Rise of the Luna (completed)

6-Putting the past behind

- Kayla’s POV -

Seeing Leyton so confused and hurt was heartbreaking. I didn’t want him to feel sad for me because he had done nothing wrong. He is the future Beta and as werewolves, we were always taught to put loyalty to the Alpha and duty to the pack above all else. It was the only way that we would be strong as a pack. It was his duty to go to boarding school to train for his role as the future Beta and as his sister, I’m proud of him!

Besides, not being able to speak wasn’t so bad. I could still communicate with others by writing or signing. After Leyton left, I also realized that I could do something that no other werewolves could do, or at least I don’t think werewolves can do this. It happened by chance once that I was upset and lonely, so I went back to our old house. There was a new family living there but the century old oak tree in the yard was still there. Seeing that the house was dark, I assumed no one was home and ventured into the yard, leaning against the oak tree to try and feel some connection to my happy past.

To my surprise, the tree spoke to me! It was like a voice in my head and he could hear my thoughts. He told me that his name was Eichen and that he remembered me and my family. Eichen told me stories of other families who lived in the house in the last 500 years, including stories of Mum and Leyton before I was born. It was so comforting to have someone from the past, someone who knew me and my family. After that day, I sneaked back to the yard a few more times to talk to Eichen. Eventually he introduced me to other trees that I could go to and talk to him through them.

On my sixteenth birthday, I felt my wolf but for some reason, I couldn’t hear her or talk to her or shift. Everyone just assumed that I was wolfless and the rumors about me being cursed became worse. It made me mad that my wolf would do that to me and I tried to constantly reassure myself that I can’t be cursed because I do have a wolf! And I can communicate with trees! And I have a mum and a brother who loves me! I am special! At least that’s what I feel on some days. Most of the time, it’s just too difficult to feel good about myself when no one would give me any reason to.

I was lost in my thoughts until Leyton abruptly stood up and left the table. Confused, I took a few bites of breakfast and hurried to look for him. I found him at our old secret hideout near the entrance of the forest. It was a small clearing surrounded by cherry blossom trees and we would always hide here when we were kids if Mum was mad at us.

- Leyton’s POV -

I needed some fresh air to clear my thoughts and figure out what to do next. I can’t look at her and still hold those doubts and anger towards her. She was only a kid! What could she have done? My wolf nods in agreement and sends me a reassuring warmth in my heart. As she walked towards me, I couldn’t help but hug her as tightly as I could. It was time to put the past behind and to heal.