Alpha Begged Me to Stay

The following day, after the anniversary dinner that had only served to deepen the rift between them, Andros attempted to explain his actions to Celes. He told her about Reign’s importance as the heir and the responsibilities he bore as Beta.

Reign, he reminded her, was the next in line to lead the pack. As Beta, Andros's responsibilities extended to ensuring the well-being of the Alpha’s family. He insisted that he could never forgive himself if anything happened to Reign. This explanation was meant to calm Celes, but it only served as a stark reminder of the divides in their priorities and the betrayal she felt. It was clear that his devotion to Szarina and her child took precedence over their own troubled marriage.

In an attempt to soothe her further, Andros reminded her that the first Full Moon of the Lunar Month was approaching—a significant event for the entire pack. Preparations were underway, a fact that had slipped Celes’s mind amidst her immersion in her studies.

"You know, Celes, I was thinking… since everyone will be busy celebrating, how about we take some time for ourselves? I remember how much you’ve always loved watching fireworks. How about we find a quiet spot, just the two of us, and enjoy them together?”

"Fireworks?"

"Yes. Let’s make a little escape from the festivities and enjoy the fireworks like old times.”

Celes nodded. "I'll be there."

But as the Full Moon drew near, an emergency arose. Celes was informed that Old Sage had been urgently escorted to a neighboring village to treat a wound sustained by the Alpha's father. Without hesitation, she gathered what supplies she could and hurried to join him. She could not even inform Andros, as he was so busy with the security parameters and she did not have time to find where he was.

Upon arriving at the neighboring pack, Celes found Old Sage deep in the midst of an intricate procedure, assisted by a young man who looked a little annoyed for his job.

And the scene before her was one of seamless coordination and expertise. They moved in perfect harmony, their communication fluid and efficient, often in a language she could not understand. The sight froze her in place, making her feel like an outsider in a world she was just beginning to comprehend.

After the procedure was successfully completed, Old Sage turned to her with an unexpected announcement.

“As you know, this will be my last procedure before my retirement.”

Celes turned at him shock. “Retirement?”

“It is time for a new generation to take over. I have decided that you, Celes will be assisting my son from now on.”

“Your son?"

He was his son? How come I haven't seen him before?

"But… I didn’t know you had one.”

“Larkin has been studying and preparing for this role. It is his time to step up, and you will be his apprentice.”

Larkin tried to hide his astonishment. "This is quite sudden, Father. Is there no room for discussion?”

“My decision is final, Lark. Celes has proven her abilities, and it is the right moment for this transition.”

Larkin's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her, a mix of skepticism and challenge in his gaze.

"I hope you're ready for this. Celestine, isnt it?" he said, his tone carrying an edge of authority. She straightened her back and nodded. "There’s a lot you need to learn, and I won’t go easy on you."

Celes met his gaze with determination. "I'm ready to learn," she replied, her voice steady. "I won’t let you or Sage down."

As they left the neighboring pack, Celes couldn't help but feel a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Working with Larkin would undoubtedly be challenging, but it was also an opportunity to prove herself and grow as a healer. She was determined to make the most of it.

Back at the Crimson Moon Pack, the celebration for the Full Moon celebration were in full swing, though it would soon end. Larkin initiated to walk her home, but she declined, thinking that Andros might see them. Celes decided that she would stay longer to enjoy the last minute show, the highlight of this event, before going home.

"This should have been my last firework with him," she muttered to herself.

Until the final fireworks exploded in the sky. And as she stood beneath the night sky, Celes surrender all the love that was left in her heart along with the fading echoes of the fireworks.