Moon's shadow

The full moon hung very low, and shone as bright as day. The night was filled with various ambient noises; swishing leaves, remote cries of different animals could be heard, deers ruttled, owls screeched, and amorous foxes cried, and the consistent drum beats rose and fell seamlessly into a crescendo in the foreboding forest, with tall towering trees that surrounded a big clearing. The forest clearing was embellished into a holy ground, where the werewolves celebrated their old traditions and beliefs, strengthening their pack bond. A large bonfire surged and flared increasingly in the middle of the well-lit clearing. White-hot flames from the bonfire snapped into the air. Sparks drifted upwards and logs crashed softly, rubbing together, breaking as the fire settled, throwing fluttering shadows of the assembled wolves. The scents of wooden fire smoke, ashes, fresh cut wood, roasting meat mingled seamlessly in the delightfully cool and fragrant air, producing an intoxicating scent of comfort, love, warmth and the freedom of the forest. Members of the pack smoothly transformed into their human and wolf nature while moving freely among themselves. Their eyes shone and glittered with excitement in the clear night and, as they lost themselves in each other's scents, laughed, shared tales of long ago and occasionally howled. Daunting yet beautiful deep howls pierced the promising night. Lumina Nightshade stood close to the edge of the clearing, her posture straight, her attentive blue eyes, absorbing the scene in front of her. Her heart bloated with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Her captivating long dark hair radiated in the firelight as it smoothly cascaded down her back. She was modestly and comfortably dressed, her clothes allowed her to transform easily from human to her wolf form, a true testament to her transcendent existence as both a wolf and human. As she observed the gathering. A well-known and invited presence appeared next to her. Carden Thorne, the pack's beta and Lumina’s intimate friend stepped into her view, his green eyes sparkling with an abundant blend of warmth and concern. “The fire is burning bright tonight. Look at the roaring flames.” he stated, his voice low and edged with a light-hearted murmur. “Lumina grinned, meeting his gaze.” It always does, Carden. But there is something unusual about tonight, don't you agree?” Carden’s expression grew more somber as he peered over the gathering. “There is indeed some tension in the air.” He concurred, his voice dropping to a murmur. “ It's like the forest is waiting for something with bated breath, waiting for something to happen.” Before Lumina could answer. A loud deep voice rang through the air. Pin drop silence fell over the pack, as chatter and murmur gradually fell into the background. It was the Alpha of the pack. Derek Greywolf. “Brothers and sisters. Sons and daughters.” His commanding tone seamlessly swept over the silent pack, into the huge clearing. Every wolf's attention was turned to him. He stood tall over them, his posture exuding authority and wisdom. His eyes glowed in the bonfire light and his silver hair shone brightly. Lumina looked up at her father, their leader, with joyful and loving eyes, her heart bloated with pride and admiration. Derek gestured for silence. “Tonight, with the full moon as our witness, we come together as we and our ancestors have done for countless generations to honor those who have gone before us and the bond that brings us together as one. We are much stronger together, bound by loyalty and trust and the wild spirit that flows through our veins.” Deep chorus howls pierced the air in response to Alpha's remarks, echoing through the dense, foreboding forest. The sound was equally intimidating and alluring. Lumina yowled, her own howl, long and rich, stemming deep from within her chest. She felt like she belonged. Like she was home, and they were united as one family. Carden inclined near Lumina as the howls came to a gradual stop. His voice hardly above a murmur. “I would do anything for you and your father. You know that, right?” Lumina's expression softened as she turned to Carden. “I don't question it for a bit. You can always count on me too, because you are more than just a friend. We are family.” A strange emotion fluttered in Carden's eyes, but he quickly concealed it by his usual playful grin. “I'm so happy to hear that. I simply hope nothing gets in the way of that special bond.” Lumina smiled gently, as she was about to respond, her focus was turned towards a strange scent in the air. She lifted her nose suspiciously and sniffed into the air. The pack members instantly went quiet, a feeling of dread and unease sweeping over them. A new intoxicating scent slowly drifted in the air and Lumina’s sharp senses caught a whiff of it. Strange and unwelcome. Everyone waited guardedly. At the far end of the huge clearing. Stood a stranger, a figure partially hidden by the shadows of the dense forest. The figure made small calculated steps into the firelight, her presence radiating power with a mysterious aura. She was astonishingly attractive. Long-lustered red aurbun hair burned bright in the moonlight with deep gray eyes that seemed to hold secrets of a century. Carden's stance altered subtly as he muttered under his breath. “Who the hell is she and what does she want?” He moved closer to Lumina, preparing to keep her safe should there be need. “I'm not sure.” Lumina responded, her voice full of curiosity and wary. Even though she felt Carden's presence next to her, she promptly planted herself between the mysterious stranger and her dear father. Having noticed Lumina's swift change of position, the woman stopped walking. She surveyed the pack, her eyes slowly resting on Derek's. “My name is Rhea Silverclaw. I mean you no harm. I seek a sanctuary, a place I can call home and start afresh.” she slightly bowed her head in honor of Alpha Derek, her voice calm, betraying no emotion. A loud whisper broke among the pack members, each one airing their own opinion. Their expressions were filled with wariness and uncertainty. Lumina was silent, her face contorted in deep thought, her heart hammered loudly, her chest tightening as she observed her father take a step forward, cautiously assessing the situation. “Where is your own pack, Rhea Silverclaw? And where do you come from?” Derek asked in a commanding tone, his voice stern but calm. His composure exposed his wisdom and experience as an Alpha. Rhea lifted her eyes and maintained contact with Alpha Derek, her eyes unwavering. “I have traveled far and wide across mountains and plains. Crossed rivers and lakes. I came across dangers I cannot contemplate. My pack was ambushed by a sly, merciless and mysterious enemy. Obliterating all my family. I am the sole survivor.” As soon as she was done speaking, loud murmurs erupted throughout the pack, wild speculations of horrifying tales of an anonymous potential threat spread through the members. Their faces were filled with grim expressions as their eyes glanced wildly at the strange woman. An ominous mood engulfed the air. Lumina Greywolf felt pity and sorrow for the strange woman as she imagined a life without her own pack and father. She stepped forward confidently, gazing into her eyes and said with a firm but concerned tone, “What you have gone through must have been tough. Here, you can find peace and comfort. The pack welcomes you.” “Thank you Lumina Greywolf. I shall work hard to gain your trust and show you that you did not make a mistake by taking me in.” Rhea said, her voice slightly broken, her gaze fully focused on Lumina's. The two women shared a long look, emotions flickered through their eyes, emotions that left Lumina wondering if they shared the same lineage. It felt like she knew her. Carden stood silently, his brooding eyes intently trained on Rhea, his arms defensively folded against his chest. “It is not that simple. We cannot just take your word for it. You have to show that you deserve that trust.” “Very well.” Rhea's eyes shifted to Carden's. Her tone was cool but not disrespectful. “As I have expressed, I have been through alot and encountered unimaginable danger. I will help train the young ones and help build an effective defense that will keep off the enemy. I didn't have a chance to do this for my pack as we were caught with our guards down. I hope you give me the chance to do this. Something good here. If you let me.” The final decision rested on Alpha Derek's broad shoulders. Every eye turned to him, eagerly waiting for him to decide. The fate of the pack was his burden to bear. The air was pregnant with expectations. Alpha Derek nodded his head assertively. “Rhea of Silverclaw this pack is a family woven tightly together by love, trust and loyalty. Anyone who joins us must assimilate our ways and fully be part of us, regardless of their past. Disloyalty, double standards and betrayal are things we do not take lightly. These rules bind us, as they bound those who came before us and those who will come after us. Rhea of Silverclaw you have a home here.” Rhea bowed low, her voice full of respect and firm, “I promise you Alpha. You will not regret this.” Alpha Derek turned his back and walked away confidently. It was obvious that he was done handling the issue of the strange woman. Dancing, drinking and chattering resumed gradually. Laughter filled the air once again, and wolves shifted with ease at their will. Something had, however, changed. The air was not as fresh, the dancing was not as good. Panic, worry and discomfort slowly seeped into the air, slightly dampening the mood. Lumina observed Rhea as she stood alone and withdrew from the surrounding conversation. She walked towards her and extended her welcome. “Feel free to ask for anything if you need it.” “I'll keep that in mind, thank you. She said with a thin smile that did not display in her eyes. Lumina sensed Carden's eyes on her, as she made her way to him. He had been withdrawn and alert ever since the stranger appeared. He looked at her with concern and disbelief. “How can you trust her? I think she's hiding something.” Lumina looked at him helplessly, her heart burdened by his skepticism. “I agree with you, Cards. Something does seem off. So it's better if we keep her close, right? If something is wrong, we'll know soon enough. If not, then we won't feel so guilty for not helping her.” Carden didn't agree with Lumina. His expression grew colder, but he nodded his head all the same. “I cannot forgive myself if something happens to you, please tell me you'll watch your back.” Lumina gave him a gentle smile, she patted him on the shoulders. “You know me. I always take care of myself, and if I sense danger, I promise I'll let you know.” Even as she said this with a smile, her heart was in turmoil. She kept subtle glances in Rhea's direction, watching her every move keenly. They had invited her to the pack, but that didn't mean they had no obligation to protect themselves. All the previous gatherings had been smooth and full of life, but this one was different. A stranger had visited them, from a mysterious place. She came bearing bad news, news that showed signs of Trouble in the near future, trouble that will end them all.