4
In all honesty, we were all aware that there was no remedy for her condition. The harm within her body was irreversible. Nevertheless, we chose to set aside our concerns each day and cherish the precious moments we had together, hoping that one day, the legend of the mystical spring would become a reality and heal all of our troubles.
The idea of the mystical spring made me laugh silently in my mind. In our nursery book, we would read rhymes about this enchanted spring. It was a myth passed down by wolves, who believed that awakening the mystical spring would destroy the darkness and restore the souls and powers by illuminating the world. It would provide the pack with eternal power.
"Pain and tears will bring the fire,
Awaken the soul of the spring,
Killing the liar."
I recited the verse in my mind. My mother couldn't finish her breakfast that day as she began to feel sick. I assisted her in lying down to rest.
"Hey, Pumpkin. Would you like to come over here for a moment?" my father whispered, indicating for me to follow him to the living room.
We took a seat on the sofa. The long-awaited moment had finally come. I was aware of my father's immense love for my mother, a love that defied explanation. As a result, he had carried the burden of responsibility for my mother's condition throughout his entire life.
"Ella, you're aware that it's about time, correct? We can no longer ignore your mother's illness. Even though she may resist upon hearing it, I believe we can't delay any further," my father expressed, appearing anxious.
"Dad?" I called out to him, despite being fully aware of what he implied.
"Ella, you are now an adult. It appears your mate doesn't belong to this pack. If he were here, you would have already discovered him. I think, due to your human part, you will be able to find a good match elsewhere. It's time for you to take your mother and depart," he concluded.
"And what about you, Dad?" I asked, my voice quivering with an unexpected surge of emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. I already knew what his response would be.
"You already know it, Ella. I can not accompany you. I can not abandon my pack. The time has come for me to seek revenge for Isabella's death," a sense of guilt covered my father's face as he mentioned his mate. He looked ashamed to confess that he wanted his sick wife and daughter to leave the pack alone. "However, please believe me when I say that I love you and your mother deeply. Once things are settled here, I promise to return to you. But your mother's treatment can not wait any longer," he stated with desperation in his voice.
Before meeting my mother, my father had experienced the loss of his first mate, Isabella, in a war against the Sapphire pack. There was no doubt regarding my father's love for my mother; he loved her wholeheartedly, even more than his own life.
However, we can never ignore the truth that a wolf's attachment to its true mate never fades away. This was also true for my father. Despite his love and devotion to my mother, he had never fully healed from the death of his first mate.
Even my parents named me after my father's first mate. The reason why my father never left this pack was hidden in the purpose of revenge, of which we were always aware. Sooner or later, our pack was going to start a war with the Sapphires, and it would be the only opportunity for my father to avenge Isabella.
Just as I was about to speak, there were sudden, forceful knocks on the door.
"Steven, please open the door! There's an emergency!" a voice filled with panic shouted from outside.
My father hastily opened the door, where the lead Beta and a few others were engaged in a serious conversation. Judging by their expressions, it was evident that something dreadful had occurred.
''Did the Sapphires already make the move?" I wondered.
A few days ago, we received information that the Sapphires were intending to launch a major attack on us. However, we were not anticipating it to happen so soon.
The Beta conveyed something to my father, who acknowledged it with a nod. Subsequently, he quickly shut the door.
"Ella! Ella!" my father shouted urgently. "Hurry! Pack your belongings, both you and your mother must leave immediately. We are being attacked. The Sapphires have already breached the defense wall. If we don't stop them, they will reach the valley in no time. You must leave before that happens."
As I stood before my father, he firmly held my face and gazed into my eyes, "Ella, you are aware of your father's love for you. You can't lose hope and never give up, no matter what happens. Save your mother! I know you can do this," his eyes welled up, tears streaming down his face without stopping.
My father continued recollecting himself, "I have made all the preparations for you two to leave. Uncle Zaden will help you to safely get out of the pack from the back of the mountains. So don't get panicked. Take your mom with you and meet with Zaden."
My father planted one last kiss on my forehead before gathering his belongings and ready to depart for the war. I couldn't hold back my tears as I watched him. He glanced at his bedroom, where my mother was resting. But he couldn't bring himself to say goodbye. He was afraid he might change his mind and never be able to leave us.