Chapter 87 Welcome Back Home
The pack house courtyard was bathed in the soft golden light of late afternoon when the first carriage rolled through the main gates. Dust swirled around the wheels as the horses slowed to a stop, their flanks damp with sweat from the long journey. The second carriage followed close behind, identical in design, carrying the same quiet dignity. The guards on duty snapped to attention, fists thumping against chests as they recognized the returning figures.
Darius stepped out first, cloak thrown over his shoulders, bags slung across his back. His face was tired but clear, the week at the ancestral home having given him the space he needed. His eyes scanned the courtyard with the familiar sharpness of a beta assessing his territory. A few wolves gathered at the edges, murmuring greetings, but he acknowledged them with only a nod.
Mira emerged from the second carriage moments later, her robes slightly travel-worn, satchel heavy with herbs and vials. She looked composed, the same calm healer who had left, but her eyes carried a new weight—time spent in solitude had sharpened her gaze rather than softened it.
Their eyes met across the courtyard.
Darius offered a small, genuine smile. "Mira."
Mira returned it, stepping forward. "Darius. You look well."
He inclined his head. "You too. The mountain treated you kindly?"
"Kindly enough," she replied, voice soft. "It gave me clarity."
They walked together toward the main doors, falling into the easy rhythm of old friends. The courtyard wolves watched with quiet curiosity—returns after absence always drew attention, especially from figures as central as these two.
Samael appeared at the entrance, striding out with purpose. His face lit up when he saw them. He rushed forward, pulling Darius into a crushing hug that lifted the beta slightly off the ground.
"Brother," Samael rumbled, voice thick with relief. "You are back."
Darius laughed, clapping Samael on the back. "I am back. Missed your ugly face."
Samael released him and turned to Mira, bowing deeply with fist to chest. "Healer. Welcome home."
Mira smiled, inclining her head in return. "Thank you, gamma."
Samael straightened, looking between them. "Both of you at once. The pack feels whole again."
Darius glanced around. "Where is Alberto?"
Samael's expression sobered. "He went to the forest. As usual."
Mira's smile turned knowing. "Did he really go to the forest, or did he exhaust himself again?"
Samael raised his hand in defense. "He said the forest. I believe him."
Darius nodded slowly. "I need to rest. Long road."
He walked inside, shoulders tense.
Mira watched him go, then turned to Samael. "And Fernando?"
Samael sighed. "He left for the midnight wolves. To sign a treaty. To sabotage the mate duel he orchestrated himself."
Mira shook her head. "Fernando is still as stupid and clueless as before."
She turned toward her department, the healer's wing, without another word.
Samael stood alone in the courtyard, watching them disappear.
The pack house welcomed its absent ones home.
The dining hall of the pack house was alive with the clatter of plates and the low hum of conversation. Long wooden tables stretched across the room, laden with roasted meat, fresh bread, steamed vegetables, and pitchers of dark ale. Wolves sat in clusters, some laughing, others talking quietly about the day's work. The scent of spiced venison and herbs filled the air, a comforting reminder of home after the recent turmoil.
Samael sat at one end of the main table, tearing into a leg of lamb with his teeth, grease shining on his chin. Darius sat across from him, eating more methodically, cutting his meat into neat pieces. The two had been quieter than usual since Alberto's departure and the tension with Fernando. The pack felt the absence of the keeper and the beta's usual steady presence.
A young wolf burst through the doors, breathless. "The Alpha is back!"
The room fell silent for a heartbeat.
Every wolf stood instantly, chairs scraping back, fists thumping to chests in salute. "Alpha Fernando!"
Fernando entered, cloak dusted from the road, face set in the familiar hard lines of command. He carried a sealed scroll in one hand, the midnight wolves' mark visible on the wax. The pack watched him with respect, some with curiosity, others with cautious hope.
Samael rose immediately, abandoning his half-eaten meal. He strode toward the entrance, ready to greet the Alpha properly.
Darius remained seated. He picked up his fork and continued eating, cutting another piece of meat with deliberate calm.
Samael paused halfway across the room, glancing back. He walked back to the table and leaned down. "Behave. Fernando is still our Alpha."
Darius did not look up. "I know."
Samael sighed. "Come on. Show respect."
Darius took a bite. "I will. When he earns it."
Samael shook his head and left to meet Fernando.
Fernando reached the head of the table, nodding to the wolves who bowed. Samael approached and clasped his forearm.
"Welcome back, Alpha," Samael said. "The pack held strong."
Fernando returned the grip. "Good. I have news."
He unrolled the scroll, revealing the midnight wolves' seal. "The treaty is signed. They will stand with us against Vargus and the rogues."
Murmurs rippled through the room.
Fernando looked at Darius, who had not risen. "Darius. Prepare them a quarter. It is part of beta duty."
Darius set his fork down slowly. "I will."
Fernando's eyes narrowed. "Now."
Darius stood, bowed stiffly, and left the hall without another word.
Samael watched him go, then turned to Fernando. "He is still angry."
Fernando rolled the scroll. "He will get over it."
Samael laughed. "You two are both childish."
Fernando's mouth twitched. "I am returning the energy."
The hall filled with quiet conversation again, wolves resuming their meals.