Chapter 12 Part 2
814 Words
Later that evening—
The festival reached its final ceremony. Hundreds gathered around the massive bonfire. Lanterns filled the sky. The moon shone brightly overhead.
The atmosphere felt magical.
Almost dreamlike.
An elder stepped forward.
“The Winter Moon reminds us that no winter lasts forever.”
The crowd listened.
“Even the coldest hearts can find warmth.”
Several people glanced toward Froz.
Including Sam.
The Alpha looked offended.
The crowd quickly looked away.
The elder continued.
“Tonight we release our hopes into the sky.”
Families lit lanterns.
Children made wishes.
Couples stood together.
Friends laughed.
The entire territory glowed beneath moonlight.
Sam watched quietly.
Her heart felt full.
Strangely full.
For months she had believed being sent away was a punishment.
A rejection.
A tragedy.
Yet standing here now—
Surrounded by people who accepted her—
She wasn’t so sure anymore.
White Fang had become something she never expected.
A home.
The realization brought tears to her eyes.
Small ones.
Nothing dramatic.
Just enough.
A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Crying?”
Sam immediately wiped her eyes. “No.”
“Liar.”
She glared.
Froz looked annoyingly amused.
“Don’t start.”
The Alpha stood beside her.
Watching the lanterns.
For several moments neither spoke.
Then Sam quietly said:
“I think I’m happy.”
The confession surprised even her.
Froz looked at her.
Really looked.
And for the first time—
He saw it.
The loneliness she carried when she arrived.
The fear.
The uncertainty.
Most of it was gone now.
And somehow—
Knowing that eased something inside him.
“You belong here.” The words came naturally.
Without thought.
Without hesitation.
Sam froze.
The exact same words Queen Rhed once told her.
Her eyes widened slightly.
Then softened.
And suddenly—
Neither could look away.
The world seemed to disappear again.
Just like during the dance.
Just like before.
Dangerously familiar.
Dangerously comfortable.
Dangerously real.
Much later—
After the music ended.
After the ceremonies finished.
After the crowd began returning home.
Sam wandered toward the frozen lake beyond the village. The night was quiet.
Peaceful.
Beautiful.
The festival was over.
Officially.
A chapter of her life had ended.
And she didn’t realize another was about to begin.
Footsteps approached.
She didn’t need to turn around.
She already knew.
Froz stopped beside her.
The moon reflected across the frozen water.
Silence settled between them.
Comfortable silence.
Then—
The Alpha spoke. “The rogue wolf.”
Sam’s smile faded.
Immediately.
Her thoughts returned to what happened before.
To that night.
To the power.
The fear.
The confusion.
“What about it?”
Froz stared across the lake.
His expression unreadable. “I’ve been investigating.”
Sam looked up. “What did you find?”
The Alpha remained silent for several moments.
Then answered. “Nothing good.”
A chill ran through her.
The atmosphere changed.
Became serious.
Heavy.
Important.
“The power you used wasn’t normal.”
“I know.”
“You lost control.”
Sam lowered her gaze. “I know.”
Froz looked at her.
His voice softened slightly. “That’s not your fault.”
The words surprised her.
The Alpha continued. “But if it happens again…”
He didn’t finish.
He didn’t need to.
Both understood.
Power without control was dangerous.
Especially in a world filled with enemies.
Especially for someone like her.
Finally—
The Alpha made a decision.
A decision he had already made days ago.
But one he could no longer delay.
“You need training.”
Sam blinked. “What?”
His blue eyes met hers.
Steady.
Certain.
Alpha-like.
“You need to learn how to control your wolf.”
Her heart skipped.
Not from fear.
From what came next.
“And who’s going to teach me?”
The corner of Froz’s mouth lifted.
A dangerous smile.
The kind that usually meant trouble.
“Aren’t there elders?”
“No.”
“Warriors?”
“No.”
“Anyone else?”
“No.”
Sam narrowed her eyes. “Then who?”
The Alpha folded his arms.
Moonlight reflected in his icy blue eyes.
And for the first time all night—
He looked completely serious.
“I am.”
Silence.
Pure silence.
Sam stared. “What?”
“Tomorrow.”
Her eyes widened.
“No.”
“Sunrise.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Sunrise.”
“I hate mornings.”
“Good.”
Sam groaned dramatically.
Froz looked entirely too satisfied.
Then he turned and began walking away.
Just like that.
Leaving her standing there.
Confused.
Annoyed.
Curious.
Nervous.
And strangely excited.
Halfway down the path—
The Alpha stopped.
Without turning around.
Without looking back.
One final sentence escaped into the cold night air.
“Don’t be late, Sunshine Wolf.”
Then he disappeared into the darkness.
Leaving Sam staring after him.
- Writer
