Chapter 20
ELARA’S POV
“Shouldn’t you be taking a break? You’ve been on your feet for hours. Aren’t you worn out?” Cael asked, his tone full of genuine worry.
“Nah, I’m alright.”
It had been three hours since I started this endless walk. Sleep had evaded me last night, especially after what I’d seen. Yeah, I’d caught Silas with that shady figure, but it all seemed too… unreal? I couldn’t wrap my head around it, let alone share it with anyone, not even Cael.
“Elara!” Cael’s voice sliced through the quiet. I halted, spinning around to find him trailing behind, breathing heavily. He closed the gap with quick steps, his face lined with concern.
“Everything okay?”
“No,” I said, shaking my head, my shoulders dropping. “Sorry, let’s head back to my room.”
He thinned his lips, like he had more to say but chose to drop it.
“Fine.”
We made our way back, and as we approached, I spotted Silas emerging from a room at the far end of the hallway.
“Elara,” he said, dipping his head slightly as he saw me.
“Why aren’t you at your spot?” Cael questioned. “We’re not supposed to leave her door unguarded.”
“Sorry,” Silas muttered, scratching the back of his neck. “Had something to handle.”
“Handle what?” Cael pushed, his forehead creased in confusion.
Silas just shrugged and returned to his position on the left side of my door. “I’m back now, right?”
I sighed, the lack of sleep from last night finally catching up and dragging me down. “Drop it, Cael,” I said, glancing at him as he glared at Silas. “And thanks for today. Sorry for dragging you around.”
“Don’t mention it,” he replied, still fixed on Silas. “I just hope we catch whoever’s tailing you.”
“Tailing?” Silas raised an eyebrow, glancing between us. He played it cool, but I picked up on the subtle tension radiating from him. “Who’s tailing who?”
Cael crossed his arms. “Someone’s been watching Elara.”
“Oh,” Silas said flatly. “Want me to shadow you?”
I tilted my head, skepticism flooding me. “Cael’s got it covered,” I said, heading to my door. “You just stay here and keep an eye out for anything… off.”
Our eyes met for a beat, his probing mine like he was trying to read my thoughts. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Cael already at his post across from Silas. He looked uneasy too—something about Silas felt wrong, like he knew more than he let on, but I wasn’t ready to accuse without proof.
Silas broke the stare, slipping back into his neutral mask. “Sure.”
I pushed inside and shut the door with a thud, only to find Mia and Selene already there, scurrying about.
“What’s happening?” I asked.
“Cleaning,” Mia said without glancing up. “Selene came to drop off breakfast, but you were out, and she spotted a… what was it?”
“A massive RAT!” Selene yelped. “We’re wolves, sure, but we’re not invincible to diseases—especially you!” She spun to face me, eyes huge. “You can’t risk touching those things.”
Mia held back a chuckle and looked at me. “Just tune her out, Elara.”
“I would’ve,” I said, eyeing the chaos they’d created, “but now my room looks like a storm hit it—all over a rat? Nice of you, though.”
“Maybe sit over there while we finish. Sorry for the mess.”
“No worries, Mia,” I said with a smile, settling into the chair by the door. “It’s nice having people around in here.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Mia said with a shrug, turning back to fix my bed.
“Speaking of,” I straightened up, “Mia, how are the patients holding up? Recovering okay?”
“Really well,” she said, her eyes lighting up. “Everyone’s raving about you. You should swing by and check in.”
“Oh,” warmth spread to my cheeks. “And the batches I made—are there enough left?”
“Plenty,” she assured me. “No need for more. Just kick back until we head home.”
“Got it, thanks.”
She nodded and resumed tidying the bed, while Selene flipped the other side of the room into even more disarray. Watching them squabble and tease each other over something so trivial was entertaining, but it didn’t fully shake the knot in my stomach.
Silas was shady, especially after handing off whatever that was to my supposed watcher. What was it? Were they working for someone? If so, who? Why me? Could this be Marcelline pulling strings again, or was it bigger?
At last, it was time to say goodbye to the Moon White Pack. Almost two months away, but it dragged like years. For whatever reason, I was itching to get out and head back.
Or maybe you just miss a certain someone? my wolf teased, dripping with sarcasm. I ignored her, knowing exactly who she meant.
I wondered how he’d react when I got back. Would he be the same distant, icy guy from when I first arrived? Or softer, like right before I left?
I shook off the thoughts. Not the moment for that.
My things were packed and stowed in the carriage. Alpha Kane had offered Elder Theo as an escort, but I turned it down. The poor elder had been run ragged on my account; he deserved a break. The servants and gifts he’d sent were plenty.
Or overwhelming, honestly. I glanced back to see more maids piling on boxes.
“Gifts for a queen, if you ask me,” Cael said. I startled, spinning to find him behind me.
“Oh, sorry,” he said with a grin, hand on his neck.
“It’s okay,” I breathed out. “Just caught me off guard.”
I turned back to the haul. Cael had a point—these were royal-level presents, all for me. Tokens from nearly the whole pack, even the kids. My chest swelled with a mix of joy and overwhelm.
“Ready to roll?” I asked Cael.
“Yeah, just waiting on the Alpha. He wants to see you off.”
“But he already did this morning—said goodbye, wished me well, with the Luna too.”
“You saved their whole world, Elara. A couple of thanks aren’t enough.”
“Well,” I shrugged, “he gave me a maid, tons of stuff, and a full escort party.”
He leaned closer. “You nearly bled out for them. Even if they don’t know the details, you earned this.”
“Yeah, I suppose.”
He nodded and headed to the carriage, where Silas sat up front with the driver. My pulse quickened as I looked at him—since that night, the shadow had vanished, but Silas’s odd behavior hadn’t. Still, no solid proof to nail him.
“The Alpha’s coming!” someone called. I turned to see Alpha Kane, his Luna, Elder Theo, some elders, healers, and guards at the palace gates.
I stepped forward, bowing as I stopped a short distance from the Alpha and Luna. “Thank you for everything, Alpha. I’m truly grateful.”
“It’s us who should thank you, Elara,” he said. “You pulled us through. Travel safe.”
“I will,” I said, smiling as I lifted my head.
“Thanks again,” the Luna said warmly, stepping up to wrap me in a gentle hug. “We’re in your debt.”
I choked back a tear—her hold felt so maternal, something I hadn’t felt in ages. I hugged back, sinking into it.
We parted after a moment, and she slipped off her necklace, fastening it around my neck. I tensed at first, but her kind look eased me.
“It’ll watch over you.”
After more goodbyes and well-wishes with everyone, including Elder Theo, I climbed into the carriage. Mia and Selene were already inside. As we rolled away, I looked back, waving at the crowd.
“So, back to Mountain Dew, huh?” Mia said, snapping me back.
“Yeah,” I said, sitting straight. “We're heading back home.”