His Regret, Our Fading Souls

Just as Aidan was about to step into the master bedroom, an urgent mind-link interrupted him.

"Aidan, I'm hurt. I was injured by a rogue wolf during training. Can you come help me?" Seraphina's voice came through, sounding weak and pitiful.

Aidan froze.

"Okay, I'm on my way. Hold on!"

Without a second thought, he turned to leave, but Leo grabbed his pant leg.

"Dad, come see Mom!" Leo whimpered, trying to pull him toward the bedroom.

Aidan shoved him away with his foot, annoyed.

"I have important things to do. Go wake your mother and have her get your formal wear ready for the banquet."

He snatched a coat and rushed out the door.

I waved my arms, screaming like a madwoman.

"Don't go! Just one look! She's lying, but I'm dead!"

But of course, Aidan couldn't hear me.

He was already halfway to his precious Seraphina.

The door slammed shut, rattling the walls and making Leo jump.

He let out a loud howl that echoed through the empty Alpha’s house.

Eventually, he shuffled back to the bedroom, climbed onto the bed, and curled up next to my body.

I wept too, watching him.

Moon Goddess, how I wished I could pick him up and tell him everything would be okay.

But I couldn't.

Leo hadn't been away from me since the day he was born—not once.

He must be so scared.

What can I do? How can I save my pup?

His howls didn't stop, instead catching the attention of a nearby pack patrol member.

A knock sounded—loud and urgent, rattling the door.

"Can't you keep that pup quiet? All that wailing is disturbing the whole pack's peace!"

The patrolman banged on the door, clearly annoyed that his patrol route had been disrupted.

My heart leaped.

I looked at Leo.

Leo, you just have to open the door. That's all it will take to save you.

I knelt beside him, my voice soft and steady.

"You're my little warrior, okay?"

"Go open the door."

"Let the man in. He'll help you. I promise."

I begged him over and over, trying to make my voice sound braver than I felt.

But the knocking was too scary.

He burrowed under the covers, his small hands clamped over his mouth as if he thought that would make the noise go away.

"No, no, baby, don't hide," I said, panicking.

"Leo, you're strong! Don't be afraid. Mom's here, I'm right here with you!"

But of course, he couldn't hear me.

I was just a ghost whispering in the silence.

In frustration, I rushed to the door and passed through the wall.

"Sir, please! Inform the elders! My pup is inside!"

I screamed in the patrolman's face, my words as useless as air.

I even tried to grab his hand, to push it toward the doorknob, but my own hand passed right through. The cruel reality of being a spirit.

Oh, right. I'm dead.

I floated back to the bedroom, but it was quiet outside now.

Leo shuffled to the door, his face illuminated by the magical viewer.

The screen showed the patrolman was still knocking, still muttering.

"Leo, touch the lock! Open the door!" I shouted, my voice raw from the effort.

His hand hovered over the doorknob.

He froze, uncertain.

I held my breath.

Come on, my warrior. Just a touch. You can do it.

The patrolman grumbled louder.

"If you don't quiet that pup—honestly! This is insane!" he finally snapped, then turned to leave.

Leo tilted his head, as if weighing his options.

"Leo, please! The man is leaving! You have to move—now!" I pleaded, my voice trembling.