Chapter 109: Chapter 109
Heartman carried her fragile body in his strong arms, his heart filled with a mix of relief and worry.
Moving back out of the dungeon if the dilapidated old building, they found two other captives in another cell.
It was Nathalie who called their attention to them.
"Heartman, those two kids, please take them with us; the adopters killed their parents while they were having a family run in the forest," Nathalie narrated the situation.
The kids looked afraid and moved back into the cell, but Nathalie came down and approached their cell.
"It's fine and safe to come with us. I'm Luna Nathalie, and this is my husband, Alpha Heartman, and his warriors. We're from the Crystal Moon pack and the former rulers, but our son is in charge now. I promise we won't harm you, but you're not safe down here alone, neither do the both of you have anywhere to go," Nathalie gave them reasons to come along with them.
Their eyes lit up in joy, and they agreed to go with them.
Heartman surveyed the scene with a mix of anger and sadness. These kids were innocent victims. Determined to set them free, he stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.
"Release them," Heartman demanded, his voice resolute and unwavering.
The four guards glanced at each other, their expressions betraying a flicker of uncertainty. But carefully moved towards the two kids unlocked the cell, and the kids came out but not looking as tattered as their former Luna, and it shows that they were new captives.
Walking back to the former Luna and Alpha, the warriors formed a barrier.
Every other warrior who had accompanied Heartman into the dungeons followed suit, forming a protective ring around their leader and the kids.
They had finally come out of the dark, damp dungeon that had held her captive for far too long. The suffocating stench of despair that had clung to the air was replaced by a faint whiff of freedom as they emerged into the already blooming rays of the sun.
As they emerged from the passage, their Luna held securely in their arms, a collective cheer rose from the warriors who were back at the lobby.
Every other warrior gathered together, and they moved together in unison outside; the other warriors rejoiced over their victory, giving resounding howls immediately the Alpha stepped out carrying the Luna in his arms.
Two warriors changed into their wolf forms, and the Alpha placed the Luna on one of the warriors' back, placing her steadily there and took the two kids to the other warriors' back.
The kids smiled, but the younger one started crying for her mom, and the bigger sibling held her close, cooing her till she fell asleep on their way back to the pack house.
The Luna couldn't help but smile when she saw the scene before her.
As they moved, the warriors sang all the way through, singing chants of victory.
But they saw a figure laying on the floor close to another, so everyone had an instant halt.
Heartman and the pack warriors' leader went to check up on the person laying down on the floor.
The figure looked so much like Mia.
A knot formed in Heartman's throat as he approached Mia, lying beside her motionless mother. Her pale face, usually vibrant with life, now appeared hauntingly still. His heart ached at the thought of losing another member of his family even if they're in-laws.
Nathalie called Heartman's attention and started walking towards them; immediately she recognized Mia, approached her with tears glistening in her eyes. She knelt beside the young girl, her arms enveloping Mia's fragile form.
"It's ok child, you'll be fine," she gave Mia words of assurance.
Heartman, his voice filled with sorrow, called out to a nearby warrior, his deep tone cutting through the heavy silence. "Take her mother's body," he said, his voice trembling slightly, "and bring her back with us. She deserves a proper farewell."
The warrior, a burly figure with a hardened expression, nodded in understanding. He approached Mia's lifeless mother and gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her with reverence. It was a somber task, one that weighed heavily on his broad shoulders, but he understood the importance of honoring their fallen family member, Mia's family is now the pack's family through Marriage.
Together, the group made their way back to the pack house, their footsteps hushed as they carried their precious cargo. The moon cast a gentle glow upon them, as if offering a glimmer of solace in their darkest hour. The Luna held Mia close, whispering words of comfort and love, her own grief mingling with the profound loss that surrounded them.
As they reached the pack house, the doors swung open, revealing a crowd of familiar faces. The pack members had gathered, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. The sight of a lifeless form struck them all to the core; they knew one of their family is down, each heart breaking in unison.
Together, they created a solemn procession