Chapter 241

Chapter 241: A Wolf's Farewell

(Celeste's POV)

The healing grounds of Silver Creek territory were silent except for the soft sound

of water dripping from the cloth in my hands. I knelt beside Matthew's body, gently wiping away the

dried blood and dirt from his face.

His skin was cold under my touch. So cold.

"I can't let his parents see him like this," I whispered, more to myself than to Alexander, who

stood watching from the doorway.

My silver-scarred wolf whined deep within me, its grief matching my own. Each wound I

uncovered on Matthew's body sent fresh pain through my chest. The silver-laced gashes

across his torso told of his final battle-a battle he fought for someone else.

I dipped the cloth into the basin of moon-blessed water again. The herbs infused in it released

their gentle scent, masking the smell of death that had begun to settle over him.

My fingers trembled as I cleaned a particularly deep wound on his shoulder.

"He fought bravely," Alexander's voice broke the silence, startling me.

I didn't look up. "He always did."

Working methodically, I moved to Matthew's hands, wiping away the dirt and blood from his

fingers. These hands that had once held mine with such tenderness. Hands that had

promised to protect me.

"He saved twelve of my men," Alexander continued. "Before..."

"Before he saved you," I finished, still not meeting his eyes.

My wolf retreated deeper inside me, shielding itself from the pain. I focused on my task,

cleaning each wound with care, preserving what dignity I could for the wolf who had died

protecting his commander.

"This one needs stitching," I murmured, examining a gash on Matthew's forearm.

The wound would never heal now, but I couldn't bear the thought of his family seeing him this way. I reached for the needle and thread Dr. Pierce had provided.

With practiced movements, I began to close the wound. The Sterling family would see their

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"Celeste," he began, his tone cautious. "The journey back to Sterling territory will take days. In

this weather..."

I knew what he was implying. I'd thought of it too.

"The scent will attract rogues and scavengers," he warned, his white wolf stirring with concern.

"It's not safe, especially for you traveling alone."

I finished the stitching and cut the thread before responding.

"I've already thought of that," I said, setting aside the needle. "I spoke with Dr. Pierce before

you arrived."

I reached for a small pouch beside me, opening it to reveal a mixture of dried herbs and silver-colored powder.

"Moon-blessed herbs and silver lime," I explained, my voice calm but firm. "It will preserve his

body for at least two weeks. More than enough time for the journey."

Alexander frowned. "Even so "

"This isn't a debate, Alexander," I cut him off, my violet eyes finally meeting his. "I'm taking

Matthew home to his family. They deserve to mourn their son properly."

I returned to my task, gently cleaning the last traces of battle from Matthew's face.

He looked almost peaceful now, as if he were merely sleeping.

But he would never wake again.

(Alexander's POV)

I watched Celeste tend to Matthew's body with a tenderness that twisted something inside my

chest. Her movements were precise, almost ritualistic, as if each careful touch was a final act

of love.

My white wolf urged me to step forward, to offer comfort, protection-especially after

witnessing her breakdown upon discovering Matthew's death. The memory of her frantic clawing at my chest for the sachet still burned.

"I'll accompany you," I said, the words escaping before I could reconsider.

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“I've prepared the transport vehicle as you requested,” he continued. “The compartment is lined with silver-infused cloth. It will help maintain the preservation."

Once Dr. Pierce finished his work, I gathered the basin of bloody water and cloths

I had used. My hands moved mechanically, my mind detached from these simple

tasks.

I carried the basin outside, walking past Alexander without acknowledgment. Though my eyes didn't register him, my silver-scarred wolf was acutely aware of

his presence, tracking his

movements as he followed me.

Outside, I emptied the bloody water into a patch of wolfsbane flowers growing at

the edge of the healing grounds. The poisonous plants would consume the blood, preventing scavengers

from being attracted to the scent.

I knelt to clean the basin meticulously, scrubbing away every trace of blood. The

cloth I had used to wash Matthew's body would be burned-another wolf tradition

to ensure nothing

remained to call his spirit back.

Alexander's shadow fell across me as I worked, but I didn't look up.

"Celeste," he said softly.

I continued scrubbing.

"Celeste, please look at me."

When I finally stood and turned to walk past him, his hand shot out, catching my

wrist. His

touch sent an unwelcome jolt through my body.

"Let go," I said coldly, my wolf bristling beneath my skin.

Alexander's ice-blue eyes searched my face, hurt and bewildered.

"Do you blame me for his death?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically

vulnerable.

I stared at him, feeling nothing but a vast emptiness where emotion should be.

"Matthew chose to join your mission," I replied, my voice flat. "He knew the risks.

And you brought him back to me. For that, I thank you."

I slowly pulled my hand free from his grasp.

"Dr. Pierce has prepared the herbs, and the transport vehicle is ready," I

continued. "I'll leave as

soon as Matthew is dressed."

My silver-scarred wolf had retreated deep within me, protecting itself from the

overwhelming

pain of loss. It was safer there, in the darkness, away from this reality where

Matthew no

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longer existed.

I turned to go, but Alexander's voice, laced with something that sounded almost

like

desperation, reached me.

+8 Points >

"Can't you... wait two days?" he asked. "I could finish the investigation and

accompany you."

I paused briefly, keeping my back to him. The offer hung in the air between us, but

I couldn't

bring myself to accept it. Not now. Not when Matthew's cold body was a constant

reminder of

what I had lost.

"No," I replied, my voice distant and calm. “Matthew's family is waiting for him."