𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑾𝒂𝒓 | ✓

𝑭 𝑰 𝑭 𝑻 𝑬 𝑬 𝑵

The light of day slowly turned to the darkness of night as the group made their way back to Nyght territory. They didn't stop for the night, deeming it too risky to their lives and the Clach-fala. Instead, they traveled through the night and made their way through Nyght territory, setting foot in the Nyght village early in the morning.

Howls and yips of excitement spread through the village as the alpha's return was broadcast by the guards. Scents were being taken in, and amongst the excitement, there was wonder over the Blackfang pair and sadness over the scent of death. Soon soft wailing howls were raised as the mood of the pack slowly bled from happiness to solemnity.

At Tobias's wishes, Connor drove wagon and stopped it in front of the high rock. He laid the reigns down, becoming slightly nervous at having the attention of so many wolves. He hadn't been a part of a pack this large since he was a small boy, and he would definitely have to get used to it.

"Gabriel, Connor, Esme, follow me," Tobias commanded softly, walking to the side of the high rock and climbing up. He glanced over his shoulder to see the others following and he took Esmeray's hand, guiding her to her place beside him. He scanned the pack as they silently gathered before the high rock and the wagon. His eyes gleamed red and he lifted his chin. "I have returned and bring great news both good, and bad."

The pack stared up at Tobias and his companions with mixed emotions, half of them howling and cheering in excitement while the remainder remained partially solemn.

"Good news is, I have my Luna," Tobias announced, jerking his head to the side at Esmeray. "Please welcome my mate, Esmeray Blackfang."

Cheers erupted from all those standing around, along with clapping and some whistles here and there.

"Her former pack has been demolished by the Bloodborne. She and her brother are the only remaining Blackfang. That makes us the protectors of this-" Tobias paused and swept his hand toward Esmeray.

Esmeray quickly pulled out the pouch, sliding the blood red moonstone from it and holding the stone high as a collective gasp gripped the pack. The smooth round surface of the stone between her fingers glowed brightly in the semidarkness of the early morning.

"The Clach-fala," Tobias stated, his gaze flitting along his pack. He lifted his chin some while giving a secret nod to Esmeray, who put away the glowing stone. "It is a big responsibility, but one I'm willing to take. We are strong, and our numbers are constantly growing. I know we will be able to withstand against the evil of the Bloodborne. Now, the bad news. During an attack of the Bloodborne while we were with the Blackfang, Nadia was killed. We have carried her home for a proper burial. Do what you can to help Gabriel with Myra. He can't raise that precious angel alone."

Eerie soft howls full of grief carried on the gentle breeze when Tobias stopped talking as the pack expressed their grief for the loss of their doctor.

Tobias gave them a moment for the death of Nadia to sink in. He took a deep breath and a quick glance at Esmeray. Those few seconds of seeing his Luna gave him the calmness and strength to continue. "Speaking of Gabriel, our beta has decided to resign his position to care for Myra. I am pleased to present to you my new beta, Connor Blackfang."

Connor's lips parted in surprise as he stepped up at Tobias's signal. His gaze bounced around the fifty or more wolves that made up the Nyght pack. Momentarily his attention focused on Tobias's parents and siblings. He was glad to see them fairing well after all those years. He gave a half bow before straightening, not sure what else he should do.

"Prepare Nadia's body for burial and once the Clach-fala has been properly and safely put away, we will bury her," Tobias gave the command before turning, signalling the others to follow him. He glanced between all three of them. "Gabriel, go and see to Nadia's body. Do what you want before we bury her. Connor, just mingle 'cause I'm not sure what else you can do. Esmeray and I will hide the Clach-fala and make sure it's secure."

Gabriel nodded and Connor glanced to Esmeray. After a moment the two slipped into the crowd with Gabriel heading straight to the body of his mate and Connor being greeted with members of the pack.

Tobias and Esmeray shared a look before they passed by pack members on their way to a cabin Esmeray assumed was theirs. She followed Tobias through the living room and up the stairs to a spacious bedroom. She raised her eyebrow when Tobias winked. "What?"

A mischievous smirk curved his lips and his brows slightly raised. "What better way to hide the Clach-fala than in plain sight?"