a white-hot pain coursing through his vein as the infected wound settled in his mind, his body feeling as if it had been put through a meat grinder. He could feel the weight of the alpha's gaze on him and the concern and worry emanating from the other wolves in the circle. He wanted to reassure them, to tell them that everything would be all right, but the truth was, he wasn't sure.

"I never got the chance to know your name," Cedar asked the alpha weakly. He choked back his sobs. He tried to be strong, but the pain was too much; it was like a white-hot poker was being driven through his heart. His vision began to blur, and his breath came out in ragged gasps. The other wolves in the circle exchanged worried glances, their eyes never leaving Cedar's stricken form.

"You can call me Ash," the alpha replied, his voice gentle and reassuring. "And you have my word, Cedar, that you will not be alone in this. We will take care of you till you get better; you have proven yourself worthy of the pack." As he spoke, the other wolves in the circle nodded in agreement, their eyes filled with a mixture of compassion and determination.

Cedar felt his body begin to ache; the pain was becoming unbearable; his heart was racing; his breath came out in ragged gasps; and his vision began to blur. "I don't feel so good," he managed to whisper. The alpha's expression turned grave as he hurried over to Cedar's side.

"Maybe I should shift into my human form; the pup doesn't have time yet." Ash thought somberly. He closes his eyes as he focuses on shifting, feeling his bones pop and crack as his body twists and turns into that of a human. He sighs as he stands on two legs, looking down at Cedar. "You should stay in your human form for now on; the same goes for your mate." Ash gently tells Cedar, and he kneels beside him. "The wolves will take care of you both; just rest and focus on getting better."

Cedar can feel the metallic taste of blood work its way up to his throat as the pain wracks his body. He feels like he's being torn apart from the inside; every breath is a struggle. He looks up at the alpha, Ash, and whispers, "I'm sorry. I tried..." Tears stream down his face, but he forces a weak smile. The other wolves in the circle exchanged worried glances, their eyes filled with concern and pity.

"I never had the chance to find my brother." Cedar whispers weakly, his breath coming out in ragged gasps as he fights the pain. The alpha, Ash, nods understandingly, his expression solemn. He places a comforting hand on Cedar's shoulder, feeling the other man's body shudder with each racking cough.

Ash's thick, reddish-black hair fell across his forehead as he leaned over Cedar, his green eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. The other wolves in the circle formed a protective barrier around the pair, their fur bristling and their muscles tense. Despite his own pain and exhaustion, Ash knew that he had to be strong for Cedar and had to give him the strength he needed to fight through this.

"We should take him to the den," Talvi suggests sadly; her amber eyes never left her mate's face. She wanted nothing more than to stay with him, but she knew that they needed a safe place where they could properly care for him. Ash nods in agreement, gently lifting Cedar into his arms. The other wolves in the circle step forward to help, forming a protective barrier around the injured pair as they make their way through the forest towards the pack's den.

Ash shouldn't have to be so harsh to the young pup, he thought regretfully as he carried Cedar, his mate, to the den. He knew that he had to set an example and be strong for the pack, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt. The other wolves, sensing his unease, moved closer to them, their fur brushing against his arms and their breath warm on his neck. It was a comforting gesture, and he was grateful for it.

Cedar's hair was plastered to his sweaty forehead, and his breath came in ragged gasps as he fought against the pain that wracked his body. His eyes fluttered open and closed, trying to focus on the alpha. Ash, who was carrying him, placed his limp body on the den's floor. The other wolves in the circle formed a protective ring around them, their fur bristling and their muscles tense.

Out of nowhere, a scout came running into the den. "Alpha, there's an enemy wolf near the border; they reek of the solar flare pack." The scout informed him, his amber eyes widening with fear and worry. Ash snarled, his fangs bared, as he stood on two legs. "We have other plans to worry about! We got a pup injured right now; he needs our attention and care!' he barked, his voice filled with anger and frustration. The scout immediately backed away, not wanting to agitate the alpha further.

Without warning, Cedar's hazel eyes opened feverishly and locked on to Ash's. There was a desperate plea in them—a plea for understanding and forgiveness. Ash could feel the pain that Cedar was going through—the guilt and self-loathing. He wanted nothing more than to take it all away from him and make it all go away.

"A-a S-solar flare wolf?" Cedar questioned. He tried to move, but he was pushed down by Ash's hand. "I can help. I can find him." He whispered, tears streaming down his face. Ash hesitated for a moment, torn between wanting to help the pup and needing to focus on the pack's safety. The other wolves exchanged glances, their expressions filled with concern and uncertainty.

"W-what, D-did he look like?" Cedar asked for the shout, his voice barely above a whisper. The other wolves exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. They were torn between wanting to help the pup and needing to focus on the pack's safety. Finally, the scout who had delivered the news stepped forward. "He was a lone wolf, larger than us. Had slick black fur with green eyes. He was heading towards the river," he added.

"That must be my brother Jett! We both got exiled for my mother's death, and I was with him when the solar flare pack chased us out. I know it was his fault; he murdered my mother during a blackout, but I swear he's changed; he's not the same wolf that did that. He's not." Cedar sobbed, his words tumbling out in a desperate rush. His body was wracked with shudders as he fought against the pain, both physical and emotional. Ash ran his fingers through his thick, reddish-black hair, trying to find the right words to say, his expression torn.

"Alright, we'll go and get him back here." Ash finally said, his voice firm but gentle. The other wolves in the circle nodded in agreement, their eyes never leaving Cedar. They understood the bond between siblings, even if it was a bond born of tragedy and guilt.