Wolves of the Falling Stars Book 4: The Return

Chapter 40

Strong Boulder figured he was the only wolf excited for battle. He had been preparing for this day for a long time, since those early days as a pup when his mother had told him that he would grow up to be a strong, brave wolf worthy of leading the pack. If all went well, Strong Boulder would gather the attention of the entire pack. He'd be celebrated. Maybe...maybe his father would finally pay him some attention.

"Don't do anything stupid," Tall Willow had told him as they both headed out into battle. They had separated soon after, figuring they didn't need to be clinging together during the battle. 

Admittedly, the battle was tougher than Strong Boulder had expected. Already he had a tear in one ear, he was limping on one foot, and he had a wound in his shoulder that had been aching. But Strong Boulder wasn't ready to back down. He had managed to chase off a few rogues, even if he wished instead that he had managed to kill them, but it was no matter. There were plenty more to fight.

"Strong Boulder!" came a shout.

Strong Boulder turned, noticing Stormy Sky running toward him. He looked in much better shape than Strong Boulder. Strong Boulder figured this was because his half-brother wasn't fighting to his fullest potential. Again, Strong Boulder's eyes narrowed on the lightning strike on the wolf's chest. Did Stormy Sky really deserve such a mark?

"You don't look so good. Maybe you should go get some healing before you rejoin the fight," Stormy Sky suggested.

"Don't talk down to me! I'm sure I've fought off more wolves than you," he sneered. 

A rogue suddenly lunged toward Strong Boulder, but Stormy Sky managed to steer the rogue off his track with a quick clawstrike to the snout. The wolf whimpered and ran off, leaving the two alone again.

"Leave me alone, will you?! I can fight on my own!" Strong Boulder shouted.

"Suit yourself," Stormy Sky said, heading back into the crowd. 

Strong Boulder sulked to himself, looking around for more rogues to fight, but the truth was that every part of his body ached, and he was becoming more and more tired as the battle dragged on. He couldn't stop though, not when he hadn't made a name for himself as a hero. 

In the distance, Strong Boulder watched as two wolves lunged at the alphas. They both fell to the ground without much of a fight, probably exhausted already from the long battle. Strong Boulder looked away as blood sprayed into the air. He knew that couldn't be good, but he had to keep his nose held high. After all, if the alphas died, then his grandmother would become alpha, and then...and then soon he would be in the line-up.

Near the alphas, Strong Boulder spotted where Stormy Sky had run off to. He was fighting with another rogue, though the rogue towered over him and looked like he was clearly going to win. Strong Boulder smirked to himself, then watched in shock as Feather Wings body chucked the other rogue out of the way to protect his son. Strong Boulder's fur stood on edge as he watched Stormy Sky smile at his father, and the two began to fight together.

Strong Boulder let out a growl, then suddenly let out a gasp as sharp teeth sunk into his neck. He had let himself get distracted after all. A large, black rogue towered over him and shook his body with his teeth before slamming Strong Boulder onto the ground below. He was sure he broke some bones as his body hit the earth, but that was less painful than the holes in his throat making it difficult for him to breathe.

I failed. I didn't get to be a hero after all. I got distracted. And now I'm going to die because of it, he thought. Already blood was pouring from his throat, making his fur and paws sticky with his own blood. He envied the rogue for not finishing for the job and for letting him die painfully instead.

Strong Boulder was not dumb. He knew there was no hope for his injuries, yet suddenly, he didn't want to die alone. He looked in desperation for his mother and sister, tried to call out, but it was no use. Tears sprang into his eyes. He really was going to die here.

Suddenly, a familiar gray wolf with a lightning strike on his foot rushed to Strong Boulder.

"Strong Boulder!"

It was Feather Wings. He was peering over his son with concern shining in his eyes. Strong Boulder figured he had to be dreaming, but then he felt a few of his father's tears land on his cheek.

Immediately, Strong Boulder began to cry. It made the pain unbearable, and yet, he couldn't help himself.

"Why are you here?" he managed to get out. "I know you don't love me. Just let me die."

"That's not true!" Feather Wings exclaimed. "I know I haven't been the best father. I apologize for that, but I love you so much, Strong Boulder, you and your sister both. It's true that I never loved your mother, but you're my pup. I can't not love you."

"Is that true?" Strong Boulder asked quietly. He could feel the strength beginning to leave his body. He knew for certain that he didn't have much time left.

"Of course it's true. I rushed over here as soon as I saw you fall. I'm so sorry, Strong Boulder. It shouldn't have come to this," Feather Wings said. "But I'll stay by your side. It's okay. I'm here now. I love you so much."

Hearing those words suddenly put Strong Boulder at ease. He glanced up, watching as his father licked his forehead and licked away some blood from his wounds. It was what Strong Boulder had wanted all along. He just wished he didn't have to be dying to receive such attention.

"I love you, Dad," he said quietly.

"It's okay. It's okay," Feather Wings repeated to him again and again.

Slowly, Strong Boulder let go, and the world went black.