Chapter 170 The Luna Is Back
Alberto tightened his grip on Torin as the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder behind them. The narrow passage ahead stretched into darkness while the group of prisoners moved as quickly as their weakened bodies allowed. Some stumbled while others leaned heavily on those beside them, yet they kept moving with urgency.
“Faster,” Alberto urged while glancing back.
The echo of boots striking the stone floor carried closer.
“They are gaining on us.”
One of the guards from Fernando’s pack moved beside Alberto.
“We will hold them off.”
Alberto shook his head slightly.
“We move together.”
The guard’s expression remained firm.
“If we all keep moving at this pace then none of us will make it out.”
Alberto hesitated briefly.
The logic made sense.
Another shout echoed from behind them.
“Do not let them escape.”
The prisoners flinched at the sound.
Torin turned his head slightly toward Alberto.
His altered eyes carried a quiet intensity.
“We hold them.”
His voice sounded deeper than before but steady.
Alberto studied him for a brief moment.
“You are not in full strength.”
Torin gave a slight nod.
“Still enough.”
Another guard stepped forward.
“We will stay behind with you.”
Alberto looked at the others moving ahead.
If the guards caught up then none of them would escape.
He exhaled slowly before making a decision.
“Torin, take them ahead.”
Torin’s gaze held his.
“You stay?”
Alberto nodded.
“I will cover you.”
Torin hesitated for a moment.
Alberto placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Get them out.”
Torin gave a slow nod.
He turned toward the group.
“Move.”
His voice carried authority.
The prisoners responded.
They began pushing forward with renewed urgency.
The guards from the pack stayed close to them while guiding them through the passage.
Alberto stepped back slightly.
The remaining guards beside him positioned themselves between the approaching enemies and the escaping group.
The first of the pursuing guards appeared at the far end of the passage.
Their weapons gleamed faintly under the dim light.
“There they are.”
Alberto stepped forward.
“Do not let them pass.”
The guards beside him tightened their stance.
The narrow passage forced the attackers to approach in smaller numbers.
The first clash came quickly.
Metal struck against metal as one of the guards lunged forward.
Alberto moved instinctively.
Despite his weakened state he managed to block the attack and push the man back.
Pain shot through his arms but he ignored it.
Another attacker rushed forward.
One of Alberto’s men intercepted him.
The confined space filled with the sound of struggle.
Alberto forced himself to remain steady.
“You will not get through.”
The enemy guard sneered.
“You cannot hold us for long.”
Alberto met his gaze.
“Long enough.”
The man lunged again.
Alberto dodged slightly before striking back.
His movements lacked their usual strength but his determination kept him standing.
Behind him he could hear the fading footsteps of the escaping prisoners.
Torin’s voice echoed faintly.
“Keep moving.”
Alberto’s chest tightened slightly with relief.
They were getting further away.
Another attacker pushed forward.
This time the blow landed against Alberto’s shoulder.
He staggered slightly but regained his footing.
One of his guards stepped in to assist.
“You need to fall back.”
Alberto shook his head.
“Not yet.”
More enemies began crowding the passage.
Their numbers pressed forward with growing force.
Alberto’s breathing grew heavier.
The strain on his body became more noticeable with each movement.
He blocked another strike and pushed back.
The confined space worked in their favor.
Only a few attackers could approach at once.
Still the pressure increased.
“How much longer?”
One of the guards beside him asked.
Alberto glanced back briefly.
The passage behind them had grown quiet.
The prisoners had moved far enough.
He turned back toward the attackers.
“We go now.”
The guard nodded.
Together they pushed back the nearest attackers with a final burst of effort.
Alberto stepped backward while keeping his eyes on the advancing enemies.
“Move.”
They began retreating quickly through the passage.
The guards behind them tried to follow but the delay they had created gave Alberto and his men enough distance.
They moved as fast as their bodies allowed.
The passage opened gradually.
Fresh air reached them.
Alberto felt a slight relief as he pushed forward.
Moments later they emerged from the narrow tunnel.
The open space ahead revealed a forest path.
Torin and the others stood several steps ahead waiting.
“You made it.”
Torin’s voice carried quiet relief.
Alberto nodded slightly.
“We need to keep moving.”
One of the guards looked back.
“They are still coming.”
Alberto gestured forward.
“Then we do not stop.”
The group moved quickly through the forest.
Branches brushed against them as they pushed forward.
The ground beneath their feet felt uneven but they kept moving.
After several minutes the trees began to thin.
The faint outline of the pack’s territory came into view.
Alberto slowed slightly.
“We are close.”
Torin looked ahead.
“Yes.”
The group moved forward cautiously.
As they stepped into the open area near the border several figures appeared.
The border guards stood alert with weapons ready.
“Halt.”
Their voices carried authority.
Alberto stopped.
The others behind him hesitated.
One of the border guards stepped closer.
“Who are you?”
Alberto lifted his head despite the exhaustion weighing on him.
“It is me.”
The guard’s eyes narrowed briefly.
Then recognition flashed across his face.
“Alberto?”
Another guard stepped forward quickly.
“It is him.”
A moment of stunned silence passed before the first guard raised his voice.
“Sound the alarm.”
The sharp call echoed across the area.
“The Luna is back.”
The words spread quickly.
More guards gathered as the group was ushered forward.
“Get them inside.”
The prisoners moved through the gates with the support of the guards.
Alberto’s steps grew slower.
The strength that had carried him this far began to fade.
The sounds around him blurred slightly.
Voices echoed in the distance.
Footsteps rushed toward him.
Fernando appeared moments later.
His eyes widened the moment he saw Alberto.
Without hesitation he stepped forward and scooped him up.
“Alberto.”
His voice carried urgency.
Alberto tried to respond but his body felt too heavy.
“I am here.”
Fernando held him firmly.
“You are safe now.”
Lucia appeared beside them.
“He is losing strength.”
Fernando nodded sharply.
“Mira.”
His voice rang out.
“Get here now.”
Mira rushed forward immediately.
Her eyes scanned Alberto quickly.
“Lay him down.”
Fernando moved quickly toward the healer’s chambers.
“Bring the others as well.”
The guards began guiding the remaining prisoners inside.
Several of them looked around with uncertainty.
One of the older men stepped forward slightly.
“Alpha.”
Fernando paused briefly while still holding Alberto.
“Yes?”
The man bowed his head slightly.
“We have nowhere else to go.”
Another prisoner spoke.
“We were taken from our homes.”
Fernando looked at them carefully.
“Please.”
The first man continued.
“Allow us to stay.”
Fernando’s expression softened slightly.
“You are welcome here.”
Relief spread across several faces.
“Thank you.”
Fernando nodded once before continuing toward the healer’s room.
Inside Mira quickly prepared a space.
“Place him here.”
Fernando lowered Alberto onto the bed carefully.
Mira began examining him immediately.
“He has lost too much blood.”
Fernando stood beside the bed.
“Can you stabilize him?”
Mira nodded.
“I will try.”
Lucia stood nearby while watching.
“What about the others?”
Mira glanced toward the doorway.
“Bring them in one at a time.”
Fernando stepped back slightly while Mira worked.
His eyes remained fixed on Alberto.
Moments later Alberto’s breathing steadied slightly as Mira applied treatment.
The room grew quieter.
After some time Alberto slipped into unconsciousness.
His body finally gave in to the exhaustion.
Fernando remained beside him.
Lucia placed a hand on his shoulder.
“He made it back.”
Fernando nodded slowly.
“Yes.”
The room dimmed as time passed.
The noise outside faded gradually.
At some point during the quiet hours another figure entered the room.
He moved slowly toward the bed.
His gaze remained fixed on Alberto.
Gilat stepped closer.
His expression carried a weight of emotions that he did not voice.
He reached out slowly and took Alberto’s hand.
For a moment he said nothing.
His fingers tightened slightly around his son’s hand.
“I am here.”
His voice came out low.
“You are not alone.”