My immediate concerns shifted to hope. “How? Are they okay?”
Cierce nodded. “Yes, they are. Come, let's check on the triplets.”
As we walked together, I tried to focus on what truly mattered: my children.
***
My heart raced as I hurriedly walked with Cierce back to the omega den. My mind was consumed by anxiety and worry, eager to reach the place where my children, Cassian, Dorian, and Kane, were supposed to have awakened after being poisoned by Ignis. Cierce accompanied me, sharing my desire to be close to them as soon as possible.
Finally, we reached the den, and my breath was fast as I ran toward the area where my children would be. A mix of fear and hope permeated each step I took. Upon reaching the spot where they were supposed to lie, my heart leaped with joy to see Cassian, Dorian, and Kane not only awake but also talking with Zora.
My legs could barely support the emotion that overcame me, and tears started streaming down my face as I called out the names of the triplets. “Dorian, Cassian, Kane!”
The curious looks of my children turned towards me, and the response came quickly. “Mom!”
Without thinking, I quickly approached the boys and enveloped them in my arms. The feeling of having them back, safe and healthy, was overwhelming. Feeling their warm and alive bodies was a blessing I feared losing. Tears of relief and happiness continued to fall as I whispered words of love and gratitude.
My tears were now of pure joy. “Oh, my loves, how I missed you,” I whispered, squeezing them in my arms. I thanked the Moon Goddess for having them back safely.
Zora, who was beside the boys, smiled at our reunion. She approached and said, “They woke up looking for you, Fierce.”
My voice was choked as I replied, “Thank you, Zora.”
Zora nodded, her gaze showing understanding and empathy. “They are strong, just like their mother.”
I pulled away from the embrace to look at them individually. “How are you feeling, my loves?”
Cassian, my brave boy, smiled confidently. “We're fine, Mom.”
Dorian, my shy boy, added, “Mom, no need to cry. We're here and well.”
Kane, my playful boy, looked at me with his big innocent eyes and said, “I missed you so much, Mom!”
I looked at Kane's face, and a nostalgic smile crossed my face. “I missed you too, little ones.”
I hugged them again, feeling an indescribable gratitude for having them back. And in that moment, I just wanted to savor the preciousness of having my children safe and by my side.
In the omega den, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of relief and anxiety as I was surrounded by my children, Cassian, Dorian, and Kane. The idea of having them back, awake and talking, was like a balm to my soul.
Cierce, always attentive to the boys' needs, approached with a concerned expression. “I'll prepare more Mandrake for them,” she announced.
The mention of Mandrake made me raise my eyebrows, and I stepped away from my children to question the choice.
“Mandrake? Why?” I asked, curious and somewhat suspicious.
Cierce, calmly, explained, “Zora suggested that Mandrake has components similar to Wolf's Bane seed. Since it didn't hurt to try, I followed her advice, and it seems to have worked.”
Zora, approaching us, confirmed the information. “In my pack, we learned to use Mandrake against Wolf's Bane,” she said. “Ignis taught me before... before everything changed.”
My expression hardened upon hearing Ignis's name. Zora seemed sad mentioning Ignis's transformation, and I wondered about the nature of the lessons she had received.
“Mandrake?” I repeated, still uncertain. “Does it really work against Wolf's Bane?”
Zora nodded, but Cierce intervened. “Don't worry. Ignis is no longer a problem.”
“It's time to move forward and focus on what lies ahead,” said Zora, trying to dispel the tension. “Mandrake gave us a temporary solution, and the boys are recovering.”
“Has anyone informed Hunter about the boys?” I asked, seeking information to keep Hunter updated on the children's condition.
Zora, with her serene and determined expression, replied, “I sent a wolf to the Mountain Range to inform him.”
I felt temporary relief. Hunter needed to be aware of what had happened, and, more importantly, that our children were recovering. “That's great,” I murmured, grateful for Zora's quick action. “I'll stay close to the boys while we wait.”
Zora nodded, understanding my decision. “Do that. I'll be around in case you need anything.”
I approached my children, whose expressions now showed signs of relief and recovery. My heart, still filled with concern, found solace in seeing them awake and apparently overcoming the effects of Ignis's poisoning.
Cierce, closely observing the boys, approached and suggested, “I can prepare something light for them to eat when they're ready.”
I thanked Cierce for her kindness and agreed. “Yes, that would be good. They need to regain their strength.”
While I watched my children, Zora approached with a supportive expression. “They are strong, Fierce. They will overcome this.”
I agreed, appreciating Zora's words of encouragement. “Yes, they are strong, but I can't help but worry.”
Zora placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Worrying is part of being a good mother, Fierce. But, at this moment, the best we can do is to be here for them.”
I realized the wisdom in Zora's words. I looked at Zora, sharing a moment of silent camaraderie.
As Cierce took care of dietary concerns, my gaze wandered to Zora's serene features. I silently thanked her for being by my side, and supporting me during this challenging period. However, I couldn't completely shake off the shadows of the past, especially the figure of Ignis and the role she played in the recent adversities.
While grateful for her presence, my thoughts turned to Hunter. I hoped he would arrive soon, alleviating some of the burdens we carried.