The Cave
+25 BONUS
The Cave
Scarlett’s POV:
I watched as Beta Jack and Dr. Kane approached Lucian with concerned expressions. Bobby lay unconscious on the medical bed, his tiny chest barely moving. The billion–dollar herb sat ready in Dr. Kane’s hand, its ancient magic pulsing with potential
“Alpha,” Beta Jack spoke carefully, glancing between clan and Bobby. “I know this puppy is important to you, but we need to discuss this rationally. The cost of this herb-”
“Choose your next words very carefully,” Lucian’s volee was deadly quiet. “Remember who you’re speaking to.”
“With all due respect,” Beta Jack persisted, “the pack treasury cannot sustain-
“It’s my personal fortune,” Lucian cut him off. “Not the pack’s money. I’d spend every cent I have to save him.”
Dr. Kane stepped forward, his expression gentle but concerned. “Alpha, even with the herb, there’s no guarantee. Perhaps it would be kinder to let him go peacefully-”
“Kinder?” Lucian’s laugh was hollow. “Like how I was kind‘ to Scarlett? How I let her die alone while I warmed Lily’s bed?”
Through our bond, I felt his self–hatred spike. The room temperature dropped several degrees as his Alpha power leaked out.
“This dog,” he continued, voice shaking, “is the last thing she loved. The last piece of her heart that still beats. And you want me to let him die too?”
“But Alpha-“Beta Jack tried one last time.
Lucian’s power exploded outward, forcing both men to their knees. Empty vials shattered, and medical equipment rattled against the walls.
are you
“Either help me save him,” Lucian growled, his eyes blazing red, “or get out. Those only options.”
Jack dared not speak again, and stepped back in silence, Dr. Kane nodded quickly, uncorking the herb. We’ll need to monitor him constantly. The next 72 hours are critical.”
For three days and nights, Lucian never left Bobby’s side. He sat in the hard plastic chair, one hand always touching Bobby’s fur, as if afraid the little dog would slip away if he let go.
“Do you remember when she first met you?” He whispered to Bobby’s unconscious form.” She was the one who saved you that time, and when you wagged your tail at her, did her eyes light up? Now that I think about it, it seems like that was the last time I saw her really smile for months.”
Through our bond, I felt each memory cut him like a knife.
“I was so stupid,” he continued, wiping tears from his eyes. “So blind. She was dying right in front of me, and I couldn’t see it. Didn’t want to see it.”
1/3
The Cave
+25 BONUS
Hour after hour, he talked to Bobby, confessing every sin, every regret. He refused food when Mary brought it, Ignored the counell members who came with urgent pack business.
“Alpha,” Mary pleaded on the second night, “you need to rest. Let me watch him-”
“No!” Lucian’s voice cracked, “I failed to protect her. won’t fall him too.”
Finally, on the morning of the fourth day, Bobby’s eyes fluttered open. The herb had worked its ancient. magic, knitting together his broken bones and healinghis damaged heart.
But when he saw Lucian, Bobby tried to shrink away, low whimper escaping his throat.He subconsciously tried to move away from Lucian.:
“Please,” Lucian’s voice broke. “I know I don’t deserve your trust. I know I failed you both.”
He reached out slowly, letting Bobby catch his scent. let that witch hurt you. Just like I let her hurt Scarlett. I don’t deserve forgiveness, but please… please help me find her.”
Bobby watched him warily, his intelligent eyes seeming to look straight through Lucian’s soul.
“I keep getting her letters,” Lucian whispered, tears falling freely now. “She must be alive somewhere. She has to be. I can’t- I can’t face a world where she’s really gone.”
Through our bond, I felt his raw desperation. Each tear was genuine, each word dripping with the regret that was slowly driving him mad,
Slowly, Bobby’s tail gave a tentative wag. He stretched forward, gently licking the tears from Lucian’s face.
“You know where she is?” Hope blazed through our bond. “Please, I need to find her. I need to tell her how sorry I am. How much I love her. That Lily meant nothing- that she was just revenge, just me trying to hurt myself because I knew I didn’t deserve Scarlett’s love.”
Bobby hesitated, looking between Lucian and the door. His newly healed paw tested the floor cautiously.
“I’ll give anything,” Lucian begged. “My life, my position, my soul- anything just to see her one more time.”
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Finally, Bobby took a few steps toward the door, then looked back expectantly.
“You’ll take me to her?” Lucian’s voice shook with desperate hope. “You know where my Lottie is?”
Bobby gave a soft bark of confirmation, and Lucian scrambled to follow him.
They walked past the pack borders, into territory that held our deepest memories. With each step, I felt. Lucian’s recognition growing.
“This path…” he whispered, touching the ancient trees. “I know this place…”
Of course he did. Every tree, every rock held a memory of us. This is where he and I were imprisoned together back then, where we spent so much time together, and where our love began.
“The cave,” he breathed as understanding finally dawned. “You’re taking me to our cave.
His pace quickened, and memories swept over him like a tidal wave. This was the place where he kissed
2/3
+25 BONUS
The Cave
me for the first time, the place where he vowed to love me forever, the place where he said that I would always be his Luna.
Where I’d chosen to die.
Bobby reached the cave entrance first, letting out a soft, mournful whine. Lucian rushed past him, his heart pounding with desperate hope.
Then he saw my body.
I lay exactly as I’d arranged myself – peaceful, serene, with Bobby’s old collar clutched in my cold hands. The black veins of the curse traced dark patterns across my pale skin, telling the story of my slow death.
“No,” Lucian whispered, then louder, “NO!”
He fell to his knees beside me, gathering my lifeless form into his arms. His anguished scream echoed through the mountains,
w and primal.
