Chapter Fifty-four: The last one

I stood there staring at Elijah who had returned to sleep.

“I’m sorry Luna. His heart was racing and after all his body had went through he was doing more damage to himself. He could have caused himself a heart attack if he continued.”

I sadly nod my head, understanding what she had done. I have never seen Elijah like that, so panicked. He was always so composed when it came to danger and fighting, always running towards it, such a ranger as he was. I always used to jest about him and the sight of blood but I know he’s put his fear aside for the sake of his homeland.

I look to Lukas who had a sorry expression on. “We should go have food Ali… we’ll need to call a meeting with the ranked wolves and the Elders. If Elijah is right, we need to take action as soon as.”

I sigh loudly, not liking the situation. I look back at Elijah, still unable to get over how bad he looked. I don’t want to leave him here, but he’s seen me now so I hope he doesn’t panic again when he next wakes up.

I look to Doctor Lowe and know she’ll take care of him. I take Lukas’ hand and lead him out of the room and start to head down towards the stairs and we continue on to leave out the way we came in.

We walk in silence for a few moments before Lukas breaks the ice. “He’ll be fine Ali. We’ll need to concentrate on what he just said. I’ve already called for a council meeting which we’ll hold after having something to eat. All ranked members will be there, including you and the ranked females.”

I nod my head in understanding but I can’t help feeling down about Elijah and what he just said. The beautiful place I called home before here…gone. The Elders who gave me sound advice, the lovely elven people I had met, dined with, learned and trained with. Poor Orla, she and I had become close as well. I need to find out what happened as soon as I know Elijah is able to hold a conversation without causing more damage to himself.

We walk at a slow pace to the pack-house. I can already smell food and my stomach rumbles. I see Lukas smirking slightly in the corner of my eye and I roll my eyes in response.

We head into the pack-house, and go straight towards the dining room where I can already hear voices having a conversation. We get into the room and I can see the ranked members and Lukas’ family already round the table, evidently waiting for us.

Lukas and I head towards the nested seats in the middle. I sit next to Loretta and Lukas sits on the other side of me next to Melinda. A slight change to the usual arrangement but I’ve learned that it’s normal and there’s no actual set placement, which I prefer.

I decide not to dwell on Elijahs condition and instead focus on the discussions going round the table. I hear Lukas join the conversation about training being ramped up with Markus, Blaine and Albion, as to which Estelle gives me a kill me now look.

I hear Mandy and Melinda talking about a new fabric in the Dome being produced which made me smile.

I turn and see Loretta giving me a strange look though. “Are you ok?” I ask, which seems to bring her out of her thoughts.

“Ye….yeah, sorry. Are you using a new spray?” She asks, composing herself.

“Er, no.” Awkwardly I don’t think I’ve used any spray whilst being here. “Do I smell that bad?”

She chuckles slightly but I can tell there’s something going on. “No, no. I just smell something on you I’ve not smelled in a long time.”

I raise my eyebrows at her but before I can push, Lukas stands up next to me and clear his throat to address the room.

“Family. Everyone is here for dinner, however not by chance. I asked everyone here as we’ve received an outsider who is being treated at the pack hospital.” He says and looks down at me for a few moments before lifting his face back up to continue. “An elf entered our borders, and -….“

“Why is he in our hospital?” Markus says, semi-aggressively.

I keep my eyes on Lukas who sighs before looking to his Dad. “Because Aliana knew this elf and had spent a great deal of time with him and his people before finding us here.”

I look to Markus whose face has gone slightly red from embarrassment. “Sorry Aliana, I didn’t know.”

I give him a small smile. “It’s ok Markus. Please Lukas, carry on.”

“Yes, so this elf….Elijah, is now under our care. He woke up not too long after we found him, in the hospital. Luckily Ali and I were there. He instantly recognised her and his exact words were, if I’m not mistaken, he’s coming Aliana, he’s coming for us all.”

A few present started murmuring, but Lukas cleared his throat bringing their attention back to him. “I’ve arranged a meeting to be held after we’ve finished eating. The Elders will make their way round soon, and all ranked members will attend.” Each bowed their heads towards us, accepting the command.

The atmosphere in the room became a bit more bearing, and Jorge and the Omegas have started bringing out the meal. The others around the table break out into conversation based on what happened today, but I can’t help but take a moment to myself to just stare into space my mind wandering with what Elijah had said. “They burned it Aliana….Druida, the Elders….everyone. Burned.”

I feel Lukas’ hand cover mine gently, taking me away from my thoughts. “Love, you’re going to fall into a hole if you linger on what he said.” He starts, as if he’s read my mind. “Doctor Lowe will let us know as soon as he’s awake, and ready to talk. Till then, we’ll triple the patrols and anything that happens will go through me first.” I ponder on that last bit, sensing that I will not be in the know about all that happens, but I drop it for now and start enjoying the food before it gets cold.

Once everyone had finished, Lukas stands, taking my arm and pulls me up with him. “Thanks for joining us. My Luna, Beta, Gamma and their female counterparts will come with us to meet with the Elders to discuss our plan of action based on tonight’s events.”

Markus stands to say something, and I feel Lukas tighten his grip on my arm slightly.

“I think its best I come as well son. I believe I can give some insight into the issue…”

Lukas cuts his Father off curtly. “I appreciate and respect your experience Dad, but I need to be able to handle this without your intervention, for now. If I need a word, I will reach out.”

Markus nods his head, looking slightly disappointed. However I think that’s because he’s not getting all of the information from the source.

We bid our goodnights to everyone at the table and then Lukas, myself and the other ranked members make our way to the meeting room on the other side of the floor, where we find the Elders already seated and waiting, each with a different expression.

Elder Wright looks a bit unsettled, looking at Lukas as if they are having a silent conversation. Elder Irish looks to be lost in deep thought, possibly trying to decipher the outcome of this chat. I look to Elder Wyatt, who is looking back at me. He doesn’t show his feelings as much as his counterparts, but I can see a slight hint of fear in his eyes. He’s usually very reserved so to even notice a hint of anything from him is worrisome. I glance round to Lukas who doesn’t seem to notice at all.

Elder Wright makes a movement which indicates he wants to start the discussion. “Alpha, Luna.” He starts, nodding our way as sign of respect. “We’re here to hear the events of what happened today at the border. We’ve come across some disturbing information about an elf that has crossed onto our land claiming that his community has been destroyed. Is this true?”

Lukas looks to me, and I can tell he wants me to lead this. So I look Elder Wright in the eyes. “Yes, that’s partial, but yes that’s right. The elf who crossed the border is named Elijah. I spent several months at his elven community, the one named Druida, that we’ve discussed before. His words were….he said….” I stop, faltering slightly, as I can’t fathom what happened to the place I called home for a while. I stop, take a deep breath and continue, giving thanks to everyone who allowed me a minute to take a breath. “He mentioned before he was put to sleep by Doctor Lowe that the community was burned down…along with everyone and everything.”

I look around at the Elders who are trying to hold their expressions but I can feel their uneasiness. The ranked members were there and nod in agreement as to what was said.

No one says anything for what seems like several minutes, before Elder Wyatt looks to me before speaking. “I believe we maybe the next target Alpha, Luna.”

Lukas looks to the Elder expectantly. He doesn’t say anything and instead keeps his eyes on me. After a few moments, he breaks the silence, with a hint of irritation in his voice. “Care to explain Elder?”

“It’s coming for her.”