Chapter 88
Within hours, Alexander had arranged everything. The Blackwood Pack’s resources seemed limitless- specialized medical equipment was installed in a suite at the pack house, a team of nurses was organized to provide round–the–clock care, and Dr. Miller himself agreed to make daily visits.
When we carefully transferred Felix to his new room at the pack house, his face lit up at the large windows overlooking the forest and mountains beyond.
“This is better,” he whispered, his small body looking even tinier against the large bed. “Much better.”
The next morning, Felix surprised me by asking to get out of bed. Despite his weakness, there was a determination in his eye that I recognized all too well.
་
“Alexander promised to teach me some fighting moves,” he said with more animation than I’d seen in days. “Before… everything happened. He didn’t forget, did he?”
My throat tightened painfully. Even now, facing what we both knew was coming, my son was still trying
to live, to experience new things, to grow stronger.
“I’m sure he remembers,” I managed to say. “But Felix, you’re not strong enough for training right now. You need to rest and let your body heal.”
“Mom.” His voice was soft but firm. “Please. I don’t want to just lie here waiting to… waiting. I want to do
something.”
Before I could respond, there was a gentle knock at the door, and Alexander stepped in. From the look on his face, I knew he’d overheard our conversation.
“I haven’t forgotten my promise,” he said, approaching Felix’s bed with a warm smile. “But your mom’s right that regular training would be too much for your body right now.”
Felix’s face fell, but Alexander continued, “However, I could show you some defensive stances and meditation techniques that won’t strain your system. Those are actually the foundation of becoming a
strong warrior.”
My son’s expression brightened immediately. “Really? When can we start?”
“How about after lunch, if Dr. Miller approves?” Alexander suggested, his gaze meeting mine briefly, seeking permission.
I hesitated, torn between wanting to protect Felix from any exertion and understanding his need to live rather than just exist. Finally, I nodded slightly.
“After lunch,” I agreed. “And only for a short time.”
Felix’s smile was worth every moment of worry.
1/3
True to his word, Alexander returned after Felix had eaten and rested. Dr. Miller had reluctantly approved a brief, very gentle session, with the strict understanding that Felix was to stop at the first sign of fatigue.
I followed them to a small, private training room that Alexander had prepared. He’d removed most of the equipment, leaving only soft mats covering the floor and a few cushions arranged in a circle.
“We’ll start with breathing,” Alexander explained to Felix, helping him settle comfortably on one of the cushions. “Proper breath control is the foundation of all combat skills. It gives you focus, endurance, and
power.”
I stood at the edge of the room, watching as Alexander knelt beside my son, demonstrating the deep, controlled breathing technique. Felix copied him diligently, his small chest rising and falling in
measured movements.
“Good,” Alexander praised. “Now, let’s work on your center. Feel the core of your strength here-” he gently tapped Felix’s midsection. “This is where all power comes from, not just your arms or legs.”
Tears welled in my eyes as I watched them. Alexander’s patience and gentleness with Felix touched something deep within me. He wasn’t just humoring a sick child; he was treating Felix with genuine
respect, teaching him as he would any young wolf under his protection.
And Felix–my brave, dying boy–was giving it his all, his face set in concentration as he followed
Alexander’s instructions. Even as his body failed him, his spirit remained unbroken.
After showing Felix some simple defensive hand positions that he could practice from a seated position,
Alexander helped him through a final meditation.
“Close your eye,” he instructed softly. “Imagine your wolf running free through the forest, strong and
powerful. Feel the earth beneath your paws, the wind in your fur.”
Felix’s face relaxed, a small smile playing at his lips as he followed the visualization.
“Your wolf is always with you,” Alexander continued, his deep voice soothing. “Even when your body is weak, your wolf spirit remains strong. Remember that, Felix.”
When the brief session ended, Felix was visibly tired but glowing with quiet satisfaction. Alexander
carried him back to his room, handling him with such care it made my chest ache.
Once Felix was settled and drifting to sleep, I followed Alexander into the hallway.
“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. “That meant everything to him.”
Alexander drew me into his arms, holding me close. “He’s an extraordinary child, Summer, So much courage in such a small body.”
I pressed my face against his chest, letting the tears flow freely now that Felix couldn’t see them. “I can’t lose him,” I sobbed quietly. “He’s my whole world.”
2/3
“I know,” Alexander murmured into my hair, his arms tightening around me. “I know.”
We stood like that for a long time, drawing strength from each other as we faced the unbearable reality of what was coming. With each passing day, we were running out of time, and there was nothing either of us could do to stop the clock.
But for now, at least, Felix was more at peace. And somehow, I had to find a way to make whatever time
he had left as meaningful as possible.
It was all I could give him now.
