- A New Second-in-Command -
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Walking through the forest, Samuel reflected on everything that had happened in the past few days. The weight of responsibility was building on his shoulders. He decided it was time to head to the village and check on the Alpha and Alaric. However, he suddenly stopped, a thought hitting him: "I should've asked Kuwabara which direction the village is in…" With that concern in mind, he spotted a nearby wolf and decided to approach.
— Excuse me, do you know where Moonlight Village is? — Samuel asked, trying not to scare the wolf.
The wolf simply pointed in a direction, silently.
— You don't speak? — Samuel questioned after receiving no reply.
The wolf raised his head, revealing a deep scar on his neck. The silent gesture said more than a thousand words, and Samuel gave a grateful nod before following the direction shown. As he walked, his thoughts turned darker. "Why do humans have to be so cruel? All of this just for domination. What a stupid reason." He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away. "I'd better stop thinking about that. I just want to get there, maybe take a bath and rest by the fireplace."
After hours of walking, with the sun beginning to rise, he finally spotted the village in the distance. He quickened his pace, worry growing with each step.
Upon arriving, Samuel was shocked by the scene before him: the few remaining humans were a heartbreaking sight. They were injured, with hollow stares, hope seeming to fade away. Concerned, Samuel decided to look for Alaric before heading to his cabin. At the village's medical center, he found him sitting on a cot, head bandaged and half of one arm amputated. Alaric stared at the floor, his expression empty, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.
— Alaric? — Samuel called.
At the sound of his voice, Alaric lifted his gaze, his expression shifting slightly.
— Samuel? I thought I'd never see you again… Where have you been?
— I was rescued by a wolf in the forest. He took care of me.
— Lucky you. I was stuck to a tree for seven hours. Can you believe that? The doctors said I was going to die from blood loss, but here I am, alive. Can't say the same for my arm...
Alaric raised his stump, moving it slightly, the reality of the loss slowly sinking in.
— My superiors are going to remove me from the leader's post and send me home. Without my arm, I can't fight anymore.
— Home? Don't you live here in the village? — Samuel asked, confused.
— No, this place is just a temporary shelter because of the war. I live in the city.
Samuel nodded, understanding the weight of the situation.
— The Alpha came here looking for you. Since you weren't here, he returned to the pack — Alaric continued. — Want me to send a messenger to let him know you've arrived?
— That would be fine — Samuel agreed, feeling torn between his sadness for Alaric's condition and the need to get in touch with the Alpha.
— I'll need some time to clear my head, but I'll be out of here soon. I'll let you know before I leave.
— Thank you — Samuel replied, leaving the medical center.
With his head lowered, Samuel made his way to his cabin. Once there, he lit the fireplace and sat in front of it, thinking about the pain and suffering of Alaric and the others. "The hunters' leader won't stop until he enslaves the last surviving wolves. I can't let that happen. But first, I need to find Alex and make sure he's okay." He looked at his hands. "I still can't bring big things with my power... But maybe one day."
Suddenly, someone knocked at the door. Samuel got up and opened it, finding the Alpha standing in front of him.
— Samuel! I was surprised when they told me you were here. Where have you been?
— I was with a pack. A wolf helped me.
— I see… I didn't just come here to see you. We lost that pack in the last attack. Many of our allies died, including the Alpha. That weakened us badly. I'm worried, we can't survive another attack.
The Alpha paused, weighing his words.
— The other leaders and I decided to unite all the packs into one, to prevent more deaths. Each Alpha will have a second-in-command to manage a sector, to avoid conflict. I know it might be an issue, since you're human, but you're one of the few I can trust. I'd like to appoint you as my second-in-command.
— Are you sure? — Samuel asked.
— Absolutely. I can tell you're not like the others… You're not driven by greed.
Samuel paused for a moment, then nodded.
— Alright. I accept.
— Excellent. I'll tell the other leaders about you later. We're going to move to a distant place, hidden from the hunters. Until that day comes, I'll explain everything to you. Oh, and you'll be living with us. Hope you don't mind.
— That's fine — Samuel replied.
— Great. When you're ready, we'll leave. I need to speak with Alaric first.
Samuel nodded, watching the Alpha walk away. "I'll be the only human among wolves. I hope that doesn't cause problems for the Alpha." He sighed, gathering his things and changing clothes. Before leaving the cabin, he took one last look around and headed to the medical center.
There, he found the Alpha and Alaric talking.
— Samuel, did the Alpha tell you the news? We're going back home — Alaric said, a shy smile on his lips.
— Actually, not quite — Samuel replied.
— He's coming with me, Alaric — the Alpha explained.
— I see... Well, I guess this is goodbye. I wish you both luck. Take care, I'll be rooting for you.
— It was an honor to have your help. Now go home, rest with your family. You deserve it — the Alpha said.
— I will. Farewell, my friends — Alaric said, his eyes shining with both hope and sorrow.
Samuel and the Alpha said goodbye and left for the pack. Alaric watched them from a distance, a peaceful smile on his face.
— Good luck... — he whispered, wishing his friends safety amid the chaos.
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