Wolves of the Falling Stars Book 4: The Return

Chapter 39

Quiet Ocean didn't know what true chaos looked like until she was thrust into battle. She stood near her Snow Fall and Daffodil Bloom as a sea of rogues descended upon the pack.

"Let's try to stay together," she told them.

"We should look for Mom and Dad," Daffodil Bloom added. She knew, of course, that Daffodil Bloom was referring to Small Fox and Golden Sun, but Quiet Ocean nodded regardless. Though they had all received some extra training, she was sure none of them felt entirely confident in their abilities. Sticking together and finding some older wolves to fight alongside would best ensure their survival.

Thankfully, their smaller size allowed them to slip easily through the crowds of fighting wolves and get away quicker from the rogues that tried to grab ahold of them. It also exposed Quiet Ocean to some of the horrors of battle, however.

Already, she had come across the corpse of White Crane and Bright Sunshine, and in the distance, she watched Night Sky fall to the ground as a rogue sank his fangs into her neck. Quiet Ocean shuddered, trying not to let the fear overtake her.

"Look! I think I can see them!" Daffodil Bloom said. She began to slip past some more wolves.

"Daffodil Bloom, wait! Not so fast!" Quiet Ocean called. Before she and her brother could run after Daffodil Bloom, a rogue blocked their path.

"This looks like some easy meat," a tall gray she-wolf said with a sneer. "You're no more than a bunch of pups."

"We-we're in training!" Snow Fall argued.

"It's all the same," the she-wolf said. She lunged at the two. Quiet Ocean narrowly avoided her gnashing teeth and pushed Snow Fall in the opposite direction. Together, the two began to run, quickly weaving through battling wolves that the she-wolf could not navigate as well given her size.

Finally, the two found a spot to rest and catch their breath behind a tree that was out of sight from the battle.

"We have to go find Daffodil Bloom and make sure she's okay," Quiet Ocean said. 

"You mean going through that crowd again? We'll be eaten!" Snow Fall exclaimed.

"Well, we can't just leave her! We don't know if she found our par--I mean Small Fox and Golden Sun," Quiet Ocean explained.

"But--"

Their conversation was suddenly interrupted by strong yells coming from the omega den. In the distance, Quiet Ocean could hear the shouts of Dandelion Puff, though it was hard to make out exactly what she was saying. Without thinking, she began running in the direction of the omega den.

"Quiet Ocean!" Snow Fall yelled, beginning to take off after her.

As Quiet Ocean approached the omega den, she quickly realized that it had been invaded by rogues. A few stunned rogues lay near the entrance of the den, which gave Quiet Ocean some hope, but the smell of blood was strong and made her want to gag.

"GET OUT!" came the strong shout of Gentle Breeze as she defended the entrance. Dandelion Puff was beside her, pushing rogues away with all her might.

Quiet Ocean quickly ran into the mix, beginning to bite at the ankles of the wolves attacking.

"Quiet Ocean? Get out of here!" Dandelion Puff shouted. "We can handle this."

"No!" she exclaimed.

Snow Fall had finally caught up to his sister and looked about ready to chastise her until a rogue suddenly pinned him with her paw. Snow Fall let out a shriek, but before Quiet Ocean could run to him, Gentle Breeze had already sunk her teeth into the rogue's shoulder, forcing him to let go of Snow Fall.

"T-Thank you," Snow Fall stammered, clearly shaken up from the incident.

Dandelion Puff and Gentle Breeze had both teamed up on one last rogue that was still attempting to invade the area. Quiet Ocean watched in awe as the two worked simultaneously to fight off the rogue. It made Quiet Ocean even more angered that the omega system was still in place. Sure, the two weren't as skilled as some of the other wolves fighting, but they were very much capable of defending the den.

Finally, the rogue let out a yelp and limped off, dripping blood as he went. Quiet Ocean watched the two breathe in relief.

"Are you both okay?" Dandelion Puff asked.

Snow Fall nodded slowly.

"Where's Lily Petal?" Quiet Ocean asked suddenly.

"Quiet Ocean," Dandelion Puff began.

Quiet Ocean froze and suddenly rushed into the omega den. Laying dead in a pool of blood was her mother, Lily Petal. Her beautiful white fur had been soaked red, and yet, when Quiet Ocean looked to her face, she found that it was rather peaceful.

"Oh no," Snow Fall murmured as he walked inside to see the scene.

Quiet Ocean wasn't sure what to feel. She felt bad that she hadn't burst into tears on sight. She had no reason to. Lily Petal had never expressed any affection toward her and her brother. Yet, Quiet Ocean still felt saddened by the loss.

"It's for the best," Quiet Ocean heard Dandelion Puff say. 

"Was it quick?" Quiet Ocean asked.

"Yes. She didn't put up a fight. Gentle Breeze and I tried to fight the rogue off who did it, but we were too late," Dandelion Puff explained.

"Did she mention us at all?" Quiet Ocean asked quietly.

"She didn't have any last words," Dandelion Puff admitted. "But I think she looks peaceful now. She's reunited with your father, Jay's Tail, and our sister, Morning Dew."

Quiet Ocean could do nothing but hum in agreement.

"I'm sorry. I'm sure you wished she said something more," Dandelion Puff murmured.

"No. That's okay," Quiet Ocean said. Besides, it only made things more clear. Though Quiet Ocean was still frustrated at her for lying, she knew now that it was foolish of her to keep Small Fox away. Small Fox had been her mother when Lily Petal couldn't, and she still treated Quiet Ocean and her brother with that same motherly love.

"Are you okay, Quiet Ocean?" Snow Fall asked.

"Yes. I'm okay. Are you?"

He nodded, though Quiet Ocean could see a few nicks on him. She was thankful there were only small spots of blood on white pelt compared to their mother's soaked fur.

"It's getting bad," Gentle Breeze said, ducking her head into the den. "Just got word that one of the betas, Brown Owl, died in battle. We should head in and join them."

"We'll bury Lily Petal later," Dandelion Puff told the two. "Meanwhile, you two stick with us. This could get messy."