The Abandoned Luna's Journey to Power Chapter 222: Assistant

Cindy's POV:

Rupert paused, speaking deliberately, each word weighed, "Endure it. Since we've started, we must carry it through, no matter what happens. The suffering of today is worth a pair of legs that can run freely."

His words hit like a boulder thrown into a deep lake.

Everyone knew it was right logically, but emotionally, it only made the ache deeper.

Roger turned away, eyes red, and slammed his fist against a corridor pillar.

We pushed the door open.

The room had already been arranged as a temporary operating theater.

All unnecessary furniture had been moved out, leaving only a sturdy hardwood bed covered with absorbent white cloth.

Astra was already lying on it.

He wore a loose white shirt and pants, the right pant leg cut open to reveal the twisted, injured limb beneath.

He had just taken a bitter tonic prepared by Rupert, meant to awaken a wolf's natural healing potential.

His face was pale, his forehead slick with cold sweat.

Seeing all of us flood in, each with sorrow written on our faces, Astra froze for a moment.

He blinked his silver-gray eyes.

And then, to everyone's shock, he smiled at tear-streaked Fiona.

He lifted his frail little hand and made a tiny fist, pumping it in the air—a silent gesture of courage and reassurance. His gaze was bright, unwavering, as if telling these fragile adults, Don't worry. I'm not afraid.

Several of the elders couldn't hold it. They covered their mouths, crying openly.

At that moment, the door burst open with the sound of steady, urgent footsteps.

"Prince Adam has arrived."

The curtain was swept aside, letting in a cold gust of wind and a presence that filled the room.

Prince Adam was here.

He wasn't wearing his elaborate royal regalia. Instead, he wore a sharp, fitted black uniform with his sleeves rolled tight, looking less like a prince and more like a soldier ready for battle.

"Your Highness!" Roger and the others quickly saluted, astonishment and gratitude in their eyes.

No one expected that, in the middle of a busy morning and during such a sensitive time, Prince Adam would personally come to oversee a surgery for a child not even related by blood.

"No formalities," Prince Adam said, striding to the bedside, eyes locked on Astra.

He reached out, enveloping Astra's small hand—the one still raised in a little fist—in his large, warm hand.

"Ready?" Prince Adam asked, not like speaking to a child, but like checking on a comrade.

Astra nodded firmly, the light in his eyes intensifying.

Prince Adam turned to the room.

"The air in here is too heavy, and it's too crowded. It will interfere with the doctor and increase the risk of infection."

His voice brooked no argument. "All the women, and any men who can't handle this—leave. Go wait in the front hall."

"Your Highness..." Fiona hesitated.

"Out," Prince Adam's tone sharpened. "Your tears and fear are contagious. An Alpha in pain doesn't need pity. He needs quiet and strength."

Though harsh, it made sense.

Roger gritted his teeth and pulled sobbing Fiona along. "We'll listen to His Highness! Let's go! Don't make this harder!"

Soon, only Rupert, Prince Adam, and I remained in the room.

"You too," Prince Adam said, looking at me. His gaze softened slightly but remained firm.

"I'm staying," I said stubbornly, standing my ground. "I promised I'd be here with him. I promised I'd be the one to hold him down."

"Cindy."

Prince Adam stepped closer, hands on my shoulders, lowering his gaze to meet mine. "I know you hurt for him. But trust me, there are things you shouldn't witness. And..."

He glanced at Astra on the bed. "This boy has pride. With you here, he'll push through the pain to avoid upsetting you, which will make his muscles tense and make the surgery harder.

"Instead, I will stay. I'm an Alpha of royal blood. My scent can calm him and give him strength. So, I'll hold him and guard him like a father."

I froze.

I looked at Astra.

He was staring at Prince Adam, eyes filled with absolute trust and admiration.

For a young wolf cub who had lost his father, the presence of a strong, mountain-like adult Alpha could soothe and stabilize him far more than a gentle female relative ever could.

My eyes burned.

I went to the bedside, bent down one last time, and kissed Astra on the forehead.

"I am just outside. If it hurts, scream. Don't hold it in. Remember, you're the bravest of the Silverpeak wolves."

Astra stretched out his hand and, with all his strength, wrote two massive words in the air.

Not afraid.

I covered my mouth, holding back tears, and turned to leave.

The door slammed shut behind me.