Katie
The Alpha and Luna stood at the edge of the gathering. Their laughter and soft words with the villagers gradually faded, and the bustling square began to quiet. The warm, gentle hum of conversation turned to the sound of departing footsteps. A few villagers lingered while some exchanged farewells. But the air shifted as Alpha Edward and Luna Eunice made their way toward the path that would lead them back home.
The children, however, weren’t ready to let go. They clustered around me like a swarm of bright, eager faces. Their small hands tugged at my sleeves. Their eyes were wide with innocent pleading.
“Will you come back?” one of the girls asked. Her voice was full of hope, almost like a prayer.
I paused and crouched down to their level. My heart warmed despite the weight on my s
