Sylvester's POV
After listening to Blake as he confessed to his sins, I felt a heavy burden settle in my heart. I twisted the spear which Millicent had used to end his life and brought it down, cutting him sideways almost in two.
It did not relieve my pain but I felt a bit calmer. I looked around for Millicent but she had disappeared like the wind and I knew she was running to be with Christopher.
I came at a more leisurely pace, so I could give them time to be with each other. I wanted to know how he was faring. I hoped that the spear did not damage any internal organs.
Christopher's act of love had really done something to me. I didn't know if I would have done what he did but I sure as hell was not going to allow that sacrifice go to waste.
I got to where the battle took place and realised that our attackers had carried off their dead. And my warriors were carrying those still alive into a place where the doctor could attend to them, while covering with sacs, those who had died while fighting. I looked around at the waste and realised for the first time the futility of war. It was just a waste of time and resources.
As I looked round at the waste, I saw Cathania was still lying there - where she had fallen while trying to save me. No one had thought to take her to the doctor to be treated, or probably, they had not got to her yet and she was miraculously still alive, thank goodness. I swiftly went to her.
'You are still here?' I asked.
'Where else would I be but where my heart is - close to the live of my life?' she replied with what I felt was a smile that didn't come off very well. I felt a stab of pain and regret. This was not supposed to have happened.
'Stay put, let me get the doctor!' I said, now in a hurry to get her attended to. I had been in wars and I knew her case was hopeless but I was just hoping against hope.
'There's no need', she replied, smiling or trying to do that but it came off as a grimace of pain. 'It is too late. I have been waiting for you. I wanted to see and touch you one last time before I go'.
'Cathania, I cannot tell you, how sorry I am about this. But you are a foolish little girl did you know that?' I said, pained to see her in such a state. 'Why did you do that? You needn't have done it!'
'You mean bring a war to your doorstep?' she asked and I knew she was deliberately misunderstanding me. How could she even try to joke in this condition? She was in a pool of her own blood for goodness sake!
'You know what I mean, Cathania, as for the other, I understand and can relate with your grievance'. I said holding both her hands.
'How can you even ask why I did it? I did it because I love you. I never stopped loving you', she whispered. 'I am sorry, I brought Blake here. I couldn't bear to see you with any other female but it's okay now, if it will make you happy. I shan't be around for much longer in any case!' she said, her voice growing weaker. 'The fates have taken someone special from you and given you someone your heart desires', she said and I thought she was referring to herself.
'Christopher was killed due to our foolishness but at least that has made way for you... and.. y..you can be with... Mi- Millicent!'
What was she even saying. Christopher could not have died, if he had, I would have been hearing mourning cries and howls announcing the demise of a great Alpha.
'Hold me, Sylvester', she asked.
I obliged her, crying silently, remembering the times we had spent as mates, as lovers and then the times we had spent plotting against Millicent and I felt a stab of regret as grief washed over me in waves.
All of a sudden, Cathania felt heavier than earlier and I looked down to assure myself that she was still with me but I knew before I even saw her sightless eyes gazing unseeing at the clouds that she was dead. I lay her down on the ground and with my palm, I gently covered her eyes, telling her I was sorry for all the pain I had caused her.
There was a burden in my heart. I wish I had been a better male to her but Blake had probably been right when he said I was not male enough for my women. I felt a sense of urgency to see my dear brother. He must survive his injuries. I no longer minded if Millicent chooses him over me. He can have her, just let him live, oh Moon Goddess. He just must live. Cathania must have been rambling. Her words were just the ramblings of a dying female, I thought to console myself as I hurried into the mansion.
'Daniel, see to it that Cathania is well taken care of and send word to her father, so he can take her body back to their pack to be given a burial befitting a princess'.
'Yes, my Alpha', Daniel, my Beta said.
'Where's Christopher?' I asked.
'He's in the bay, receiving treatment', Samuel said, looking very sad. 'the doctor said his condition is critical and that he may not make it out alive!'
I did not wait to heart the rest but burst into the room and found him kissing Millicent.
I didn't think I could say this but I felt relieved that he was well enough to engage in such with our mate - his love. The fears of his Beta were unfounded and the doctor had not judged the case accurately, I thought as relief coaxed through me.
I was going to ask how he was when he stopped kissing Millicent, pulled away from her and beckoned on me.
I went and he stretched his hand forth towards me, palms up, indicating that he wanted my hands. I placed it in his and he placed my hand into Millicent's and looking me straight in the eye, said, 'Take care of Millicent for me!' Then with a smile on his lips, his hands fell from ours and his head rolled to the side.
Millicent placed her head on his chest, I realised she was trying to hear his heart beat but she raised her head screaming 'No! You cannot do this to me Christopher. You cannot leave me like this. Not now!' and some other things about him, being her chosen - fated mate but I was no longer paying attention.
I drew close and checked for a pulse but found none and then I knew, Christopher, my brother was gone. But I remained in self denial. It was not possible, was he not the one who was kissing his mate just now?
I called for the doctor to come quick and when he got here, he checked his pulse and pronounced him dead, confirming my suspicions and I felt overcame as I slumped, looking into space, wondering where I had gone wrong. I hadn't even thanked him for saving my life, though I knew what he would have said, 'What are brothers for, huh? You'll do the same for me if our positions were switched'. I smiled, tears flowing from my cheek. I felt so alone. I had never really valued him when he was alive. I had taken it for granted that he was going to be with me for a very long time to come but he left me just like our parents did and I am alive to bear the pain, the anguish.
I heard howling from left, right and centre but they sounded far away...
