The battlefield maintained an uncharacteristically peaceful atmosphere because the fighting had ceased. The field was filled with dead soldiers whose bodies lay scattered among each other while the smothering odors of sweat and blood hung thickly in the air. The victory brought only despair to Leah because she felt defeated despite their accomplishment.
Jacob remained in the center of the field as he stood holding his sword which drove its tip deep into the earth. The fighters in front of him showed signs of both relief and physical suffering when he turned to look at them. Their victory included substantial damage to their side.
The sweat and blood-covered armor did not prevent Samuel from stepping forward. He spoke with determination as he stated "We need to bury our dead alongside taking care of our injured."
Jacob gave a nod. "Make sure it's finished. Check that no one suffers any injury.
They fought for this pack, and for that we owe them a lot.
Leah knelt next to one of the fallen fighters and sheathed her blade. He was a young man she had trained with, and she recognized him. He was still staring up at the sky with his eyes open. Whispering a gentle goodbye, she stretched forward and closed them gently.
Leah stood up and said, "We should go back to the castle soon." "A lot of work needs to be done. Now more than ever, the pack will require direction.
Jacob looked at her, his face tired. "You're correct. Priority one must be given to stability. The damage that the traitors inflicted won't immediately disappear, even if they are killed.
The rest of the warriors trailed behind them, their footsteps pounding, back to Barduff Castle. Leah took another glance back at the battlefield and vowed to honor those who had lost their lives.
When the castle gates opened, the pack members rushed to meet them. As they searched for missing loved ones, their relief and anguish were intertwined. Children clung to their mothers, healers hurried forward to tend to the wounded, and warriors embraced one another.
Leah watched as an elderly woman sobbed into her hands upon learning of her son's fate. The pain of war had not yet faded, and it would take time for the pack to recover.
The council was waiting in the vast hall, which Jacob led them into. He declared, "Tomorrow, we will have a memorial service for the fallen." "But we sleep tonight. We earned it via a lot of hard work.
Leah stayed at Jacob's side as the pack gradually dispersed, the fatigue seething into her bones. She knew that the reconstruction process was only beginning.
Jacob didn't take his eyes off her. "You supported me during this entire journey. I'll always remember it.
She smiled a little. It's not necessary for you to. I also call this location home." They shared a kiss and held each other tightly.
At that moment, they realized that despite everything they had experienced, there was still hope. Both of them would contribute to the new future of Barduff Castle even after the conflict was over.