All Chapters of Mate Rebound : Chapter 231 - Chapter 240

Elara’s POV~I winced as the words that had forced themselves out of my mouth echoed around us. “I’m not leaving until I find that herb. If you came here to take me back, you can simply walk out right now.” I repeated. I hugged the pup closer, its little body warm against me. My heart was still pounding from the aftermath of the rogue’s attack, but I tried to control my breathing. I couldn’t let them see me crack. Not now.I thought about my father, lying motionless in his bed, with his chest rising and falling minutely. I’d abandoned him because I’d had no other option. And if I didn’t, it wouldn’t just be his life slipping away; it would be all the sacrifices I’d ever made, all for nothing.I glanced from Damien to Caspian. My voice was flat, devoid of warmth. “Running three thousand miles was the easiest thing I’ve had to do. I’ve barely slept. I picked up this pup when I could have let it die. I bled on the rocks until my hands became cold. And still, I climbed. Do any of you gu

Elara’s POV~The climb had been merciless. My legs shook with much effort, and the breath I was inhaling was very cold. The air became colder as we climbed, freezing my chest, but I wouldn’t stop. My father’s face remained tattooed in my brain, the cold stillness of his body, and the waning warmth of his hand. I would not let that be how he ends up dying. Damien stayed close, always offering me a hand wherever the mountain was steep. But I ignored him. I didn’t want him, I didn't want his help, his strength, his earnest worry that always seemed to be absent when it was needed most. Each time he tried to hold me, I flinched, my fingers clutching on something other than his palm. Caspian walked with us with a firm step, constantly on the lookout for treachery. When he directed my attention to loose stones or showed me where to place my foot to find some firmness, I obeyed. But to Damien, I gave nothing. Not even my glare. Not even a glance. My body ached with exhaustion by the time

Elara’s POV~ It took longer to come down from the mountain than it took us when we were climbing. Each step needed to be cautious, measured, or we could hear the mountain show us how hungry it was. I cradled the pup to my chest, swaddled in the edge of my cloak, and its delicate heat served as a consolation against the bitter air.My arms hurt, but I didn’t dare slacken my hold. For the first time in days, I sensed a glimmer of hope coursing through me. The herb had been actual, living, and in Caspian’s pouch. It was no longer just a healer’s legend whispered through the corridors of archives everywhere. It was in our hands. And if the Moon Goddess had just let me have the chance to look at it, perhaps she would also give me a chance to save my father as well.I sucked in the bitter cold through my nose, keeping my eyes on the road. Caspian was in the lead, with the rope placed over his shoulder, walking steadily. When he was talking, I would find myself holding on to his voice, g

Elara's POV~The air reeked of blood and fear. My arms shook as I gripped the pup close to my chest, but I wasn’t about to lose it. Its little body trembled with every growl that erupted from all around us. I whispered to it with trembling and faltering words.“You are safe… I’ll protect you. I won’t let them take you as well.”Tears wouldn’t let me see clearly, but I fought them back because if they flowed, then I’d crumble completely. Why now? And why now that I had at last gotten the littlest of hope down from this God forsaken mountain? What kind of Goddess shows me a way to save my father and then throws this storm at us?I leaned against the rock wall in the hope that it would support me. My chest was pained at the memories of Jasmine’s dead body piercing through me. I saw her face in flashes, her eyes fading, and I knew that infant was gone before it ever really cried. I said that seven years ago, but I can still hear the silence that followed it, the one that broke me. I crus

Elara’s POV~When we reached the pack, my legs were weak and each step that I took felt heavier than the one before. And even when the sight of home met my gaze, it didn't ease me; it just made me aware all over again why I had left in the first place. The house seemed too quiet, and too watchful, as if it had been holding its breath all along while I was gone.The second I got inside, I smelled it. The heaviness of illness. The air was filled with the scent of herbs that had been used in the hopes of holding off death, and they were all unsuccessful. My heart clenched. Nothing had changed. If anything, it was worse.“Mother?” My voice broke, softer than I had meant for it to be.Winifred ran out of the corridor with her hair down. She was dressed in loose clothing from her sleepless nights. She burst into tears and, at the same time, with a smile of relief, when she saw me. She held me to her chest so hard that I could hardly breathe.“Elara,” she whispered, her voice shaking. “You