Chapter Four

Alpha Apollo

Buzz Buzz Buzz… Buzz Buzz Buzz…

“Hello,” I say in a rush as I am trying to get out of the house. I am already late for Savage’s birthday party.

“Apollo, are you still at home?” Council elder Micha asks.

“Yes, I am running behind.” I reply as I hear Micha sigh through the phone.

“You might want to sit down for this call.” Micha suggests.

“Why! What’s wrong!” I demand.

“We just got a report of the Obsidian pack being attacked tonight,” Micha replies.

“What! I just talked to Blane a couple of hours ago.” I exclaim as I collapse on the chair.

“The council needs you and your pack to investigate and see if the report is true.” Micha exhales.

“I understand,” I reply, my mind racing with worry about Savage and the rest of her pack. “We will leave immediately to assess the situation and offer any help we can.”

After ending the call, I swiftly gather my fellow pack members, urgently informing them about the time-sensitive situation that has arisen. The news of the attack immediately triggers a surge of worry and anxiety within our group, as we are fully aware that any pack within our territory being targeted poses a significant risk to all of us.

As we make preparations to depart for the Obsidian pack territory, a potent blend of determination and unease permeates the atmosphere. The journey ahead is fraught with tension, with each passing mile bringing us closer to the enigmatic danger that lies in wait for us.

Upon reaching the outskirts of the Obsidian pack territory, the unmistakable scent of smoke and devastation hangs heavily in the air. We seamlessly transition into our wolf forms, poised and ready to navigate the forest swiftly and silently, as we make our way towards the heart of the pack lands.

Stepping into the heart of the Obsidian pack lands, a pungent scent of blood fills our nostrils, intensifying our determination to find any survivors. However, with each passing moment, our spirits sink deeper into despair as we come to the grim realization that no one has managed to survive this brutal onslaught. Just as we are about to lose all hope, a faint whimper reaches our ears, piercing through the silence like a beacon of possibility.

Reacting swiftly to the sound, I convey the urgency of the situation to my pack members through a series of urgent gestures, my eyes reflecting the gravity of the moment. Fueled by a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, we hasten towards the origin of the feeble cry, our hearts pounding in our chests. Drawing closer to the wreckage of the once sturdy bunker, my gaze locks onto a small, fragile figure trapped beneath a heavy beam and the remnants of the shattered structure. Though barely clinging to consciousness, Savage's presence serves as a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming pain and loss that surrounds us.

“Savage,” I whisper softly, my voice breaking with emotion. “You're safe now. We're here for you.”

Savage's eyes shift in my direction as soon as she hears my voice, a mixture of gratitude and sorrow clear in her gaze as it meets mine. Her trembling hand reaches out towards me, fingers lightly brushing against my fur before she slumps back in exhaustion.

“We must move quickly,” I assert to my pack, a sense of urgency coloring my words. It is clear to all of us that remaining in this ravaged pack territory is not an option, especially with the threat of attackers still looming.

With great tenderness, we hoist Savage up between us and begin the journey back to our pack lands. Each step is a laborious reminder of the destruction we have witnessed and the delicate nature of our existence.

As we draw nearer to the boundaries of our domain, my eyes catch Council elder Micha standing there, a blend of relief and apprehension etched across his face. In a hushed tone filled with shock, he asks, “Was she the sole survivor?”

“Yes, and she is barely hanging on. We found her in the collapsed bunker.” I reply as Council elder Micha leads us to the infirmary, where the pack's healers immediately spring into action upon seeing Savage's condition. They work tirelessly, their skills and knowledge being put to the test as they try to stabilize her fragile state. The atmosphere in the infirmary is heavy with tension and worry, each passing minute feeling like an eternity as we wait for any sign of improvement in Savage's condition.

The passing of time becomes a mere blur as we stand watch by Savage's bedside, steadfast in our decision not to abandon her during this critical moment. Despite her shallow breaths and severe injuries, her unwavering spirit shines through, defying the overwhelming challenges she faces.

Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tragedy that has affected her, I am consumed by a deep sense of pain and sorrow. The thought of her enduring the heart-wrenching loss of both her parents, the pillars of her existence, is unfathomable. The mere idea of losing one's entire pack, the very essence of their support and love, is enough to send shivers down my spine.

But it is not just the emotional torment that plagues her; her physical wounds from the collapsed bunker add another layer of agony to her already shattered world. How she managed to survive amidst the chaos and destruction is a testament to her strength and resilience. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit that lives within her, refusing to succumb to the darkness that threatens to consume her.

As the weight of this devastating loss crashes down upon me, a torrent of emotions floods my being. Anguish and anger intertwine, creating a tempest within my soul. The unfairness of it all, the cruel twist of fate that snatched away her loved ones on a day meant for celebration, fills me with a burning rage. It is a rage that reverberates through my very core, causing me to let out a primal roar that echoes through the desolate night.

In that moment, the realization hits me with a force that leaves me breathless. I, too, have lost my closest companions, my pack, on the very day that their daughter was meant to revel in the joy of her birth. The weight of this shared tragedy binds us together, intertwining our destinies in a way that cannot be undone. We are now forever connected by the threads of grief and loss, united in our shared anguish.

For now, all I can do is stand by her side, offering my unwavering support and understanding. I will be her rock, her confidant, and her protector. 

At long last, a healer retreats from Savage's side, their solemn demeanor causing a wave of anxiety to wash over me as I brace myself for the news they are about to deliver.

“She's stable for now, but her injuries are grave,” the healer begins, their voice heavy with concern. “It will take time and a lot of care to ensure her recovery. We will do everything we can, but the rest ultimately lies in her strength and will to survive.” 

As I observe Savage's motionless figure, I find myself nodding in comprehension. Even though the healer's prognosis may not be promising, a glimmer of optimism sparks inside me. I am filled with a resolute determination to support Savage through this challenging time and witness him not only survive but also thrive in the face of adversity.

“I need to head back and report that her pack was indeed attacked tonight and send out or investigators to see if we can find out who and why?” Micha says softly as he glances at Savage one last time. 

“Don’t tell anyone she is alive right now.” I tell him as I sit down and hold her hand, trying to bring as much comfort as I can. “Until we know who and why, it’s not safe to reveal she is still alive.” 

“I agree, Apollo.” Micha replies as he pats my back and walks out the door.

As time goes by, Savage continues to battle for survival, displaying unwavering determination even during the toughest moments filled with uncertainty. The pack stands united by her side, providing unwavering support and motivation in every possible manner. 

With each day that passes, there are subtle indications of improvement—a slight flutter of eyelids, a feeble grip of a hand, a soft expression of gratitude.

As the night unfolded, with the moon shining brightly in the sky, Savage finally awakens, her eyes opening wide for the first time since the brutal attack. In her gaze, a mixture of agony and endurance is evident, as if she carries the weight of her pain and suffering. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there is also a glimmer of determination and strength, silently promising her resilience and unwavering will to survive. 

Overwhelmed with relief, I find myself whispering, “We were so worried about you.”