Blood moon

Chapter 85. Gratitude

The full moon's silvery glow illuminated the dense forest surrounding the old Garroway mansion. Deep in the thicket, in a secret clearing, sat a small log cabin, where Vivian Garroway, George's mother, sat in front of a dim fire. Her eyes, framed by wrinkles of worry and years of wisdom, stared into the flames as her mind wandered to the future of her only son.

George had assumed the position of leader of the werewolf pack years ago, and Vivian couldn't have been prouder. Ever since he was a boy, she had noticed the strength and determination in her son, qualities that had led him to become a respected leader in the werewolf community. However, that was not enough for her.

With a sigh, Vivian spoke aloud, as if the flame of the campfire could be her confidant on this full moonlit night.

—My dear George, leading our pack is an impressive achievement, but I know you deserve more. You deserve the happiness and peace of mind that only true love can bring.

As Vivian's words filled the air, the wind blew softly through the trees, as if nature itself was listening to her longing. She continued, her thoughts taking shape in words as she looked up at the stars twinkling in the night sky.

—I hope one day you find that special person who completes you, George. Someone who makes you feel complete, not just as a pack leader, but as a man. Marriage would be beneficial to you and to our pack. Your offspring would be strong and carry our legacy into the future.

Vivian knew George's leadership was strong, but she couldn't help but think of the other pack leader, Hunter Halland. She sighed again, remembering past tensions between the two packs.

—And yet Hunter Halland remains an obstacle to us. The conflict between our packs has gone on for far too long, and I can't help but think that if you had a wife by your side, you could find a peaceful solution to end this war.

As his mother's words hung in the air, George Garroway stood miles away, inside Halland Manor, watching the woman who had occupied his thoughts for so long. The look of love he gave Sarah Halland was unmistakable, but it was also filled with sadness and conflict. He knew his love for her was a dangerous secret, one that could spark an even more destructive war between the two packs.

Vivian, oblivious to her son's feelings, continued to talk with the campfire as her confidant.

—George, if only you could see how beneficial it would be to all of us if Hunter Halland were to disappear from our lives. If you could make sure he no longer posed a threat to our pack and to yourself.

Her words were lost in the night, as George Garroway's mother continued to ponder her son's fate and her desire for a marriage that would bring peace to the lycanthrope community. Deep in her heart, however, she could not imagine the secrets and complications surrounding the forbidden love of her son and the woman who, to him, was everything.

The goddess Selene, the protector of the werewolves, watched from a hilltop over the pack she had sworn to guard and guide. In the silvery light of the full moon, the grey wolves moved in the forest glade like living shadows. But there was one in particular that captured his attention: Hunter Halland, the youngest son of the pack.

Hunter was a special wolf, of that there was no doubt. His silver coat shimmered in the moonlight, and his gaze was sharp and noble. Since his birth, Selene had felt a special connection to him, as if their fates were somehow intertwined. In her immortal mind, she watched Hunter grow from a playful puppy to a strong and determined adult wolf.

In recent years, a tension had arisen in the pack. Harley, an equally impressive wolf, had led the pack with a firm hand for a long time. He was a born leader, with a strong presence and outstanding skills. However, his arrogance had grown over time, and his decisions had begun to jeopardise the unity of the pack.

Selene had watched with sadness as the pack split into factions under Harley's leadership. Hunter's nobility and desire for unity among the wolves had earned him the respect and affection of many. The goddess had watched silently, wondering if it was time for a change.

On that particular night, as the moon shed its light on the pack, Selene decided to intervene. She descended from the hill in the form of an ethereal figure clad in silver robes. Her presence provoked a reverent silence among the wolves, who knelt before her.

Hunter Halland stepped forward with respect and humility, his silver fur shimmering in the moonlight.

—Goddess Selene, how may we serve you tonight?

Selene smiled tenderly and reached out a hand towards Hunter, stroking his head in a gesture of approval.

—Hunter, my son, you have proven yourself to be a noble and loyal wolf over the years. Your leadership has been exemplary, and your love for this pack is evident. However, I have also seen the division that has emerged under Harley's leadership. Pride and arrogance can be detrimental to a pack.

Hunter's eyes filled with sadness as he nodded.

—Goddess, my desire has always been for the unity of the pack. I do not wish to see it divided or in conflict. If I can serve in any way to achieve that...

Selene nodded approvingly.

—That is what I wish to hear, Hunter. Your heart is noble, and your loyalty unwavering. That is why I have been watching you closely. The time has come for a change in pack leadership.

The murmur of assent spread among the wolves present. All had felt the tension and conflict under Harley's leadership, and many longed for a change that would restore harmony.

Selene turned to Harley, who watched the scene with a mixture of surprise and resignation.

—Harley, you have been a strong leader, but pride has clouded you. Your leadership is no longer what this pack needs.

Harley lowered his head in submission.

—Goddess Selene, I accept your decision.

The goddess addressed Hunter again.

—Hunter Halland, as of tonight, you will assume leadership of the pack. Your nobility, your love for your pack, and your desire for unity make you the right leader in these difficult times.

Hunter stood with pride, but also with a humility that was characteristic of him.

—Goddess Selene, I accept this honour and this responsibility with gratitude. I will do everything in my power to lead our pack into a future of unity and prosperity.

The goddess smiled, radiant under the full moon.

—This is as it should be, Hunter. Now, raise your head with dignity and lead your pack into the peace and harmony they all need.

The pack cheered and howled in approval as Hunter officially became the new leader. Selene, satisfied with her decision, soared back up into the starry sky, leaving the wolves and their new leader with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.

In the heart of the night, under the light of the full moon, Hunter Halland became the leader his pack needed, guided by the wisdom and love of the goddess Selene.