Magic Under Darkness

My Omega

 CHAPTER FIVE

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MY OMEGA

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'My freedom to love.'

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Amid their shared silence, a palpable tension hung between them, woven from threads of unspoken words and the biting chill of the unforgiving weather.

Only a scant few minutes had passed before their tranquil cocoon was shattered, torn apart by the keenness of Celeste's senses. Her ears, finely attuned to the symphony of the forest, caught the faint echoes of both human and wolf footfalls, drawing dangerously nearby. Without hesitation, she moved, positioning herself protectively before Alex, her stance a silent declaration of defiance against whatever unseen threat lurking in the shadows beyond.

As Celeste's gaze fell upon the approaching pack warriors, relief washed over her like a soothing balm. Among them strode Alexa, accompanied by two of the pack's healers, their purpose clear as they hurried towards them. Without hesitation, Alexa dashed forward, her heart leading her straight into her brother's waiting arms. With tender care, she enveloped him in a tight embrace, feeling the tremors that racked his body. Swiftly, she draped a thick blanket around his shoulders, seeking to ward off the biting cold that had taken hold of him.

If only the youthful beta, fraught with worry, could perceive the truth hidden beneath her brother's shivering form. It wasn't merely the biting chill of the winter air that caused his violent tremors; rather, it was the relentless grip of fear, tightening its hold on his fragile frame, that sent shivers coursing through his being.

With a tender yet firm embrace, Alexa enveloped her brother in her arms, a gesture of both comfort and determination. With the assistance of one of the pack's healers, she gently lifted him, cradling his weakened form, before carefully placing him upon the waiting stretcher. Their journey back to the safety of the pack house awaited, where his wounds would be tended to with care, and further examinations conducted to unravel the mysteries of his affliction.

As Alex's weary head met the soft embrace of the stretcher's pillow, a heavy veil threatened to pull him into the depths of unconsciousness. Yet, just before succumbing entirely to the allure of slumber, his gaze sought out Celeste, finding her already fixed upon him with a palpable concern reflected in the fiery depths of her scarlet eyes. She remained in her werewolf form, a silent sentinel by his side in this moment of vulnerability.

With one last glance cast upon the harrowing conclusion of that tormenting night, Alex descended into the depths of a haunting, nightmarish slumber.

As the stretcher bearing her brother disappeared from sight, Alexa turned her attention towards Celeste, her expression a mix of gratitude and apology. "Hey," she began, her voice weighted with remorse, "I'm sorry it took us so long to find you. When I sounded the alarm about the rogue attack, it turned out to be a coordinated assault from all directions, nearly overwhelming our pack on this dreadful night. Our warriors were engaged in battle, but our Alpha was absent. I led a small group, including some healers, to search for you both, but we were drawn into combat along the way. Thank you, Celeste, for keeping Alex safe, and-"

While Alexa recounted the tumultuous events, her words flowing with urgency, she pivoted on her heels, scanning their surroundings with a sense of vigilance. Yet, her breath caught in her throat as her gaze fell upon a cluster of lifeless wolf bodies in the distance, a sight that pierced through the haze of chaos. Despite the distance, the grim tableau was unmistakable, etched vividly in her mind.