Beyond death

History

Alba’s POV

As I stirred awake, my hand instinctively reached for the warmth of Enzo beside me, only to find the empty space where he had been. A moment of confusion settled in as I sat up, scanning the room for any sign of him. My eyes caught a neatly folded note on the nightstand, and I reached for it.

Alba,

You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn’t want to wake you. I’ve gone to spend some time with my mother and sister. I’ll see you at dinner.

Enzo.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I folded the note and set it aside. His thoughtfulness warmed me, though a sudden pang of nausea disrupted my calm, sending me rushing to the washroom.

The sharp pang subsided as quickly as it had come, leaving me unsettled. I splashed cold water on my face, trying to steady myself. As I brushed my teeth, the reflection in the mirror revealed someone changed—my features were the same, but there was an undeniable shift in my expression, as though the events of the past few days had imprinted themselves upon me. My wolf had emerged, my ties to the pack deepened, and my future seemed to stretch out in directions I could barely fathom.

After slipping into a light blue muslin dress, I wandered the corridors of the villa, eventually finding myself in the pack’s library. It was a haven of knowledge, tucked away in a quiet wing of the house. Shelves lined with volumes of various sizes and ages whispered secrets of the supernatural world. The scent of aged parchment and polished wood enveloped me as I stepped inside, a calming contrast to the turmoil within me.

There, amid the shelves, sat Alessandro, engrossed in a thick tome. He looked so absorbed that I almost hesitated to disturb him, but his familiar presence drew me in.

“Zio, where have you been? I’ve barely seen you!” I exclaimed as I approached him.

He glanced up, his warm smile lighting the room. “Ah, Alba! After last night’s excitement, I had an early night and decided to spend the day here. There’s so much to learn about our family and this pack’s history.”

Settling across from him, I caught a glimpse of the book he held. “What are you reading about now?”

Alessandro leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “A story about Aeternus and Caterina. It’s one of the most cherished tales of this pack—a story of destiny, love, and the foundation of Silva Luporum.”

Intrigued, I prompted him, “Tell me more.”

He closed the book gently, leaning forward as though sharing a treasured secret. “Aeternus, as you know, was the founder of Silva Luporum. After his great battle with Serafina, the evil witch queen, he was gravely wounded. The victory had cost him dearly, and he wandered the forests for days, seeking solace but finding none. In his weakened state, he remained in his wolf form, unable to shift back. He feared that if he returned to human form, his injuries would overwhelm him.”

Alessandro’s voice softened, drawing me deeper into the tale. “On the third night of his wandering, beneath a crescent moon, he prayed to the Moon Goddess for guidance. He begged her to show him a sign, a place where he could find healing or meet his end with dignity. It was then that the moon’s light shifted, illuminating a narrow path through the forest that he hadn’t noticed before. He followed it, his instincts sharp despite his weakened state.”

I imagined Aeternus—battered, determined, and guided by the moon—making his way through the dark forest. “Where did the path lead?” I asked, leaning closer.

“To a small cottage at the edge of the forest,” Alessandro continued. “Its light was a beacon in the darkness, and he collapsed just outside its door. Caterina, the daughter of a humble farmer and a gifted healer, found him there—a great silver wolf, battered and near death. She didn’t know who or what he was, only that he was suffering. She took him in and began to care for him, tending his wounds and offering him shelter.”

“She wasn’t afraid?” I asked, unable to imagine such courage.

“At first, yes,” Alessandro admitted. “But the Moon Goddess had whispered to her in a dream the night before, telling her that a great wolf would come to her in need and that he carried a destiny intertwined with her own. She trusted the dream, and as she tended to him, she began to see the nobility in his eyes.”

“For days, Aeternus remained in wolf form, gaining strength under her care. But as his body healed, so did his trust in her,” Alessandro said, his voice tinged with reverence. “Finally, when he was strong enough, he shifted back into human form. Caterina was startled but not frightened. Aeternus explained who he was and why he had been in such a state. She listened, and though she had never been part of a pack, she felt an unexplainable pull toward him.”

“They were destined mates,” I whispered, the truth dawning on me.

“Yes,” Alessandro confirmed. “The Moon Goddess had chosen them for each other, not just for love but for the strength their bond would bring to Silva Luporum. Aeternus stayed with her as he recovered fully, and during that time, their connection deepened. They talked of their dreams and their fears, of the future they could build together. When Aeternus finally returned to Silva Luporum, he asked Caterina to come with him, to stand beside him as his Luna. She agreed, knowing that her place was with him.”

“And the pack accepted her?”

“They did,” Alessandro affirmed. “Though she wasn’t born of wolf blood, Caterina’s compassion and her bond with Aeternus earned her the pack’s respect. Together, they rebuilt Silva Luporum, creating not just a pack but a family. Aeternus envisioned a hierarchy where differences strengthened them, rather than divided them. Wolves and witches, those of mixed blood or those with unique gifts—all had a place here. This mixed hierarchy was the first of its kind, and though it wasn’t without its challenges, it proved to be a beacon for others. Packs from far and wide came to Silva Luporum to learn how harmony could be achieved.”

I absorbed his words, the weight of them settling over me like a warm embrace.

“Zio,” I said softly, “this pack feels more like home with every story I hear.”

“It’s a special place,” he agreed, his smile tinged with pride. “And you’re part of it now. Just as Caterina found her place, so will you.”

I nodded, the weight of his words settling over me. “Thank you for sharing this with me. I think I’ll spend more time in the library while we’re here. There’s so much to learn.”

Alessandro’s grin widened. “The library holds a wealth of knowledge, Alba. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Knowledge is a powerful ally for a werewolf.”

“I will,” I promised, rising from my seat. “And thank you again, Zio. This means more to me than I can say.”

He inclined his head. “It’s my pleasure, Alba. Now, shall we head to the dining hall? It’s nearly time for dinner, and I think we’ve earned a good meal.”