Chapter 21 In need of a healer
GAEL’S POV Anxiety gripped the tail of my heart like it would tear it apart. The council meeting has never been this porous, and this particular direction would have me in stitches. I tried to focus, but their murmurings weren’t helping. “Enough! Please!” I roared. Everything went silent all at once. “I need to have a private discussion with the Beta’s. Please, let’s adjourn the meeting till tomorrow.” There was grumbling amongst them; however, none dared to counter me. Which was relieving; I would instead not exchange words with any of them, knowing fully well that the unrest is partially my fault. I leaned forward when the room was devoid of their noise. “Can you please explain what you talked about a few minutes ago?” I said to Beta Ezekiel. He cleared his throat, looking solemn. “I’m sorry I have to say this, Alpha. But our pack has been ousted from the other northern wolf packs.” “How dare any of them push me out? Our pack is the most resourceful. Have they lost their minds?” I retorted. Ezra huffed, “You know it’s beyond that now, Gael. What’s the use of our economic resources when our people are unhealthy? It’s useless.” “No healer wants to come to the pack. Their Alpha won’t release them. According to their reports, the disease seems to be incurable. So, to avoid bringing doom to themselves, they have no plans to help us.” Ezekiel concluded. Rubbing my tired face, even though it’s barely noon yet. “Get me the doctors, Ezra.” “Right away, Alpha.” He replied, hurrying out. “What do you say we do, Beta? I know I had been against us enabling a healer. Now that I agree, no one is concerned about coming to our rescue. I am perplexed as it stands. I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to my pack members. My father would never forgive me.” “If we had searched earlier, we might have known how intense our situation is. Right now, we would have to hope our doctors would find a solution. It’s a werewolf-infested ailment. If not, I would have sent our man to the human world to seek a solution. Humans are practically able to conquer death as it stands.” I hate how much confidence he has in the humans, but I didn’t try to ruin his high hopes for them. “We are werewolves and rooted in the cultural nature of our creation. It’s why there can never be a case of solving everything by mere science on our part. Since we do not have a healer, I think the best thing to do is find a temporary one until we can convince any healer to come to our rescue.” “That’s a good plan, Alpha Gael.” He said. The door burst open, letting in the doctors. They all don’t seem excited to see me. Fortunately, the feeling is mutual. “Good afternoon, Alpha.” The three of them chorused. I shut my eyes tightly, trying to find the right words to put out. “I don’t fancy your greeting at the moment. But I will do my best to indulge you. Do you know what has been happening around the pack lately?” The oldest among the doctors raised a hand. “Pardon me, Alpha. But it seems out of our control at this point. We have tried our very best to find a solution to the situation on the ground. Still, nothing got done.” Ruffling my hair, I exhaled deeply. “All alright, this is what we would do. Do you have some way to suppress whatever it is?” “Yes, Alpha. In our little way, we can.” Another responded. “Okay. Beta Ezekiel has the pack closed from any intending guests. Only people willing to leave the pack should be allowed out. And they won’t be returning until we find a healer. The doctors get the sick to the infirmary and do whatever they can to stabilize them. I would work towards getting a healer. I will make sure everyone is safe again.” I stated. “You all can leave.” “Including me?” Ezra asked. I know what he is trying to do, but I want to be on my right now.
“Yes, please,” I mumbled. The study suddenly feels like it’s closing up on me. I am almost having a panic attack. I can’t believe this sort of mess is happening under my wing. There was never a pandemic under my father’s rule. Why, then, is mine different? Where exactly did we go wrong? I almost feel like the goddess intentionally wants to punish me for refusing the need for an actual healer at first, cursing under my breath, and rebuking myself for thinking in that line. I made my way out of the study. I don’t know how it happened, but I was in front of the building, serving as my mother’s healing clinic. The memories began to flood in. I was always so excited to see her work. She always had that beautiful smile that would melt a frozen heart. My mother was the epitome of beauty and grace. No man in his right senses would be able to refuse her charm. It’s no wonder my father fell in love with her. I would have done the same in his shoes. Hot tears stung the back of my eyes. I bite down hard on my lower lips to avoid howling in pain. I had avoided this building like a plague. It reminds me of so much like a nemesis. I don’t want any part of it simultaneously, and I can’t let it go because it means a lot to me. It’s like a toxic relationship where you want to escape but can’t escape because the feelings are too strong to let go. I am helpless at the moment. If this pandemic struck further, that would be the end of the sunset pack, and it would go down in history that the goddess cursed my pack, which makes it so frustrating. Why does our entire life have to be in the hands of a single person? I would love to have a case with the goddess for playing such expensive games with our lives. It is why the human world is different. Science seems to have the right solution to whatever ailment they have there. And here we are, seeking help from a heavenly-bestowed werewolf called a healer. I turned my back in anger. I can’t keep agonizing over the past. I have a life to live and a pack to govern. I stayed glued to a spot when my eyes met with the half-breed coming out of the building all smiles. “What the hell are you doing here?” She lowered her gaze quickly, with her entire body shaking in fear. It feels satisfying to know that I terrify her that much. “I…. I….” “She is with me?” A voice called out from within, and it turned out to be Perry. I snickered, dipping my hands in my pocket. “Perry, my love. What’s going on?” She smiled stiffly, “I paint in one of the empty rooms, and Nia here keeps me company. As per usual.” It took me a moment to remember my deal with Ezra as regards Perry’s involvement with the half-breed. “Oh, whatever. Just keep the filth out of my way.” I sneered. Perry grinned mischievously, “But you are the one who crossed her path now?” “You brat!” I stuttered. “Be good, Perry. I will see you some other time.” I blew her a kiss, something I know she hates so very much. I could feel her eyes burning holes into my back. I will always love that for her. Perry is always angry. Some things never change.This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.