Absconditum

Rose petals gently float across the water as the ice crystals fell from the grey sky. Winter's breath sent a chill down my spine, causing me to shiver in delight. My dark curls blew gently in the wind as I continue to pick the petals off of the flower. A thorn gently slid against my one finger, cutting the pale skin. Before a drop of blood could emerge, the skin instantly closed back up, trapping the life force inside.  "Eden, darling, come inside. It's far too chilly out here," my mother said as she wrapped a blanket around my shoulders.  Letting go of the thorn covered stem, I watched it fall gracefully to the snow covered earth. I turn towards my mother with a sad smile, trying my hardest to hide the pain on my face. But I knew she could see it, she's my mother after all. She could read me like one of her books, word by word.  "I know, it's hard," she said in a quiet tone as she placed a loving kiss on my forehead. I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, "Finn is going to be Alpha now, isn't he?"  "That is what we need to speak with you about....your brother doesn't want to become the leader." "What?" I couldn't suppress the surprise, my brother had always spoken of becoming the Alpha some day. He was the perfect example of one, strong, wise, kind and even had his mate now. One who would surely make an amazing Luna.  "I know, it's shocking but we shouldn't discuss it outside." "I don't under- "Shh, come now." As soon as the office doors opened I rushed over to my brother, "Why?" I could see him swallow as he nervously drummed his fingers on father's desk, "I was offered to become the King's general." "Oh..." I choked out, now even more in shock. "That's great...but then who...?" "Eden, you know who." I shook my head, "No no no....I'm not ready for this! I'm still in my lessons and- "Relax, mom will remain Luna until you are ready. She's technically Alpha until she steps down, just....keep her safe. You're the best female warrior in the pack and I know you could easily take me down along with the others. Many of the warriors will challenge mother for her title, I don't want her getting hurt." I nodded, "I will, I just....I'll miss you two." His mate walked away from him and engulfed me in a hug, "I know and I'll miss you too." Tears gathered within my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. I simply gave a loving hug to both my brother and Lauren. My heart ached, knowing that now I'm losing these two along with my father. Granted, they aren't dead they're just moving into the kingdom. However, I'll rarely get to see them. It won't be the same anymore, not seeing them or father walking along the halls of the house.  I took a deep breath, "Well, you're at least having dinner with us." My brother let out a laugh, "Of course! It'll be my last few nights getting to eat mom's cooking." "How will you two survive without her delicious steak?" I teased, causing them both to groan. Lauren wiped a fake tear from her eye, "We won't." "Don't worry, I'll text you guys on how delicious dinner is each night." "Awe come on, that's just cold," my brother whined. I smirked as he ruffled my hair, "Come on. Let's go eat, my stomach is growling."  "The rogues shouldn't be a worry," my mother said, trying to assure Finn. He carefully chewed his food as he thought over her answer, I knew that focused look too well. Out of the two of us, he's the most serious one. He was always thinking everything over, looking at it from all angles. Which is why he probably got the offer to become the King's general. I was happy for him, but I couldn't help to still be somewhat hurt. I know it's my stinginess of not wanting things to change, not after losing our dad just last week. This day was painful enough needing to say bye to him one last time and now, my brother is leaving in three days. I guess, it gives me three more days to spend time with him and Lauren.  "You know their leader took over the Northern Mountain pack, right?" our mother asked, giving him one of her stern looks. He choked on his drink, "What? He beat Alpha Alistair?"  "Yes, luckily, he didn't kill him. But Alistair had no choice but to step down, he wasn't strong enough." "Gods, Alistair helped dad train us." "I know, which is why these rogues are worrying me. Alistair's patrol was far stronger than our's and well thought out, but those rogues still got past them. Before you leave, I need to go over new plans with you about changing our patrols. Eden, you'll join us so you get a sneak peek of how it is being an Alpha." I nodded, "Okay." Dread coursed through me as they continued speaking of the rogues over dinner, it made it difficult to eat my food.. I knew the rogues were no joke, especially when even the king has sent a warning to all packs. I was curious about what their plan was, but it stabbed me with fear. I didn't show it though, if I was to become Alpha one of these days, I needed to start acting like one. Starting tonight, I won't let anyone make me shy away from the thought of danger. After Finn leaves, it'll be my job to keep our mother safe and a scared wolf won't be intimidating to anyone.