âWhat can I even say to you? You were just exhausted from saving the she-wolf, plagued by dreams in sleep, and now this⦠Oh dear!â
He exhaled a deep sigh and advised, âPlease, even as you care for others, donât forget to look after yourself.
â
His genuine care touched me deeply.
A tightness formed in my throat, and I whispered back, âOkay, I understand.
â
Who could resist a man as remarkable as Caleb?
Moon Goddess, grant us your favor if you were out there.
Following the healing session, I gave Riley a thorough check to confirm her well-being, and then Caleb and I assisted her back to our vehicle.
As her injuries mended, Riley regained consciousness.
Her eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Caleb and me.
âDebra? Caleb? What brings you two here?â
Riley scanned her surroundings, half-thinking she was in a dream.
It wasnât until she recognized the forest around her that she inquired with a puzzled look, âIsnât it odd? Werenât you supposed to be at the Silver Ridge Pack?â
Without beating around the bush, I explained, âWe got word from Carlos that Roz Town residents and the Xeric Pack had launched an assault on the Thorn Edge Pack.
So, we rushed over, not expecting to bump into you here.
â
âOh, now I get it,â said Riley, connecting the dots.
I gave a small nod before probing, âRiley, what happened to you? How come you were unconscious in the forest?â
âWhat do you mean, injured?â
My question seemed to jog Rileyâs memory.
She glanced over her body and flexed her arm, realizing her wounds were healed.
Aware that it was my witch power that had healed her, Riley wasted no time in showing her gratitude.
âDebra, I owe you my thanks for saving me!â
With a calm demeanor, I responded, âDonât mention it.
But do tell me, what brought you here? And whatâs been going on with Roz Town residents and the Xeric Pack?â
Rileyâs expression turned somber upon my inquiry.
She sighed deeply and began, âDebra, remember the military personnel I brought with us?â
T nodded and asked, âWhatâs the matter?â
Rileyâs voice grew heavy.
âThat force is actually under the Xeric Pack.
Gale approached me before the third batch of Roz Town residents was to depart, setting up this force supposedly to safeguard us.
At that time, she told me that it was a preventive measure.
â
Rileyâs face showed a tinge of remorse as she recounted the events.
âBack then, I had my own concerns, fearing that the Thorn Edge Pack might pose a threat to Roz Town residents, especially after the fire.