Chapter 12
As Jane and her packmates made their way back to their den site, she felt a sharp pain shoot through her left hind leg. She stumbled, nearly losing her balance, and let out a cry of surprise.
Her mate was by her side in an instant, his eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong?" he asked, nudging her gently with his nose.
Jane tried to stand up again, but the pain was too intense. She whimpered, feeling as though her leg was on fire.
"I think I hurt my leg," she said, wincing as she tried to put weight on it.
Her packmates gathered around her, murmuring their worries and offering their support. They examined her leg, sniffing and licking at the injured limb.
"It's definitely swollen," one of them said, "and there's a deep scratch here."
Jane gritted her teeth, feeling the pain intensify with each passing moment. She knew that they had to take action, and quickly, before the injury got worse.
Her mate helped her to her feet, and together they began to make their way back towards the den site. It was slow going, with Jane hobbling awkwardly and wincing with every step.
As they neared the den, the pack's healer emerged from the shadows. He was an old wolf, with deep wisdom etched into the lines of his face.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm.
Jane explained the situation, showing him her injured leg. The healer sniffed at the wound, examining it closely.
"It's a deep gash," he murmured. "You need to rest and let it heal, or it will only get worse."
Jane nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment and frustration. She had been growing stronger and more skilled with each passing day, and now this injury would set her back.
But she knew that the healer was right, and that she needed to take care of herself in order to fully recover. She limped into the den, feeling the eyes of the pack upon her.
She could see their concern and their worry, but also their respect and admiration for her strength and courage. They knew that she would recover, and that she would once again be a vital member of their pack.
For the next few days, Jane rested and took care of her injured leg. Her mate and her packmates brought her food and water, and kept a watchful eye on her.
As the days turned into weeks, the wound slowly began to heal. The swelling went down, and the pain subsided. Jane could feel her strength returning, her muscles growing stronger with each passing day.
Eventually, she was able to stand and move around freely again, her leg fully healed. She let out a joyful bark, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
She looked out over the rolling hills and the dense forest, feeling grateful for the support and love of her pack. She knew that, no matter what challenges lay ahead, she would always have them by her side.
With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Jane stepped forward, ready to face whatever the future held. She would never give up, never back down, and always stand tall in the face of adversity.
For she was a wolf, fierce and strong, and nothing could keep her down for long.