Chapter 5: Reject The Remedies
1325 Words
Chapter 5: Reject The Remedies
(Alexander's POV)
Apparently my words about Elder's medicine didn't sit well with Lucas. His emerald eyes glittered gold, and the energy of his wolf, Bloodblade, hit me hard, searing and sharp.
"Why were you really at the prison gates?" he growled, his voice low, seething with barely-contained menace. "You should have been with Scarlett, your intended mate, not rushing to Celeste's side."
I didn't flinch, my stance deliberately relaxed. Steelclaw hummed quietly within me, his energy icy, steadfast.
"What exactly are you accusing me of?" I asked, my tone measured, almost casual.
"You shouldn't have shown up at the prison gates today, I'm not stupid, Alexander." Lucas grimaced. "But not only did you show up, you showed up at just the right time to smoothly get her into your car."
"It's because you left her at the prison gate that gave me the opportunity to get her in my car." Lucas' words made me want to laugh, "You gave me that chance, bro."
"Don't play dumb with me," he snapped, taking another furious step forward." Four years ago, you chose Scarlett. Now all of a sudden you want to play the hero?"
The accusation stung, but I kept my expression neutral. "Interesting words from the brother who threw her down marble stairs."
His face twisted with rage. "You dare—"
"I dare because I watched you break her," I cut in, my voice sharp as ice. "And now you pretend to care? With your healing stones and remedies?"
"Alexander, what the hell is wrong with you? When the pack arranged a mate contract between you and Celeste in the past, she was so fond of you and always clung to you, but you were indifferent to her. Now you've become Scarlett's fiancé, and you've started to pay attention to Celeste? I warn you, I only have these two sisters, don't force me to break our friendship!"
Upon hearing this, I scoffed and looked up at Lucas, full of mockery, 'The way you say it now makes it seem like you care so much about Celeste.'"
"He is truly hypocritical, the one who cruelly salted Celeste's wound is him."My wolf growl to me.
My words choked all of Lucas's anger in his throat. He silently stared at me, and after a long while only uttered, "Don't forget, four years ago you were also there and did not helped her. She hated me, and she also hated you!"
"I know." I silently lowered my eyes, "The snacks I prepared for her in my car, she didn't touch them."
She hasn't even touched the water and medicine I prepared for her in the car.
I think that if she didn't want to come back and see her grandmother today, she wouldn't even get into my car.
What does she call me today? Berta Alexander is polite but impersonal in that way. Never before has she called me that.
To this thought, my heart sank even more.
She used to love me so much. When I was discussing business with Lucas, she would sneak glances at me. No matter how angry I made her, as soon as I showed her the slightest kindness, she would immediately come to me in a cheerful mood.
Lucas is still losing his temper, "Those prison guards are a bunch of scumbags. No matter what, Celeste is still the daughter of the Winter Pack alpha, and our pack is one of the strongest under the royal pack's jurisdiction. How dare they be so cruel to my sister? Even if it's the royal pack princess' order, are they really without any scruples?"
Next, Lucas glared at me, "Did you bring the battlefield medicine you used?"
My medicine is specially made for warriors at the treatment center, and it works exceptionally well.
"No." I replied coldly, but still took out a medicine box from my chest, "But she twisted her ankle, this box of medicine should work."
Lucas snatched it away, "Thanks." After saying that, he turned and left.
Once clear of Lucas's sight, I retrieved a comm stone from my pocket. Pressing the smooth lapis between my fingers, I activated it.
"Kane," I said firmly when the link opened.
"Alpha?" came the sharp, clear response on the other end.
"Gather the warriors' herbs. The ancient remedies,” I instructed briskly. "Celeste's burns require old methods."
"Understood," Kane replied. No hesitation.
The comm stone dimmed in my hand as I ended the link. Closing my fist around it, I inhaled deeply against the rising frustration that threatened to color my thoughts.
Steelclaw growled faintly within me, pacing silently in my mind. Neither of us could shake the images burned into memory—images of her scars, her cold, stubborn refusal to lean on the mercy of anyone.
It didn't matter how many times the fragments of blame shifted between Lucas, Scarlett, or even Celeste herself. None of them mitigated the hollow ache lingering between my ribs.
---
(Celeste's POV)
Nina's hands moved with care, her fingers delicate as they smoothed the cool salve across the raw burns on my arms. But even her gentleness couldn't lessen the sting where the salve met torn skin.
I clenched my jaw, refusing to wince. Pain was familiar, constant.
Nina's sharp gray eyes filled with unshed tears as they flitted over my arms, her lips trembling faintly. She kept working, though her voice cracked when she finally whispered, "These burns should've killed you, My Lady."
Her tears didn't move me. I kept my gaze steady, fixed on the dying winter roses outside my window.
"Stop crying," I said flatly, the words sharp and unmoved.
Nina faltered briefly, but she resumed her work, her jaw tightening to keep more emotion from spilling out.
The salve went on in light layers, its cooling touch blending with the faint tremor in my arms. Golden light from the weak dawn filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows over the small table nearby.
Eventually, there was a knock at the door, breaking whatever fragile quiet had settled between us. Nina's head jerked toward the sound, and then, quickly, she rose to her feet.
The door creaked open, and two items were passed inside. Nina returned with them in hand—a bundle bearing Lucas's scent and a small bottle containing the scent of dried herbs and wolfsbane.
I inhaled sharply, bitterness curling under my ribs.
"Set them on the table," I instructed, not even bothering to glance their way.
Nina followed my command, placing the items carefully down, her hands reverent but uncertain. She glanced between the bundled remedies and me.
I stared at them for longer than I intended. My fingers flexed faintly at my sides, trembling beneath the memories of each silver burn that radiated pain up my arms—even now.
A bitter laugh escaped me, cold and hollow.
"Take them," I said finally, my voice a sharp blade cutting through Nina's hesitation. She froze, surprise flashing through her expression.
"My Lady?" she asked hesitantly. She hesitated to reach forward.
"You heard me," I bit out, my tone colder, harsher.
Nina's mouth opened, perhaps to protest, but she closed it quickly, hiding her doubt. She shifted silently, waiting for some turn that wasn't coming.
My wolf stirred faintly inside, a weak, faltering growl rising but quickly silenced.
I didn't reach for the healing remedies. I didn't want them. They weren't gifts—they were excuses. They were disguises for guilt.
Even if their contents could lessen the pain, I wouldn't allow myself to be pawned off like something that could be repaired. Not by him. Not by Alexander. Not by Lucas.
Nina remained still, uncertain. When I turned to face her, I told her with my eyes what I refused to speak aloud.
She lowered her head.
The remedies stayed untouched. My wolf refused to accept their mockery. I was not theirs to fix. Not anymore.
- Writer
