Chapter 143

Chapter 143
Seraphina's POV

After a full day's journey, we finally reached Howling Hall before sunset.

This architectural complex sat at the convergence of three great mountains, constructed from massive stones and ancient timber. Towering stone pillars carved with ancient wolf god totems, enormous archways hung with white wolf pelt banners symbolizing peace.

But today's atmosphere felt distinctly unusual.

The plaza gathered wolves from various packs, numbers far exceeding normal. They clustered in small groups speaking in low voices, eyes wary, the air thick with tension and unease.

"Worse than I imagined," Donny murmured. "At least seven packs represented here, and some unfamiliar scents—possibly rogues infiltrating."

I pulled my hood tighter, concealing most of my face. As Blackmane Pack's former Alpha mate, my appearance was recognizable in certain circles.

Lucian walked at our group's front, maintaining distance from me. His presence immediately drew attention—Blackmane Pack's Alpha commanded notice everywhere. Several Ironpaw Pack warriors recognized him, hostility flashing in their eyes, but respecting Howling Hall's rules, they only stared coldly.

"Quick, move," Ember urged nervously. "I don't like this atmosphere."

We hurried across the plaza toward the herb trading area. Along the way, my nose constantly twitched, distinguishing various scents. Suddenly, a familiar scent drifted past—Blackmane Pack's scent marking.

My heartbeat quickened. I scanned alertly. Blackmane Pack wolves were here too? I needed extra caution.

The herb trading area appeared desolate. Many stalls stood empty, only scattered vendors operating.

"Something's wrong," Donny frowned. "Usually at this hour, at least thirty stalls would be open."

"Probably because it's been too chaotic lately." An aged voice spoke.

We turned to see an elderly male wolf sitting at a corner stall. His fur had grayed, but his eyes remained sharp.

"Elder Alaric." Donny recognized him, stepping forward respectfully. "Long time no see."

After brief conversation, Donny handed over the herb list. Alaric's brow furrowed after reading. "All rare items—these are only in the deep vault. Do you have clearance?"

"I have Northern Peak's token." Donny produced a silver badge.

Alaric examined it carefully, nodding. "Authentic. But not enough. The deep vault requires a major pack guarantor."

My heart sank. Northern Peak was a small pack with limited Howling Hall influence.

"I can guarantee them." Lucian's voice suddenly rang out. He stepped forward, retrieving a black badge from his chest—Blackmane Pack Alpha's token, carved with a roaring wolf head.

Alaric saw the badge, surprise flashing in his eyes. "Blackmane Pack's Alpha... you'll vouch for them?"

Lucian nodded. "Yes."

Alaric's gaze swept between Lucian and me, clearly recognizing me beneath the hood. But the shrewd old wolf asked no questions.

"Very well. Follow me. I'll take you to the deep vault."

I bit my lower lip, not objecting. Though I hated admitting it, we needed Lucian's status now.

We followed Alaric, passing through the herb trading area toward Howling Hall's depths. Fewer wolves appeared, buildings growing more ancient.

"The deep vault is one of Howling Hall's most important places," Alaric explained as we walked. "It stores rare herbs contributed by various packs, so security is extremely strict."

Finally, we reached an enormous stone door. Complex runes carved into it, emitting faint silver luminescence. Two burly guards stood before the door.

Alaric presented credentials and tokens. The guards examined everything carefully before one pressed his hand to the door's runes. Silver light blazed, runes rotating as the heavy stone door slowly opened.

"You have one hour," the guard said. "Must leave by eight o'clock."

Just as we were about to step into the vault, my nose suddenly caught an unusual scent.

Strong and pungent, mixed with blood and herbs.

As a healer, I was especially sensitive to the smell of blood. I stopped, turning toward the scent's source—a secluded alley at the herb trading area's edge.

"What's wrong?" Ember noticed my reaction.

"Blood," I frowned. "Seems like a wolf is seriously injured."

"This is Howling Hall—fights are normal." Donny checked the sky. "Let's not get involved. The vault closes at eight. Time's tight."

I hesitated. Reason told me Donny was right—I was pregnant, shouldn't get involved in any conflict. And time was precious, the cub's herbs more important.

But the blood scent grew stronger, fear mixed with desperation... the breath of dying.

I remembered when I'd been cornered myself. At Blackmane Pack, excluded, mocked... that desperation I'd never forget.

"You all go ahead," I suddenly said. "I'll check this out."

"What?!" Ember's eyes widened. "Seraphina, are you crazy? You're pregnant!"

"I'll just look." I insisted. "If a wolf is seriously injured, as a healer, I can't stand by."

"I'll go with you." Lucian immediately said.

Donny looked at the sky, then at me, frowning deeply. Finally, he decided. "Seraphina, you and Lucian check the situation. Ember and I will continue to the vault to purchase herbs—we don't have much time. The vault closes at eight. We must complete the transaction before then."

“Ember and I will head to the vault first to handle the initial paperwork. I have the token and the deposit with me. Once you’ve checked things out, come over as soon as you can—some of the herbs need you to personally confirm their quality.”

He looked at Lucian, eyes serious. "Protect her."

Lucian solemnly nodded, hand on his chest. "I swear on my life."

So we split into two teams—Donny and Ember followed Elder Alaric quickly toward the deep vault, while Lucian and I turned toward that blood-scented alley.

"Donny and the others should be able to buy the herbs smoothly." I murmured, hand unconsciously resting on my belly.

"They will." Lucian said from behind me. "Elder Alaric knows the vault manager, and my guarantee is valid. They won't have problems."

I didn't respond, only quickening my pace. The blood scent grew stronger, my heartbeat faster.

When we reached the alley entrance and saw the scene inside, I gasped.

A young she-wolf lay on the ground, blood flowing from the back of her head, face deathly pale. Three rogues surrounded her, arguing about something.

"Head injury... heavy bleeding... need a healer fast!"

"No time—take her now. If she dies on the way, tough luck!"

My pupils contracted. That she-wolf... I recognized her scent. Claire, Lucian's cousin, a Blackmane Pack member.

My first instinct was to turn and leave. This was a Blackmane Pack wolf, from the pack that once hurt me. I had no obligation to save her. And Donny and the others were still waiting at the vault for me to verify herbs.

But my feet wouldn't move.

Claire's eyes were too desperate, that cornered terror identical to what I'd once felt. And I saw the wound on Claire's arm, the blood continuously flowing from the back of her head. My special sense of smell immediately analyzed the injury—skull fracture, intracranial bleeding beginning. Without immediate treatment, she'd die within ten minutes.

The healer's instinct overwhelmed all other considerations in this moment.

"Damn it," I bit down hard. "I can't... I can't stand by and watch someone die..."

I removed my hood and strode into the alley.