CHAPTER 37 : Retreat

“We should contact the soldier in battle and tell them about Master Clell’s condition.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
“His wounds are deep. I don’t think he will recover his full strength tomorrow.”
“Knowing Master Clell, he will still fight.”
“But we can’t risk his life. We need to protect him.”
“But the duty of the alpha is to protect us—his subordinates. We can’t take that away from him. It’ll hurt him. We can’t decide for him.”
The older members of the rescue team were talking in their tents, they were contemplating if they should tell the soldiers to retreat or continue fighting.
“We can’t be the one deciding this. We need Clell’s words and orders. That would mean we’re not respecting and honoring his position.”
“Master Clell, you need to rest.” One of the guys said, noticing Clell approaching them while holding his bandaged chest.
“Why are you talking about me this early?”
“You need to rest more, Master Clell.”
“I’ve already slept a bit, I’m okay.”
“We were just discussing if we tell the soldiers to retreat.”
“Have you heard from the leaders? How about the casualties?”
“So far, no one called for rescue. We are assuming they are doing fine.”
“That’s a relief.”
“So what’s your decision, Master Clell?”
“I can still fight along with everyone.”
“But you’re not fully recovered yet.”
“My wounds are already healing.”
“Master Clell.”
"Forgive me, Master Clell," the other guy interrupted. "But we only plan to make a statement, not to declare a war. Also, with your condition, the best move is for us to retreat." he finished.
"I guess you are all right. Sorry for losing track of the plan. Tell everyone to retreat."
“Uhhmmm. I’m looking all over for you.” Luna said with a sleepy voice. She butted in to the tent where Clell and the elders were talking.
“Luna, you’re awake.” Clell gave Luna a warm smile full of admiration.
“I thought you go without me.”
“I won’t. I did promise you that we’d go together.”
“So what’s the plan?” Luna asked.
“The plan is for you to rest more.”
“Clell.” Luna objected in a calm voice.
“We decided to retreat and call it a day. I think we already make a statement to the Summer Pack.”
“What? You are not going to go back there and finish everything? You already caught the Summer Pack off guard, let's finish what you guys have started.”
“Miss Luna, I'm sorry, but our plan is only to make a statement. That we are not cowering, we have no intention to declare a war. Not yet.”
“But..but..this is our chance. We won't have any chance like this in the future.” Luna argued.
“Miss Luna, Master Clell needs to rest, too. He's badly injured." hearing these words, Luna bit her lips and didn't argue anymore. She decided to stop and go on with the decision of the majority. She looked at Clell and fell utterly sorry for the pain she had caused him.
"I guess you're right, he needs to rest and recover. I'm sorry for causing any trouble and for interfering with the decision making process."
"You have every to interfere, Miss Luna. You're the mate of the alpha, your words and opinion are highly respected as well. We value you."
Clell also gave her a warm and encouraging smile and Luna finally felt like she belong for the first time. She felt like she's wanted and accepted.
"Thank you." she muttered in a shy and faint voice.
Clell then faced Luna and squeezed her hands to give her strength and encouragement.
"We will be the one to contact the soldiers and tell them that it's time to retreat, you can go back to the tent now Master Clell and rest. That goes to you, too, Miss Luna. We will wake you up when the soldiers finally reach our camp."
"Thank you, Jacob." Clell said while Luna held on to him to serve as a support for him to stand up.
"Are you okay?" Luna asked as she saw Clell make a grimace.
"I am alright, don't worry." Clell said.
Luna then escorted Clell to his tent and tucked him into bed.
"Are you not going to rest here with me?"
Luna gave Clell a warm smile and squeeze his hand, "I'm just going to get some fresh air a bit. You should take a nap now."
"Okay. Don't get to far from the camp. I love you, Luna." Clell said.
"I love you, too, Clell. So much!" she replied.
"You should rest now. So that you can still sleep before the soldiers get back."
"Yes, ma'am." Clell joked and Luna smiled at him.
Luna then got out of the tent.

Clell didn't know how long he slept, but he stirred up from the voice of one of his soldiers.
"Master Clell, sorry to cut your sleep, but the soldiers are already back." he informed.
"Okay. Thank you!" Clell replied, eyes still closed.
When he heard the steps of the soldier going out from his tent, he tried to hoist himself up from the bed. He searched his tent if Luna was there, but she was not.
He then went out to his tent and checked the soldiers if there were any injuries and casualties, and felt relieved when there was not any.
"You all have done well. You all fought well. Thank you!" Clell exclaimed, moving towards the area center of everyone.
"Master Clell, what happened?" Someone asked.
"Just a few scratches here and there." he joked and faced Jacob afterwards to ask him a favor.
"Jacob, I can't seem to find Luna. Can you look for her?" he whispered to Jacob's ears.
"Right away, Master Clell." Jacob whispered back.
"Thank you." Clell said and gave Jacob a tap on his to show his gratitude towards him.
Clell then talked to soldiers who just got back, preparing them for the retreat while also buying time for Jacob to find Luna.
"Where are you, Luna? I thought you want to get some air." Clell thought to himself. He couldn't shake his anxiety away.