Connor and the others’ return to the Nimbria Pack Palace was met with relief. Faces that had been tense immediately relaxed, reflecting an unspoken gratitude. The days of anxious waiting were over. They greeted Connor’s return with bright, eager eyes.
But beneath the relief, no one could ignore the harsh reality reflected in the faces of Connor and the others. The wounds they carried home were not only physical, but the weight of defeat added to the atmosphere. Along with the warm welcome, there were whispers of concern and glances that conveyed sadness.
In fact, the Nimbria Pack had been in mourning for two days. The news of Bethany’s death had reached them. They were in shock. All they could do was pray for the safety of Connor and the others.
The ordeal for the Nimbria Pack ended when Connor and the others returned. Their grief was momentarily eased by a slight sense of relief. At least their suffering had not increased. The death of the Luna was not followed by the death of the Alpha, and for that they were eternally grateful.
Unfortunately, the gratitude of the Nimbria pack did not last long. They could see the unpleasant atmosphere surrounding Connor’s return.
The welcome from the Nimbria Pack was not enough to comfort Connor. The frustration burning inside him could not be hidden. His face looked terrifying, filled with an expression of rage.
For Connor, the failure to destroy the Frostholm Pack was a tremendous shame, an utterly humiliating defeat. His pride was shattered. He felt he no longer had the face to face the world.
The same feelings were shared by Marcus and the rest of the warriors. Their heads were bowed in shame. Their steps seemed forever shadowed by their defeat and Bethany’s death. They cursed themselves, inwardly blaming themselves for failing in their duties and causing the Nimbria Pack to suffer immense, irreplaceable losses.
Upon arriving at the palace, Connor and the others received immediate medical attention. Several doctors, aided by the Omegas, immediately set to work. They worked together to treat the wounded.
A palace doctor examined Connor’s condition with great care. He treated each of Connor’s wounds efficiently and without much discussion. He said not a word, knowing Connor’s character well and fearing that talking might provoke Connor’s often uncontrollable emotions.
Connor sat tense. Pain shot through his entire body. His wounds were severe, but it was not the physical injuries that haunted his mind; rather, it was the unexpected defeat he had suffered. The failure of his grand plan to conquer the Frostholm Pack was a harsh blow to him, far more painful than any wounds or bruises he currently suffered.
One thing that did comfort Connor and the Nimbria Pack was the news of Ivan’s death. At least they were sure that Ivan’s death would bring some peace to Bethany.
“So,” Connor whispered as he rose from his seat. He decided to stretch his body a bit after a full day’s rest in bed. “Ivan’s really dead?”
Marcus nodded in his usual alert manner. He looked fitter, his condition had improved. “Yes, Alpha. According to our spy, Ivan is indeed dead. He has been buried.”
For the first time since his return to the palace, Connor finally smiled. His expression seemed pleased. “Good. That’s what he deserved, death.” He walked slowly to the window. “Bethany must be very happy up there. I was able to avenge her against Ivan. Now she can rest in peace after all.”
Connor’s eyes lifted and he stared at the night sky. A satisfied smile still remained on his face. He was indeed happy about Ivan’s death, but it was not enough to quell the anger that had grown with every drop of blood that flowed through his veins.
Connor would not change his original goal. He had lost, but his desire to dominate the Frostholm Pack continued to burn and serve as his driving force.
Surrender was not in Connor’s lexicon. Every desire, no matter how great, would be fulfilled, sooner or later. Especially with Ivan’s death, Connor was certain that the Frostholm Pack had experienced some instability. The Frostholm Pack had lost a formidable warrior leader, feared by their enemies.
But Marcus, anticipating Connor’s intentions, felt compelled to speak up this time. He felt he couldn’t hold back any longer because of Connor’s stubbornness. As a Beta, he had to be brave enough to challenge Connor’s decisions when they were unwise and could jeopardize the survival of the pack.
“I’m sorry, Alpha, but attacking the Frostholm pack again in the near future is a very risky move.”
Connor furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes. He stared sharply at Marcus. “What do you think, Marcus?” he asked, his tone raised. His expression showed arrogance. “Are you saying that we, the Nimbria Pack, are so weak that we cannot defeat the Frostholm Pack?”
Marcus was not surprised. He had expected Connor to be angry.
“Besides, have you forgotten?” Connor continued without waiting for Marcus to answer. He raised a hand and pointed far away. “Ivan is dead, and that means the Frostholm Pack has lost one of its best pillars.”
Marcus nodded. “You’re right, Alpha. The Frostholm Pack has lost one of its best pillars, but we’ve had similar losses.”
Connor was momentarily silenced by Marcus’ answer. Reluctantly, his rational mind agreed with Marcus’ words.
“We also lost Ronan, Alpha, and we can’t underestimate Ferdie, who has now risen to the position of warrior leader of the Frostholm Pack,” Marcus continued thoughtfully. “Ferdie is just as formidable, and he’s the one who saved Usher from death.”
Connor was at a loss for words. Marcus’ arguments were perfectly reasonable. But it was humiliating for him to admit it.
Marcus completely understood Connor’s inner turmoil. Therefore, he continued. “In my opinion, Alpha, it’s better for us to focus on improving the situation within the pack. Many warriors are injured; they need time and resources to fully recover. We also need to rebuild the strength of the pack and develop a more comprehensive strategy. Furthermore, attacking in our current state would be a reckless move and extremely risky. We cannot afford to lose any more warriors.
Connor’s fingers clenched tightly. His mouth was tightly closed for a moment. The words spoken by Marcus had shaken his consciousness and logic.
On the one hand, Connor was unwilling to accept that Marcus was challenging his desires. On the other hand, he had to acknowledge the wisdom in Marcus’ reasoning.
Connor took a deep breath. His face hardened as he asked, “So tell me you not only have reasons to oppose me, but you have a better plan.”
Marcus nodded without hesitation. Instead, he looked at Connor with unwavering confidence. “Of course, Alpha. I have already devised a counterplan to destroy the Frostholm Pack.”
*