The Secrets of The Alpha

chapter forty-two: Stardust Guardian

"He was a good wolf." Luna spoke up, her voice soft and gentle. "A true leader. He brought us together when we were at our most broken, and he made us strong. He will be missed." Her words seemed to echo through the group, with each wolf nodding in agreement as they remembered the times they had shared with Phoenix.

"We could ask Artemis to see if she would turn him into a constellation." Cedar suggested that his voice was hoarse from crying. "He would like that. To be remembered in the stars." The other wolves nodded in agreement; their eyes were still filled with tears. As they continued to walk through the forest, Cedar didn't want to admit his close friend was dead; he knew bringing him back was not a better option.

Artemis wouldn't accept that. Her eyes narrowed as she listened to the wolves, her expression hardening. "Phoenix was a great leader and warrior, but he was mortal. His place is among the stars, not as a constellation. He earned his rest, and he deserves it." The other wolves looked at each other, nodding in understanding. They knew Artemis was right. "He had always been a favorite of mine for some time now, and I admired his bravery as well as his strength." As they continued to walk, the forest seemed to grow darker, as if the world itself was mourning the loss of Phoenix. The air was heavy with grief and determination. The wolves were silent for a long time, each lost in their own thoughts, remembering the times they had shared with Phoenix. Cedar couldn't help but wonder if they would ever find another leader as strong and compassionate as Phoenix. He knew that they would have to move on, but a part of him would always be broken.

Artemis looked at Phoenix, her gentle gaze softening. "I will always remember you, Phoenix. You were a true friend to this pack, and you will be greatly missed. Your spirit will live on in each and every one of us, reminding us of the courage and strength you had. You were a great leader, and you will never be forgotten." Her words brought a small measure of comfort to the others, who nodded in agreement.

She walked towards the fallen wolf and placed a warm hand on his matted, cold fur. Her golden eyes closed as she whispered, "May you find peace, my friend. You'll always be in our hearts." The other wolves gathered around, each taking a moment to say their goodbyes in their own way. Some left paws upon his body; others bowed their heads in silent prayer. As they said their final farewells, the weight of their grief seemed to grow heavier still, pressing down upon them like an unbearable burden.

"I shall take your spirit to the stars where you belong; you earned your keep. You will be missed, Phoenix." Artemis whispered as she gently lifted Phoenix's body into her arms. The other wolves formed a procession behind them, following Artemis as she led them towards the highest peak in the forest. As they climbed, the air grew thinner and colder, the wind whipping through their fur. The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of red and orange, as if in a final farewell to their fallen leader.

A white hue began to appear on Phoenix's body as Cedar's eyes widen as he realizes that Artemis is turning Phoenix into a constellation. The other wolves were in awe as they watched Artemis work her magic, their grief momentarily forgotten as they witnessed the beauty of their leader being immortalized in the sky. As the last rays of sunlight vanished from the horizon, the constellation of Phoenix shone brightly above them, its form clearly visible among the stars.

Luna smiled at the sight of the new constellation, a tear trickling down her cheek. "He's truly gone now, but he'll always be with us. His spirit will live on through this beautiful gift." The other wolves nodded in agreement, some howling softly as they gazed up at the stars. Even though they knew it was time to move on, they couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and emptiness. Talvi was crying in Jett's chest; she was happy yet sad that her friend was gone forever.

"He's with us always." Jett whispered to Talvi as she cried into his chest. Jett knew that it wasn't the same as having Phoenix here with them, but he hoped it would help her. The rest of the wolves gathered around, each lost in their own thoughts as they stared up at the new constellation. The stars seemed to dance in the night sky, a beautiful tribute to their fallen leader.

"Thank you so much for all you have done for us, Phoenix. You will be seen as a god of bravery and strength among us. Rest easy, my friend." Artemis spoke softly, her golden eyes shining with unshed tears. The other wolves nodded in agreement, their own eyes glistening with emotion. As they stood there, lost in their thoughts, the wind picked up, rustling through the leaves and sending a chill down their spines. "Rest well," Cedar whispered, the breeze brushing through his dirty hair as he spoke.

"You will always be my best friend, Phoenix." Cedar whispered, his voice cracking as he fought back tears. The other wolves nodded in agreement, each feeling the weight of their loss in their hearts. They knew that they would never find another leader like Phoenix, but they had to move on. They had to find a way to carry on his legacy and continue to protect their pack.