Darken Moon University

The day before.. : Aelira

Today was the day before the start of my new life.

It had been a very eventful two weeks. My adoptive parents had been nothing but helpful. They took me to the bank to set up an account and deposit some money they had set aside in case Isaac decided to go to college. I was grateful for it. It would give me time to find an on-campus job and leave me with some savings in case of an emergency.

I hadn’t seen much of Isaac lately. I wasn’t even sure if he knew what was going on.

I picked out my clothes for the day: a long black shirt that slipped off one shoulder and a pair of black leggings. As I got dressed, I found myself staring into the mirror.

I had always considered myself average.

My long black hair fell in soft waves to the middle of my back. My eyes were my most noticeable feature—one blue and one silver, just like my mother’s. I was petite, barely five-foot-one in shoes, and though I was slim, I had a larger chest than most girls my size.

I only ever transformed into my wolf during pack runs. Aspen tended to be territorial, so we didn’t communicate often. Honestly, I thought it was because she didn’t consider anywhere our true home. That was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to become a healer. I wanted the freedom to choose my own pack.

All I wanted was a place to belong—one that wasn’t forced upon me.

After a few more moments of staring and thinking about Aspen, I opened my bedroom door and headed downstairs to get some boxes from the garage that Mike said I could use.

I walked through the front hallway and entered the garage. It was a two-car garage. One side had been converted into a gym while Cheryl’s car occupied the other. The moment I stepped inside, I noticed Isaac working out.

He stopped and looked up.

“Come here,” Isaac said.

My stomach tightened.He never spoke to me. What did he want? Hopefully he wasn’t upset.

I walked over, and he motioned for me to sit on the bench while he grabbed his water bottle. Sweat dripped from his brow as he took a long drink and ran a hand through his dark black hair. He let out a sigh.

“Why did you never tell anyone you wanted to be a healer?” he asked. “It just seems kind of random. You know you’re welcome here, right? You don’t have to leave.”

I stared at him, confused.Why would he want me to stay? I always thought I was just a burden they felt obligated to keep around.

“I figured it would be better if I made my own path,” I said quietly. “And I’ve always wanted to help people, just like you guys helped me.” I bit my lip and looked up at him. Isaac stepped closer.

“As long as it’s what you want, that’s all that matters. You’re my sister whether you think so or not.”

My breath caught.

“I know we don’t talk much,” he continued, “but I try not to. I don’t want to accidentally use my alpha aura on you. That’s why I keep my distance most of the time. Besides…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not exactly good with girls.”

A small laugh escaped me.

His lips twitched into a grin.

“But I do have one request.”

I looked up.

“When you’re at school, actually live a little. Don’t spend all your time locked in your room. Make at least one friend.”

His expression softened.

“That’s all I’m asking.”

I stared at him.

For years, I had convinced myself I was just some charity case they took in out of pity.

Maybe I had been wrong.

“I’ll do my best,” I said with a smile. “Thank you, Isaac.”

Before I could react, he pulled me into a sweaty hug. I nearly froze from surprise. I could feel his wolf purring in satisfaction, the same territorial instinct I had heard happened in families with daughters.

For the first time, I felt like I belonged.

When he finally stepped back, I grabbed the boxes stacked behind the weight bench.

“Need help?” he asked.

I shook my head.

For a brief second, something almost sad flashed across his face before he covered it with a smile.

“Alright. Don’t drop them.”

I rolled my eyes and headed back inside.

As I carried the boxes upstairs, I couldn’t stop thinking about our conversation. I had spent so many years assuming I was alone that I never allowed myself to see what was right in front of me.

Maybe my past had become a shield.

Maybe I was so afraid of getting hurt that I never gave anyone the chance to prove they cared. If I wanted this new chapter of my life to be different, then I had to be different too.

Back in my room, I grabbed the tape Cheryl had left on my bed and assembled the boxes. I packed my clothes, books, and a few personal items. I never owned much. Possessions had never meant much to me. When I finally finished, I opened my nightstand drawer and pulled out the one thing I always kept close.

A photograph of my mother. I carefully wrapped it in one of my scarves and tucked it into my backpack—the one I’d be taking on the plane.

Only then did I look around.

Two boxes.

One suitcase.

One backpack.

Everything I owned sat in front of me.

My entire life.

I couldn’t wait to start a new one. When I finally left my room, everyone was gathering for dinner.The atmosphere felt different tonight.

Sad.

Bittersweet.

Like everyone knew things were about to change. I followed Cheryl into the dining room and helped set the table. Dinner was filled with laughter, stories, and conversations.

For once, it felt easy.

Natural.

Like I wasn’t an outsider looking in.

Maybe I had always been family.

Maybe I had just been too scared to believe it.

After dinner, Mike asked me to come to his office once I finished helping Cheryl clean up.

When the dishes were done, I headed down the hallway.

His office sat at the very end of the house and was one of my favorite rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the forest beyond the backyard.

When I entered, Mike sat behind his desk reading paperwork.

He adjusted his glasses and motioned for me to sit.

I dropped into the chair.

He smiled.

“I talked to the alpha.”

My eyes widened.

“He already knew you applied. Apparently he gave you a recommendation because he’s friends with one of the counselors. He thought it would be good for you to branch out.”

Mike chuckled.

“Although I think Derek has an ulterior motive. He’s probably hoping you’ll come back and become our healer since we haven’t had one in years.”

I shook my head.Part of me was annoyed that everyone seemed to know except me. But another part of me felt strangely touched. People had been supporting me behind the scenes all along.

“Who knows?” I said. “Maybe things will work out that way.”

Mike studied me carefully, as if trying to determine whether I truly meant it. Then he smiled.

“I want whatever you want.”

The words hit harder than I expected.

“That’s my job as your parent,” he continued. “To support you in whatever path you choose.”

Then he grinned.

“Though I wouldn’t complain if I got some grandchildren someday.”

I groaned.

“Mike!”

He burst out laughing. Despite my embarrassment, tears filled my eyes. Happy tears. Because that was all I had ever wanted. A family. Someone who chose me. He stood and wrapped me in a hug. I hugged him back. Neither of us rushed to let go. Eventually, he stepped away and handed me a bank card.

“I wanted to give you this before you left. And remember, if you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask. Your studies come first.”

I nodded.

“Thank you.”

He squeezed my shoulder and walked me back to my room before giving me one last hug. When he finally left, I stood in the middle of the room and looked around. Maybe I had meant more here than I ever realized. I changed into my pajamas for the last time in the room I’d called mine for the past two years. The boxes were packed. My suitcase sat by the my door. My backpack rested against my desk with my mother’s picture safely tucked inside. Tomorrow, everything would change.

Darken Moon University.

A new home.

New people.

New challenges.

Maybe even a place where Aspen and I could finally belong. As I laid my head on the pillow and closed my eyes, I couldn’t stop the smile that crept across my face.

For the first time in a long time, I was excited for the future.