sacrifices made

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by our fallen comrades.

I shifted, stumbling a bit as I took in the others and waited for those who hung back to catch up to us.

“I’m sorry it happened like that,” Oswald murmured, and I grimaced. “I never thought she would take it that far.” He hesitated, then added, “Shadowmoon isn’t far if we can get everyone there. Without Deborah and Lyle pulling the strings, I doubt they’ll turn us away.”

That was the only reason we’d gone ahead with his idea.

Kora and Shawn stumbled into the clearing we’d gathered in, huffing. Shawn was limping but sat between the pack and the direction we’d come from as my mate approached, shifting back to human midstep.

“They turned back at the border,” Kora smiled, though it looked a bit brittle. I sighed in relief at the news. “We managed to buy enough time for everyone to cross over safely. They didn’t dare follow us into Shadowmoon’s territory.”

A surge of gratitude swelled within me, directed not only toward Kora and Shawn but to the entire pack, who had fought with unwavering loyalty. Their sacrifices had not been in vain.

“Thank the moon,” I whispered, a prayer of gratitude escaping my l*ps. “We’re safe, at least for now.”

Oswald, who had been standing nearby, listened intently to our conversation. He stepped forward, his gaze focused and determined.

“Shadowmoon won’t turn us away,” he affirmed, his voice filled with conviction. “They’re good people.”

I wasn’t sure how much I believed that, especially with our history. Still, it was easier to go along with it than try to debate the likelihood of them attacking when we approached.

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I addressed the pack-the members an exhausted heap on the ground-my voice laced with a steely resolve. “We may have been dealt a devastating blow, but we are not defeated. Our spirit remains unbroken, and our determination to reclaim what is rightfully ours burns brighter than ever. We will rise from the ashes, stronger and more united. The rebellion may have won this battle, but the war is far from over.”

The pack members nodded, their eyes filled with renewed determination. We would not let our fallen comrades’ sacrifice be in vain. We would regroup, strategize, and plan our next move.

We just had to get permission to rest on Shadowmoon lands first.

“We’ve come too far to turn back now,” I declared, my voice steady with conviction. “Shadowmoon may not be perfect, but they’re our best chance at finding sanctuary and regrouping. We need their resources and their protection.”

The pack members exchanged hesitant glances, unsure of what awaited us within the depths of Shadowmoon’s domain. But ultimately, they recognized the truth in my words. We couldn’t afford to let fear and doubt paralyze us. We had to press forward, taking each step with caution and vigilance.

With a resolute nod, Oswald stepped forward, his gaze meeting mine. “I’ll go ahead and make contact,” he offered, his voice brimming with determination. “I’ll explain our situation and seek their permission for us to rest within their lands. We’ll follow their rules, to show them that

we’re not a threat.”

I placed a hand on Oswald’s shoulder, grateful. “Thank you,” I said sincerely. “Be cautious, but don’t hesitate to show them our desperation. Our pack’s survival depends on it.”

Could the pack I once viewed as adversaries now hold the key to our

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Chapter 116

salvation? I glanced back at our pack members, their tired faces etched with a mix of anticipation and weariness. They had put their trust in me and my ability to lead them to safety and a brighter future.

I hoped it wasn’t misplaced. My choices lately hadn’t exactly led us to the prosperous future I’d been hoping for.

As Oswald set off on his mission, Kora glanced at me, interlocking our fingers; her eyes filled with concern.

“Do you think they’ll accept us?” she asked, her voice laced with vulnerability.

I took a deep breath, drawing strength from the core of my being. I was the Alpha; I had to be strong for all of us now.

“I can’t say for certain,” I replied honestly. “But I have hope. We need somewhere safe to lick our wounds, and most packs won’t involve themselves in another pack’s conflicts.”

With our destination in mind, we rallied everyone to keep moving. Even if Shadowmoon denied us, we couldn’t go back home, so our only option was to push forward. We would make a home in No Man’s Land if we had to, but it wasn’t an appealing thought.

Shifting again, I kept us on an easy trot to avoid agitating anyone’s injuries and give Oswald time to get ahead of us and request asylum.

When we limped our way to the heart of their territory and and were let inside, an elderly woman with long silver hair cascaded down her back. Her presence exuded wisdom and mystique, her eyes shimmering with ancient knowledge. She was waiting to greet us-and my fur bristled at the scent of magic in the air.

“Mason, I’ve been waiting for you,” she greeted, her voice filled with genuine joy. “I knew you’d make it eventually, though. Welcome to Pack Shadowmoon.”

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Oswald approached with another man from behind her, looking relieved

as Kora and I shifted once more, beginning to feel the strain of it.

“Yes, welcome,” the man greeted, his voice carrying a mixture of warmth and respect. He was a large, imposing figure with ebony skin, radiating strength and authority. His piercing gaze held a mix of determination and compassion—a leader who understood the burdens of responsibility. “We have been informed of your journey, and we are honored to offer you and your pack asylum within our lands.”

Oswald was beaming, obviously proud of this development. “Mason, this is Rylan-the interim Alpha until they select another-and Eloise.” His smile faltered a bit. I was momentarily distracted by the old woman radiating magic. Rylan “A witch with a message.”