Chapter 169: A Grandmother’s P…
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Chapter 169: A Grandmother’s Protection
Chapter 169: A Grandmother’s Protection
(Celeste’s POV)
I stared at Regina’s note, the two words “Sacred Immolation” sending chills down my spine. An ancient pack tradition requiring the unclaimed mate to be buried alive with their deceased
intended – it was barbaric enough to have been banned centuries ago.
Nina’s silver–gray wolf whimpered beside me. “Miss, we need to-”
“We’ll handle this,” I cut her off, tucking the note into my pocket. Right now, my priority was
Eleanor. My grandmother needed to know what had happened.
I made my way through the pack house’s winding corridors toward Eleanor’s quarters, Nina
following close behind. Her protective aura radiated concern.
“Miss, the Sacred Immolation ritual… it’s forbidden,” Nina whispered urgently. “Even Regina
can’t-”
“Not now,” I murmured, reaching Eleanor’s door. We could discuss Regina’s threats later.
The familiar scent of healing herbs washed over me as I entered. Eleanor sat in her favorite
chair by the window, looking frailer than ever. But her golden eyes were sharp and alert as they
met mine.
“You already know,” I said softly, noting the grief in her expression.
She nodded slowly. “The pack bonds carried the news. Marcus is dead.”
I started to kneel in formal pack greeting, but Eleanor quickly gestured for me to rise.
“Come here, child,” she said, patting the space beside her chair.
I settled next to her, breathing in the comforting mix of herbs and her own warm scent. Nina stationed herself by the door, giving us privacy while maintaining her guard duties.
“I’m so sorry, little one,” Eleanor murmured, her worn fingers stroking my hair. “To face such
trauma…”
“I’m fine, Grandmother,” I assured her quickly. “I’m more worried about you. You look tired.”
Eleanor’s lips curved in a knowing smile. “Always deflecting concern for yourself. Marcus was the one who lost, you know. He could have had such a strong mate.”
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I leaned against her chair, allowing myself to draw comfort from her presence. For a moment, I felt like that cherished fourteen–year–old again, before Scarlett’s return changed everything.
Suddenly, Eleanor’s demeanor shifted. Her golden eyes grew serious.
“Celeste,” she said quietly. “Do you want to leave pack territory entirely?”
I straightened, startled by the question. “Grandmother?”
“Regina will be consumed by grief and rage over Marcus’s death,” Eleanor explained, her voice tight with worry. “She’ll blame you, despite whatever story the Alpha King accepts.”
She gripped my hand with surprising strength. “I have resources – money, ancient pack artifacts, contacts in distant territories. You could start fresh somewhere far from here.”
My throat tightened at her offer. Even now, weakened by illness, she thought only of protecting
- me.
“The Winter Pack would face consequences if I fled,” I reminded her gently. “Regina would-”
“Regina was never truly fond of you,” Eleanor cut in sharply. “Don’t be fooled by surface kindness like that boutique gift. She’s dangerous when crossed, and Marcus was her only
child.”
“I understand her nature,” I assured her. “But I won’t abandon the pack to her vengeance. I’ll
help her through her grief if I can.”
Eleanor studied my face before sighing. “You’ve grown so strong. Sometimes I forget you’re
not that innocent pup anymore.”
She was quiet for a moment, then abruptly changed topics. “We should discuss your future
mate prospects now that Marcus is deceased.”
I blinked at the jarring shift. “Grandmother, he just died.”
“And I’m dying too,” she said bluntly. “I need to know you’ll be protected after I’m gone.”
“Don’t say that!” Tears sprang to my eyes. “You’ll live many more years.”
Eleanor smiled, but her eyes remained serious. “I’ve watched Alexander grow into a formidable
warrior. He would keep you safe, protect you from any threat.”
My heart clenched painfully. “Grandmother… Alexander is marking with Scarlett soon.”
“Ah.” Eleanor’s sigh held volumes of understanding. “Yes, I suppose he is.”
The room fell silent except for the soft rustling of healing herbs drying by the window. Some
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Chapter 169: A Grandmother’s P…
dreams, I had learned, were better left buried in the past.
