Chapter 154
Kane's POV
In the ruined camp, those preparing to migrate began packing their meager belongings.
I stood at the edge of the square, watching the bustling scene before me. Elders carefully wrapped herbs and dried provisions in scraps of cloth, mothers swaddled infants in the softest rags they could find, warriors crouched on the ground sharpening their weapons—the scrape of blades against whetstones rang especially harsh in the morning air.
Every face was etched with exhaustion and unease, yet no one complained.
They had made their choice, and I had to prove worthy of that trust.
Steven was directing the group formations. His voice boomed with authority, carrying a natural command as he moved through the crowd.
"The elderly, women, and children form one group—Leah, you take a few female warriors to look after them!" He pointed to the other side of the square. "Able-bodied warriors form the guard detail, ready to handle any dangers on the road!"
Leah nodded and began gathering the female warriors. Her movements were crisp and efficient, quickly organizing the crying children and those too frail to move easily. I watched her cradle Toby in her arms, softly soothing the child's fears, and felt a complicated surge of emotion.
These ordinary wolf families should have been living peacefully on safe land, not forced onto an unknown road of flight.
Dorothy was helping Faye organize her belongings. Her movements were careful and gentle, inspecting each of the old woman's herb pouches before tucking them safely into the pack. Faye patted her hand, her aged eyes filled with affection.
I noticed the dagger tucked into Dorothy's belt—the one I'd given her before the mine battle. She was no longer the naive girl who needed protecting.
Frank stood on higher ground, silently watching this band preparing to depart. His silhouette seemed slightly hunched, yet still upright. I knew what he was thinking—this land held too many memories of the Lightning Wolf Pack, and leaving meant truly saying goodbye to the past.
But he understood better than anyone that the living were the foundation of the pack, not the ruins beneath our feet.
I wove through the crowd, checking everyone's preparations. A young mother carrying an infant approached me, tears glinting in her eyes. "Alpha, will we really make it to Echo Valley?" Her voice trembled. "What if we run into the Blood River Pack on the road?"
I crouched down, looking at the sleeping baby in her arms. The child's cheeks were rosy, breathing steady, completely unaware of the danger ahead.
"I promise to do everything in my power to protect everyone," I said, trying to make my voice sound firm. "As long as we stand united, nothing can stop us."
Tears slid down the mother's face, but she nodded hard.
I stood and continued forward. Blaze spoke quietly in my mind: "Are you really confident about this?"
"No," I answered silently, "but I can't let them see that."
"At least you've learned to lie," Blaze said with a cold laugh. "That's a good start."
I didn't argue. As a leader, sometimes you have to bury your fear and prop up everyone's hope with false confidence.
This was something I'd learned from Frank—a true leader isn't one who never feels fear, but one who knows how to move forward despite it.
After checking the group, I made my way to the edge of the mine pit. Grim was there organizing tools, his figure looking especially lonely in the morning light.
The other goblins had already left. Only he remained.
"Grim," I called out.
He turned, his face showing a complicated expression. "Alpha."
"You're not coming with us?" I asked.
Grim shook his head. "My people chose another path. I need to catch up with them." He paused. "But before I leave, I want to give you something."
He pulled out a rough parchment map from inside his coat, marked with dense lines and symbols drawn in charcoal. "This is the route to Echo Valley," Grim pointed at the markings. "Here's the exit from Thunder Canyon. Three days west will get you to Bone Plain. There are Blood River Pack outposts on the plain—you'll need to go around them and pass through this river valley."
I studied the map carefully, memorizing every landmark.
Grim continued his explanation: "Past the valley is the Mist Forest—it's shrouded in fog year-round and easy to get lost in. But if you follow this stream upstream, you'll find the mountain path to Echo Valley. The path is steep and will be hard going for the elderly and children. You need to be prepared."
"Thank you," I said, accepting the map. "This will help us tremendously."
Grim's expression grew more complicated. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but swallowed the words. Sensing his hesitation, I asked, "Is there something else you want to say?"
Grim was silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "Kane, if you make it into the Stone Ridge Pack, I want to know... is it really like the legends say? Do wolves and goblins live in harmony there, without oppression?"
His voice carried a thread of longing, but then his tone shifted, becoming sharp and pained: "But if that's true, why did they stand by and do nothing when goblins outside their walls were enslaved and slaughtered? Does their 'harmony' only exist within those walls?"
I froze. Grim's challenge struck like a blade, piercing straight to the doubts buried deep inside me. I thought of the goblin slaves I'd seen in the mines—shackled in chains, digging ore in darkness until their final moments.
If the Stone Ridge Pack was truly as benevolent as the legends claimed, why hadn't they extended a helping hand?
"I don't know," I answered honestly, "but if I find out, I promise I'll tell you."
Grim watched me, complex emotions flickering in his eyes.
After a long moment, he nodded. "I believe you."
I took a deep breath, then said solemnly: "Grim, I need you to help me with something."
Grim raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
I pulled a letter from inside my coat and slowly explained what needed to be done: "I need you to deliver this letter to Alpha Julian and Luna Ella of the Silver Moon Pack. Tell them that Louis, the Alpha of the Blood River Pack, is preparing to attack Free Haven. His goal is to seize the potential wind element. And... Louis has mastered the lightning element and possesses a bone spear that can absorb and nullify elemental power."
Grim stared in shock. "You... you want me to go to the Silver Moon Pack?"
"Yes," I said. "This message must be delivered quickly. If Louis successfully claims the wind element, his power will become even more terrifying. When that happens, not just Free Haven—the entire continent will be in danger."
Grim was silent for a long time. I could see the struggle within him—as a goblin, traveling to wolf territory was dangerous enough, let alone carrying intelligence this critical.
But finally, he nodded firmly and tucked the letter inside his coat.
"I'll do it," Grim's voice trembled but was filled with resolve. "Not for the wolves, but for all oppressed beings."
I extended my hand. Grim gripped it. His palm was rough and strong, covered in calluses from years of labor.
"Thank you," I said. "I'll never forget your help."
Grim released my hand and pressed the map into mine.
"Take care, Kane. I hope you find a true home."
I carefully stored the map, then turned back toward the group.
Grim stood at the edge of the mine pit, watching me leave. I knew this might be the last time we'd see each other, but I trusted he would complete this mission.
When I returned to the center of the formation, everyone was ready. Frank approached and handed me the tattered totem banner.
"Take it," he said. "This is the symbol of the Lightning Wolf Pack."
I accepted the banner, feeling its weight. The lightning design on the fabric had faded, but remained clearly visible. I raised it high and called out loudly: "We move out!"
The procession began to advance slowly. The elderly, women, and children walked in the middle, warriors spread out along both flanks, vigilantly observing their surroundings.
Dorothy, Steven, and Frank followed close behind.
I walked at the very front, gripping the totem banner tightly. Behind me were the people who trusted me. Ahead lay an unknown journey.
Blaze whispered in my mind: "Are you really ready for this?"
"No," I answered, "but I have no choice."
"Then move forward," Blaze said, "until we find our home, or die trying."
I didn't respond, only quickened my pace.
The procession disappeared into the edge of the mountain forest, leaving behind empty ruins and the fading sound of footsteps.
Grim stood at the edge of the mine pit, watching the group depart. Complex emotions flickered in his eyes.
After a long while, he turned and left, vanishing into the morning mist.