Blood Moon Rising

Chapter 6: Bonds Strengthen

The morning was welcomed by the Silver Moon Pack with activity as the sun rose over the horizon. Karina stretched as she stepped out of her bed, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. Though training with Tobias and the other pack members had become a part of her daily routine, she still treated it as a new beginning that will build her slowly, piece by piece. It had been her promise to accept each day as the Moon Goddess’ gift for her.

After a hearty breakfast, Karina went to Caius’ cabin. She had noticed that Caius often took morning walks around the perimeter of the pack's territory, a time when he interacts with his members and simply enjoy a conversation with them. Even if Caius hadn’t told her the reason, she knew it’s his way of connecting with his people as the pack’s Alpha. Today, she decided to join him, hoping for a chance to talk more personally with him.

Karina spotted Caius near the edge of the forest, standing quietly, hands behind him. His tall figure standing out against the backdrop of towering trees. His dark silver hair caught the sunlight, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. Caius noticed her presence and turned to her with a gentle smile on his face.

"Good morning, Karina," Caius greeted her, his voice calm and reassuring.

"Good morning, Caius," Karina replied, returning his smile. "Is it okay if I join you for a walk?"

"Of course, I would love to have some company," Caius said, gesturing for her to walk beside him. They set off along a narrow path that wound through the crowding trees of the forest. The air was fresh and cool, carrying the earthy scent of the forest a scent that Karina had always enjoyed.

They were both quiet for a while, enjoying the silence and the serenity of each other’s presence, the only the sound of the rustling of leaves underfoot could be heard. Karina took in the beauty of the surroundings, the tranquil atmosphere. A smile broke her lips as her mind wonder, reminding her to be grateful for being part of this peace.

"You've been adjusting well to life here in the pack," Caius remarked, breaking the silence. "You look fragile and broken when I first met you. But you’re different now.” Caius looked at her, his eyes filled with pride and joy. “You seem happy and strong. I'm impressed with your progress."

"Thank you," Karina replied, feeling a surge of gratitude. "It means a lot coming from you."

Caius nodded thoughtfully. "You've been through a lot, Karina. I can sense that, but you didn’t let it completely break you."

Karina glanced at him, surprised by his perceptiveness. "Yes, I have. But I find the right support I needed to heal. Being here...it's different. Your pack...it feels like a family."

Caius smiled, his expression gentle. "That's what we strive for. Unity, strength, and compassion. We're more than just a pack; we're a community that supports each other."

As they continued their walk, Karina found herself opening up to Caius in a way she hadn't with anyone else. She spoke about her upbringing in the Crimson Claw Pack, the harsh training, and the constant pressure to meet expectations. She talked about her father's relentless demands and her mother's silent suffering.

"It wasn't easy," Karina admitted, her voice tinged with emotion. "I felt like I was constantly fighting for acceptance."

Caius listened attentively, his eyes reflecting understanding. "You're safe here, Karina. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone."

Karina felt a lump form in her throat. "Thank you, Caius. Since I’ve come here you and the others never fail to make me feel that I’m safe here, that I’m accepted.” Tears swelling in her eyes. “You showed me that I didn’t have to prove myself to you, or to anyone just to be accepted. Thank you for giving me the chance."

They walked on, the weight of Karina's past gradually easing as if she is leaving all of it behind with each step. She spoke about her dreams for the future, of becoming a skilled warrior and finding her place in the pack. Caius offered words of encouragement and wisdom, sharing stories of his own journey and the challenges he had faced as Alpha.

"I believe in you, Karina," Caius said, his voice firm yet gentle. "You have the strength and determination to achieve anything you set your mind to."

Karina felt a surge of gratitude towards Caius, his belief in her giving her renewed confidence but something inside her conflicting her. She hadn’t told everything about her yet. She hadn’t told him about her healing abilities. She couldn’t bring herself to open it up to him yet. She didn’t know Caius would take that kind of information about her. Doubts of how she will treat her and accept her still bothers her. She knew she couldn’t tell them, especially the fact that she didn’t know she got that ability or where she got it from.

They continued their walk, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the forest. By the time they returned to the settlement, Karina felt a sense of connection with Caius, a bond forged through shared experiences and mutual respect.

As they parted ways, Caius clasped her shoulder gently. "If you ever need guidance or support, don't hesitate to come to me, I will support you with everything I can."

"I won't," Karina promised, her heart filled with gratitude.

She watched his back walking away from her. Her heart filled with admiration and respect, making her guilt to hunt her for not telling everything.

Karina heaved a sigh and was about to walk to the training ground when she felt as sharp pain in her chest. She could hear her ears ringing as she clasps her chest tightly as she kneeled to the ground, her other hand supporting herself. The pain was too overwhelming that she felt like she forgot how to breath, as tears started falling from her eyes.

She started having vivid visions of Derek, her former Alpha, her mate, enjoying a passionate kiss with Elara, his chosen mate.

A tap on her shoulder pulled her back to her senses, calming her and steadying her breathing. She looked up to see Maris, looking at her with a worried look. Caius was running towards her from a distance.

Maris helped her up and guided her to sit on a bench as she gentle rubbed her back. “What happened? Are you okay?” Maris called someone to bring them some water and a tower.

“Y-Yeah. I just had.. a panic attack.” Karina lied. She didn’t know what just happened, but her vision felt real, as if she was standing close to them watching her old mate kiss someone else.

“What’s the matter? Is something bothering you?” Maris asked her, handing her a glass of water while wiping her sweats.

“It’s nothing. I just had a recollection of what happened back in my old pack.”

Caius knelt to meet her eyes, his eyes searching hers. “We should’ve talk about it if you’re not ready yet.”

“It’s fine. I wanted to talk about it with you, that’s why I did.” Karina gave them a reassuring smile. She doesn’t want them to worry about her even more.

“You should rest for today. Come on..” Caius offered his hand to her which she accepts. “Let’s go back to your cabin.”

Karina nodded at her and didn’t say anything. She wanted to rest and lay in her bed for the rest of the day. The pain she felt took most of her energy, she couldn’t force herself to train even if she wanted to. Karina bit her lip, a bitter emotion clouding her as the thought of how her past couldn’t stop hunting her.