Chapter 92: Grave Price

Claire POV

That morning, the wind was chilly, more sharper than normal for spring. Watching the healers work on Derek's wounds from the edge of the healer's tent, arms crossed tightly over my chest, I stood. Brutal—more brutal than any of us anticipated—had been the battle with Alpha Crane. Yes, Derek had triumphed. But the triumph had come at a price we were uncertain he could endure.

Since they carried him off the pitch, he had not awakened.

The unlawful knife Crane had concealed had ripped open his chest. Derek's strength failed only minutes later, even if he had succeeded in stopping the battle. He fell into my arms, blood soaking both our bodies, and my scream had sliced the quiet air like a knife.

I waited now as the morning light streamed through the trees.

Rowan stood next to me, his expression inscrutable. On a nearby stool, Elder Myra muttered prayers under her breath. The rest of the pack around us attempted to remain calm, but the atmosphere was thick with dread. Should Derek fail, all we had struggled for—the peace, the unity, the future—would be in danger once more.

Rowan said, following a protracted silence, "He is strong." He will prevail.

I agreed, but I was speechless. I had too tight a throat.

Inside the tent, a lady called Nia, one of the healers, came out. Her hands were drenched in blood.

"We have halted the bleeding," she gently said. Still, he is fading. He lost much. We are doing all we can.

May I visit him? I enquired.

She thought about it before agreeing.

The aroma of herbs and iron permeated the air when I entered. Derek lay on a fur bed, his skin pale and breathing shallow. Bandages tightly wrapped around his chest let fresh blood still blossom in furious red spots.

I sat next to him and held his hand. It was chilly.

I said, "Derek" You said you would not go.

His eyelids stayed still. His fingers stayed still. I pressed my forehead to his and leaned forward.

You said we would create something fresh together. That Redwater and Midnight Moon might be more than simply scars. That we would provide a house for all. You can not abandon me now. Not after all.

Still no results.

I sat there for hours on end. Time flew by in a haze. Changing bandages, experimenting with various herbs, and softly chanting ancient spells, Nia came and went. Rowan delivered untouched food to me. Wolves came to see how things were going. A few wept. Others simply remained silent.

By nightfall, something altered.

Derek's breathing became even more sluggish. His skin became cooler. Nia appeared concerned. Extremely concerned.

She stated, "We have done all we can." It is now between him and the moon.

That, however, I would not accept.

There had to be something more.

Then I recalled something Jared had said back when we last talked. Regarding an ancient plant growing deep in the woods. "He called it Moonroot." Some claimed it strengthened the dying. Yet it was risky. Unforeseeable. Most packs have banned it.

Heart racing, I rose fast.

"Rowan," I said, "I need you to locate Jared."

He opened and closed his eyes. What is it? For what reason?

Simply do it. I believe he knows how to assist.

Rowan only hesitated for a second before moving into the trees.

Staying by Derek's side, I whispered to him, sharing stories—about our first run together, our first kiss, the night he confessed his love for me. I had no idea whether he could hear me. I prayed he could, though.

Time flew by. The sun sank low, colouring the sky purple and orange. Rowan then eventually came back with Jared.

Jared appeared exhausted. Worn out. But his eyes locked onto Derek’s form instantly, and something shifted in his expression. 

“You really think he’s worth saving, huh?” he asked softly. 

“Yes,” I said.  “And you owe him.” 

Jared knelt beside the bed, studying Derek.  “I don’t have Moonroot with me.  But I know where it is.  It’s not far, but the journey is rough.  And we’ll need a wolf strong enough to carry him there.  Only in the cave, under moonlight, will it work.” 

“I’ll carry him,” I said without hesitation. 

Jared’s brow furrowed.  “Claire, if you touch the root while weak, it could drain your strength instead.  This isn’t a fairytale cure.  It calls for something in exchange.

I said, "I will pay the price."

He made no objections. Simply nodded.

Rowan helped us carefully wrap Derek and put him on a sledge. I transformed into my wolf shape and drew it myself. Jared was in front. Moving through the woods, trees closed in like arms and the darkness deepened. I tripped more than once on the narrow, uneven route. Still, I kept going.

By midnight we arrived at the cave.

Inside, the air glimmered slightly and Moonroot thrived at the centre of a stone circle. Under moonlight, its leaves shone silver. Jared went first, cutting a root section with a bone knife.

He stated, "Just one dose." You will have to give him food. Then hope.

I moved back, sweating and breathless. Kneeling next to Derek, I crushed the root, combined it with water, and carefully poured it between his lips.

At first, he remained still.

Then his eyes blinked.

I stopped breathing.

A shallow breath shook from his chest.

Grabbing his face, I leaned closer. Derek?

He opened his eyes just barely.

"Claire...", he said softly, his voice resembling ash.

"I am here," I stammered.

Coughing, he shook all over.

Then his eyes rolled back.

He ceased to breathe.

"No!" I yelled, shaking him. Not! Inhale! Return!

Jared dragged me away, but I struggled against him, sobs streaming down my face.

Then his chest started to rise.

Only a bit.

A gentle breath. A glimmer of life.

Jared said, "He is not gone." "The Moonroot is still selecting, though."

What do you mean by that? I said, trembling.

Should he survive, someone else won't. That’s how the root works.” 

I stared at Jared, horrified.  “What?” 

"You said you would pay the price," he said grimly. The moon will choose who it takes now.

My hands clutched Derek's tightly as I turned back to him.

Then I sensed it.

A chilly, creeping sensation crept up my arms. I am losing strength. My heart rate dropped.

It had picked me.

Claire? Derek's voice broke.

His eyes widened in surprise when he noticed me swaying.

"No... Claire, no!"

Still, I grinned. You are living. You are alive. Nothing else counts.

Then everything went dark.