Carrying My Daughter without My MateChapter 1 - The Betrayal
I sat in my chair, skimming through the latest reports from the pack healers. Each file detailed the medical history of our newest elite warriors. As a Delta warrior, it was my responsibility to monitor our fighters closely. Their identities, lineage, routines, and, most importantly, their health conditions were recorded meticulously to ensure nothing slipped through the cracks.
Closing the folders, I leaned back, massaging my temples as the day’s exhaustion settled over me. A minute later, I stood, craving a glass of water, when my phone chimed with a notification.
Before checking it, my mind drifted to the healer council meeting earlier that morning. The meeting had been intense. Seated around the long, polished table in the healer council room, we had discussed our warriors’ medical needs and the troubling signs we’d observed lately. The head healer, an elder named Kitara, had spoken first.
“We’re seeing more cases of fatigue and stress injuries in our warriors than ever before,” she had said, her voice weighted with concern. “We need to consider restructuring training or giving more downtime between sessions.”
I had leaned forward, catching her eye. “Downtime? Kitara, we’re gearing up for the full moon run with the neighboring packs. You know how critical it is that we show our strength.”
“Yes, but not at the cost of their health, Delta,” Kitara had replied firmly, meeting my gaze with her usual steady resolve. “Several of our top warriors are on the edge of burnout. If they’re not given a chance to recover, we risk them being weaker in actual battle.”
I’d opened my mouth to argue, but another healer, Tessa, had jumped in. “Delta, you’ve always advocated for balance. Surely, even with the full moon event, we need to consider the long-term impact.”
Kitara had nodded, her gaze softening. “It’s not just about this one run. If we don’t look after our warriors now, there won’t be a force strong enough to face future challenges.”
Their words had lingered with me. They were right, but as Delta, I also bore the responsibility of ensuring our strength was visible and unshakable. I’d finally agreed, reluctantly, to a temporary reduction in the intensity of their sessions.
And now, sitting alone, I was reminded of the fine line I had to walk every day.