that last good day

Time had passed and her condition didn't appear to be getting any better. Her wounds had taken too long to heal. The pain that ebbed and flowed through her never seemed to really dissipate. And the thing about being wolves, there's no technology to say "hey, you're internally bleeding!" Instead, as much as Ethne's healers attempted to cure her, Celeste knew there was no hope. Her captors had done a number on her and there was no turning back.

All she had wanted to do was go home. To be around her loved ones for her last remaining days. She had been told Tamago had come looking for her, but she hadn't wanted him to see her in this condition. Weak, feeble, coughing so badly that she could see blood upon the grass. A symptom that she hadn't indulged to anyone. There was no point. No amount of herbs or care would save her now. And as much as she wanted to say good bye to all of her pups who were no doubt grown by now, she only requested Kuroki. The man that had loved and cared from her from basically the day they met. He had been perfect for her in so many ways that it broke her heart to be saying good bye already.

Celeste woke up that winter morning feeling rejuvenated. Energy surged through her, so much so that she had been able to walk around without assistance. Happy that she could manage eating and drinking on her own, she had gone looking for Haydee. As they spoke, she could feel herself slowly slip away. Her brain grew foggy, her legs grew sore. There wasn't much time left. Thankfully a bird had been sent for Kuroki a week or earlier to give him time to make his way to Ethne. After some discussion, Celeste said her goodbyes and left Ethne without another look back. Telling Haydee to send Kuroki to the nearby beach, Celeste struggled.

Her paws dragged, her breath ragged, she almost doesn't make it, but perseveres. She wants to be just Kuroki and her. Of course, Cy and other would be welcome if they showed up, but it would only make it harder. Sliding down the sandy dunes toward the beach as the afternoon wanes, she wraps herself tighter in the sheepskin she was given by the healers. Finding a somewhat private alcove to nestle down in, Celeste lays her chin up on her paws and watches the sparkling waves roll in and out as she waits to say goodbye.