Amaya’s War

Elaine..

Amaya’s POV

I make my way into the field where the healers are surrounding this rogue wolf. They’ve washed all the blood away and most of his injuries have closed up. Looking at him now, he’s probably the most beautiful wolf I’ve ever seen. His coat is solid black with tiny flecks of gray all throughout at the tips, his eyes no longer black, but a grey like a rain cloud in the sky. He stares at me as if he’s seeing a ghost.

“Elaine?” He mutters in a low tone, even his voice is improved from yesterday.

“No,” I say sharply unintentionally, I take a breath to calm myself so I don’t cry in front of this rogue “-I’m sorry for snapping at you. No, my name is Amaya. My mother’s name was Elaine. How do you know her?” I ask curiously and calmly as to keep him talking.

“Your mother, she saved me a few months back. Probably seven or eight at this point. I was out hunting, just outside of your packs borders. A rogue, huge like a mountain attacked me. Your mother, I guess was on patrol and heard the commotion, she and a few other warriors jumped in and took the rogue down. The warriors thought I was dead, but your mo-Elaine she saw me take the tiniest breath. She laid next to me and put both her paws on my chest. I could feel the healing warmth spreading throughout my body. She sat with me for hours until I came to, when I woke she tried to get me to come back to the pack with her. I told her I couldn’t until I found my parents, alive or dead-“

I put my paw out to stop him, “why would your parents be dead?” I asked trying to remain emotionless as I was now on the brink of tears from his story.

“The Shadow Pack, they came into my territory the Birch Pack and took over. My parents surrendered, but they locked them away. I found my answer about a month ago, they tortured them for months and then threw their bodies outside the gate to deter those who ran from coming back. Your mother told me about her pack and where to find it, I went there in search of her and instead was met by the Shadow Pack beta, Cole. He attacked me and left me for dead, after he left I caught a scent similar to Elaine’s and knew I had to find it. I followed your trail all the way here. Can I please speak to your mother? I need to speak to Elaine.”

I couldn’t hold my tears back anymore, they flowed uncontrollably down my snout and cheeks.

Helios placed his head over mine for a moment to try to comfort me before raising it again to answer for me,

“The Shadow Pack alpha, Xander, he attacked and murdered our luna, Elaine. They came into our borders four months ago, wanting our land. He wanted to take Amaya hostage, Elaine wouldn’t allow that. Amaya is here because of her mother’s sacrifice.”

He stood with a solemn expression, almost shock it seemed, “I am so sorry. I know that pain and I am truly sincerely sorry,” he took a step to approach me but Helios stepped in front of him snarling.

“She is our princess, you will no-“

“HELIOS ENOUGH” I roared. If my mother saw something in this wolf, enough to save him and invite him in who would I be to dishonor that?

“What is your name wolf?”

“Tate, my princess. My name is Tate.” He bowed his head and lowered his body in submission.

“Tate, as daughter of the alpha I will grant you sanctuary amongst us. My mother, she would have done the same. Stay here and complete your healing, when you’re ready you may join our pack.”

“Thank you, my princess. I promise I will be an asset to the pack.”

I giggle a little, “I’m sure you will Tate, but please call me May. ‘My princess’ is a little much.” I let out another small giggle as I take my leave. All of this, letting him in, his story, my mother, it was weighing heavy on me. As I crossed over into the forest, I saw Luca and my father standing together waiting for me.

“His name is Tate, mom saved him, the Shadow Pack took his home and killed his parents the Alpha and Luna of the Birch Pack. Send a scout to confirm his story before he finishes his healing, I’ve granted him sanctuary if his story is true. If it’s not, I will take his life myself.” As soon as I finished my last thought I took off, I needed space to let out all of this emotion I was feeling.

Pounding my paws against the ground, I was practically flying with the speed I was going. I was pushing every bit of rage, mourning, sadness into the ground as I flew. Nothing mattered in this moment, I just needed to be.

Luca’s POV

I tried to go after her, she didn’t need to be alone but Alpha Kris stopped me.

“Let her go, Luca. She needs to be free.”

I bowed my head to him, knowing he was right. She needed to just run it out. I turned my head to the healers field and started trotting in. The healers were all occupied chatting amongst themselves so I approached the rogue.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY TO AMAYA!?” I growled at him. I was filled with rage that he hurt my best friend.

He sank to the ground in fear of me, he knew I would kill him for hurting her.

“I promise sir, all I did was tell her the truth. My story. Her mother saved me and told me where to find them if I found my parents. I went back to your pack and was attacked by the Shadow Pack beta. I caught what I guess was Amaya’s scent and followed it here. I promise you that’s the truth. I just wanted to be safe, the way Elaine made me feel. It was the same my mo- moth- mother made me feel.” He whimpered his last few words out and I noticed he was crying tears of his own. The spot beneath me was already damp, I imagine from Amaya’s tears. My now seething rage had subdued and was replaced by empathy for this wolf and the loss he himself had clearly endured. I know now why Amaya was so distraught, this wolf was feeling the pain she knew all too well. Watching him while grieving herself was just too much for her.

“You can rise, Tate. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come after you like that.” I push him up with my snout having him stand on all four.

“It’s alright, you love her. I hope my mate bond shines through like yours.”

I looked at him confused, “we’re not mates, she’s my best friend. I’ll leave you to rest.”

“She looks just like her mom,” Tate said quietly yet loud enough for me to hear.

“Yes, she does.” I grin just picturing May.

I believe this wolf is our friend. We’ll see if it lasts.