Blood Moon Rising

Chapter 2: A New Chance

Karina ran swiftly through the dense forest, she hissed, feeling the cool night air sting her skin. The forest floor was uneven, roots and rocks could trip her with each step if she made a wrong move, but she couldn’t afford to slow down or even stop. Every beat of her heart was a reminder of her desperation and the harsh rejection she had faced in Derek’s hand. She had no clear direction or any destination, just an overwhelming need to get as far away from the Crimson Claw Pack as possible. Getting away from her former pack was all she could think of.

The moonlight was hardly visible through the dense tree branches overhead, casting eerie shadows that seems like dancing around her. The sounds of nocturnal creatures filled the air, but Karina was too preoccupied by her own thoughts to notice anything around her. Derek’s words kept playing back in her head over and over, each repetition a stab to her heart. She had given everything to the pack, devoted herself to the pack, yet it had never been enough.

Her body ached from the beatings from the day before she left, and the emotional toll weighed heavily on her. Her legs were heavier with every step as exhaustion started to set in. But fear drove her forward. The fear of what might happen if she stopped, the fear of being alone if she gave in to the pain and fatigue.

As the night wore on, the forest appeared to go on forever. Karina’s breaths came in ragged gasps, her vision became blurry as she pushed herself beyond her limits and continue to push forward despite her exhausted body. She stumbled over a root, falling hard to the ground. She grunted with a loud thud. She lay there for a moment, the cold earth against her cheek, contemplating whether she had the strength to rise again and continue her unknown journey. But the image of Derek’s cold eyes and the distain of her former pack drove her to her feet once more.

It was almost dawn when Karina finally reached the borders of the Silver Moon Pack’s territory. A golden hue filled the forest as the first rays of sunlight made their way through the forest. Her legs gave out in exhaustion beneath her, and she collapsed near a stream, her body unable to go any further. She reached her limit. She couldn’t see anything but a tall and well-built figure approaching her, cloaked in the morning light before she finally gave in to her fatigue and exhaustion.

When Karina opened her eyes, she found herself in a soft, king-sized bed, a warm blanket wrapped around her. She blinked and roamed her eyes around, as she attempts to take in her surroundings. The room was simple but cozy, with wooden walls and a window that let in the gentle light of morning. She could hear the faint voices talking outside, but her mind was too foggy to understand what they were saying.

The door opened, and a half naked man stepped inside. He was tall, with a commanding presence and eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of years. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and Karina could see his concern towards her through his eyes.

“Good, you’re awake,” he said, his voice deep and reassuring. “I’m Caius, the alpha of the Silver Moon Pack. You’re safe here.”

Karina tried to sit up, wincing as pain shot through her body. Caius moved to her side and gently guided her to sit, placing pillows behind her to ensure she’s comfortable.

“Thank you,” she managed to say, her voice hoarse. “I...I don’t know how I got here, but I didn’t know where else to go.”

Caius nodded, his gaze kind. “I can see in your eyes that you’ve been through a lot. Rest now, and we’ll talk when you’re feeling better.”

Karina lay back down, exhaustion claiming her entirety once more. But this time, she felt a glimmer of hope. She had been found by the alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, a pack known for its compassion and strength. It wasn’t her plan to seek refuge in this pack, but her feet led her, with the guidance of the Moon Goddess. Perhaps here, she could find the acceptance and belonging she had always yearned for.

When Karina awoke again, the sun was high up in the sky. She felt a little stronger, the fog in her mind clearing. She looked around the room, taking in the simple but welcoming decor. There was a small table with a vase of wildflowers, their sweet scent filling the air. Karina inhaled the scent with a warm heart, comforting her exhausted heart. A soft knock on the door drew her attention, and a young woman entered, carrying a tray of food. Karina’s stomach immediately informed her how starved she was the moment the delicious smell captured her nose.

“Hello,” the woman said with a warm smile. “I’m Maris, the healer. Caius asked me to bring you something to eat. Here, have some. How are you feeling?”

Karina managed a small smile in return. “Better, thank you.”

Maris carefully placed the tray on the bedside table. “I’ve made some herbal tea. It should help with the pain. And there’s some broth and bread. I figured I should give you an easy on the stomach meal since you looked like you haven’t eaten for weeks.”

Karina’s stomach growled at the sight of the food. She realized she hadn’t eaten in what felt like days. “Thank you,” she said again, grateful for the kindness.

Maris sat by her side, offering gentle conversation as she ate to make her comfortable and at ease. Karina learned that the Silver Moon Pack was indeed known for its strong sense of community and care for one another. It was the toral contrast to the harsh and unforgiving nature of the Crimson Claw Pack.

After finishing her meal, Karina felt a little more like herself, her strength was refreshed. Maris helped her out of bed and walked her outside. The pack was located at the beautiful valley. It was surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. The air was fresh, filled with the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves, as they dances with the wind.

Caius was waiting for them outside a large, central cabin. He greeted Karina with a nod, his expression thoughtful.

“Karina, before this pack truly accepts you, we first need to understand what happened,” he said gently. “Can you tell us why you were alone in the forest?”

Karina took a deep breath and began telling her story. She talked about the mistreatment she had endured in the Crimson Claw Pack, how they was constantly belittle her, and how Derek, the Alpha of the Crimson Claw pack, her mate, heartlessly rejected her. As she spoke, the members of the Silver Moon Pack gathered around, listening intently.

Caius’s expression grew darker as she describe the cruelty she had faced in detail. When she finished, there was a heavy silence. It was Caius who broke the silence.

“You are welcome here, Karina,” he said firmly. “The Silver Moon Pack does not turn away those in need. You will be safe with us.”

Tears filled Karina’s eyes, but this time they were tears of relief. She felt the weight of the past finally being lift off her chest, replaced by a newfound sense of hope.

Karina began to adjust to her new life in the next few days. The Silver Moon Pack was everything the Crimson Claw Pack was not. All of the members were valued, regardless of their strength or role. Karina found herself drawn to their way of life, their sense of unity and compassion.

She spent her days learning about the pack’s customs and volunteered whenever she could. Maris gladly taught her about the herbs and remedies they used, and Karina discovered a natural talent for healing without revealing her abilities to the pack members. The more she learned, the more she felt a sense of purpose she had never known before.

Caius was particularly concerned about her welfare and often checked in to see how she was adapting. His was firm but also a firm leader, and it was clear that he respected every member of his pack. Karina found herself admiring him, not just as an alpha, but she also him as someone who genuinely care about the safety of his people.

One evening, found herself sitting by the fire with Caius as the sun was setting in valley, a beautiful picture they both enjoyed. The other pack members were scattered around, some talking, others simply enjoying the peaceful evening.

“How are you feeling right now?” Caius asked, his voice soft and gentle.

Karina smiled. “Better than I have in a long time. Thank you, Caius. For everything.”

With his eyes reflecting the firelight, he smiled back at her. “You’ve shown great strength these past few days, Karina. Not many could endure what you have and come out the other side with such resilience.”

She looked down, feeling a mix of emotions. “I just want to find a place where I’m accepted. I just want to belong.”

Caius reached out to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “You’ve found it. The Silver Moon Pack is your home now if you choose to stay. We will gladly welcome you.”

Tears welled up her eyes again, but this time they were tears of joy as she nodded. “I choose to stay,” she whispered.

Karina felt a sense of peace settle over her as the fire crackled and the stars began to shine overhead. Amid her pain and despair, she had found a new home, a place where she was valued and accepted. For the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope for the future.

Karina knows it would not be an easy journey. She knew there were challenges to come, both from her past and in adapting to her new life. But Karina felt ready to face whatever came her way because of Caius and the Silver Moon Pack. She was no longer alone; she had found her family, and with them, she would find her strength.