Cruel Fate

Chapter 7

5 years ago

Shifting back into her human form, Ember stumbled toward the nearest wolf guarding the border. “Take me to your Luna, please,” she cried, her body crumpling as exhaustion and grief overwhelmed her. She felt arms lift her, but it barely registered as she continued to sob, the world around her a blur. Her vision swam, tears clouding her sight as she clung to the fragments of her strength.

“Raven!” she screamed, her voice raw and desperate, not knowing if anyone could hear her. She curled into a ball, screaming for her sister, hoping that somehow, someway, Raven would hear her cries.

“Luna, I found her at the border and she hasn’t stopped crying or screaming since she shifted.” Aiden, the guard, cradled a naked and trembling Ember in his arms, her eyes glowing gold—a clear sign of her royal fated mate.

“Ember!” Raven exclaimed, rushing over and taking her sister from Aiden’s protective grasp. She knelt on the grass, cradling Ember gently. “I’m here, it’s okay,” she whispered, rocking her baby sister back and forth. Her eyes scanned Ember’s body for injuries, her mind racing with worry. She quickly mind-linked her mate, ordering him to send for the pack doctor and summon Slate.

“He rejected me… I have nothing… They chased me out of the inner city… my books, my clothes, they threw it all away.” Ember sobbed, her voice breaking with each word. The betrayal she felt from Julian’s rejection cut deeper than any physical wound.

Raven's heart clenched with fury and sorrow at her sister’s words. How dare the prince of their kind do such a thing to Ember, their family’s pride and joy? Her hands trembled with the effort to keep her anger in check as she held Ember tighter, whispering soothing words. “We’ll make it right, Ember. You’re safe now. You’re home.” The resolve in Raven’s voice was unyielding, a promise that the pain inflicted on Ember would not go unanswered.

“Luna, I’m sorry, but we need to sedate her. She may become a danger to herself and others in this state; her control is slipping.” Conan came into view with a syringe of sedative and wolfsbane, his expression somber.

“Do what you need to, doc, just please help her. She’s freshly rejected,” Raven replied, tears streaming down her own face as she held Ember tightly, her heart breaking for her sister’s pain.

Conan administered the sedative quickly, his experienced hands steady as he injected the mixture into Ember’s arm. Almost immediately, her sobs began to quiet, her body relaxing into her sister’s embrace. Raven held her tightly, whispering soothing words as Ember’s eyes fluttered shut, her breathing becoming steady and calm.

Declan, Raven’s mate, arrived moments later, his brows furrowed with concern. “What is Ember doing here?” he asked, his voice edged with worry, his gaze scanning Ember’s limp form.

Raven's tone was a bitter growl as she replied, “Her mate rejected her. The Prince of our kind rejected his own mate.” Her voice trembled with anger, her grip tightening protectively around Ember.

“Poor pup,” Declan murmured, his gaze softening as he looked at the strong-willed she-wolf he and his mate had helped to raise. The sight of her broken and vulnerable tugged at his heart, filling him with a protective urge.

The three of them moved quickly, carrying Ember into the pack house and up to one of the guest rooms. The hallway was dimly lit, with the soft glow of sconces casting long shadows on the wooden floor. The familiar scent of pine and earth filled the air, a comforting reminder of home. Raven and Declan laid Ember gently on the bed, covering her with a soft blanket.

Raven brushed a strand of hair from Ember's face, her fingers trembling. "We’ll take care of her," she said softly, her voice resolute despite the tears in her eyes.

Declan nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Raven’s shoulder. "We’ll protect her, no matter what. She’s family."

Conan stood by the door, his expression grave. "She’ll need time to heal, both physically and emotionally. Rejection is a deep wound, but with the support of her family, she can recover."

Raven nodded, her jaw set with determination. "We’ll be here for her, every step of the way. She won't go through this alone."

As the night deepened, the pack house remained quiet, a sanctuary for Ember as she began her journey of healing. Raven stayed by her side, whispering words of comfort and love, vowing to help her sister reclaim her strength and find peace once more.

Raven sat by her side, holding her hand and brushing the hair from her face with tender care. Her eyes, usually so fierce and determined, were now filled with worry and sadness. “We’re here, Ember,” she whispered, her voice soothing. “You’re safe now.”

Ember stirred slightly, a soft whimper escaping her lips as she shifted under the blankets. Raven's heart ached at the sight, her grip tightening protectively around her sister's hand.

Declan stood at the foot of the bed, his strong presence a silent support. He glanced at Raven, his expression a mix of anger and sadness. “How could he do this?” he muttered, his fists clenching at his sides. “She’s his mate.”

Raven shook her head, her eyes never leaving Ember’s face. “I don’t know, Declan. But right now, we need to focus on helping her heal." Her voice was steady, though her heart was breaking.

Declan took a deep breath, trying to quell the rage bubbling within him. "We'll get through this," he said, more to himself than anyone else. "She'll get through this."

As the night deepened, the room remained a sanctuary for Ember. Raven stayed by her side, holding her hand and whispering words of comfort and love, vowing to help her sister reclaim her strength and find peace once more. Declan stood as a silent guardian, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger, his heart aching for the broken girl on the bed.

Outside the guest room, the pack house was quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of pack life subdued by the gravity of Ember’s situation. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the sedative Conan had administered. It was a familiar and comforting smell, a reminder that despite the pain and betrayal, Ember was home, surrounded by those who loved her.

Raven continued to stroke Ember’s hair, her own tears falling silently. “We’ll get through this, Ember,” she whispered. “You’re strong. We’re strong. And we’ll get through this together.”

In the corner, Conan stood watch, his face etched with concern. He knew the road to recovery would be long and difficult, but with the support of her family, Ember would find her way back. And as the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, a glimmer of hope shone in the room, promising a new beginning for Ember and her pack.