Moon's shadow

New beginnings

The morning after the full moon Gathering slowly came to life, the air was weirdly misty and cold, the smell of damp earth, decaying leaves, pollen and musky scent of woodland trees filled the air. The soft golden glow of the rising sun radiated on the beautiful scenery as it unfolded, sending streaks of shimmering sun's rays to illuminate and filter through the leathery whispering leaves. Crickets cried harmoniously, their joyful cries echoing throughout the sleepy forest. The Greywolf space stood majestically, seamlessly fitting into the dense forest. The property itself was embellished by decades-old vines that crawled up nearly every wooden cabin.

The foreboding jungle vibrantly sprang to life, with various sounds—insects buzzed as they hurriedly crawled on the wet forest floor, frogs hopped and yelped, their long tongues swatted the tiny insects. Birds shrieked as they perched from one branch to the next, mammals scuttled and bats clicked. It was a sweet symphony of sounds as every kind of creature communicated with one another. Even the ancient trees seemed to pulsate with sounds, as the leaves gently swished and swoshed in the gentle breeze.

Made from strong, healthy woods and embellished by natural elements, the Greywolf cabins blended perfectly with the forest. The well-worn paths wound naturally through the towering trees. Thin rings of smoke gradually rose into the air from several chimneys, as the air filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and morning dew. Alpha Derek's daughter, Lumina Greywolf, stretched and yawned in front of her cabin, just like the rest. Her cabin was modest but comfortable with large windows that let in the natural light both from the sun and moon. She was dressed casually, as usual. Her clothing allowed her to be free and comfortable to move with ease even as she dealt with her daily chores.

She made her way towards the common area with measured steps, her eyes roaming around the Greywolf territory. Her ears were filled with hearty laughters of young wolves sprinting spiritedly through the clear forest, wanting to be the best in a friendly race. Other members were busy handling the daily chores that ensured smooth operation of the pack– logs rubbed together as they were rearranged, snaps of twigs were broken, axes and machetes bit into wood that were dragged over the forest floor and carefully shoved into the blazing open fire. Intoxicating smell of roasting nuts and meat soon hung heavy in the air. Fresh vegetables picked from the kitchen gardens, dripped with morning dew, their succulent leaves bouncing up and down as they were cut into thin slices.

Two young pups were involved in a heated argument that caught Lumina's attention. She listened closely as she gradually approached them, her face contorted into a huge grin once she heard what the argument was about.

“Did you enjoy last night's celebration? I had way more fun than you did!” Joram, a young male wolf, happily bagged his charcoal black shimmering in the sun.

“That's not true, I shifted way too many times than you did.” a young girl, with long flowing hair, as white as snow just like her fur, shook her head vigorously.

“Good morning Joram, Mirana.” Lumina crouched next to them, her face glowing with tenderness and love.

The young pups looked up at her, their eyes beaming happily. “Good morning Lumina.” They chorused in unison, broad smiles covering their faces.

“ You guys look really happy this morning. Want to tell me what this is about? ” Lumina prompted with a gentle smile.

“ We are so excited, Lumina. We had lots of fun yesterday! ” Joram replies happily with his arms in the air.

Miranda cheered as she leaped up. “ Yeah, we had a lot of fun. I want to grow up to be just as beautiful and kind as you are, Lumina! ”

Lumina's heart hammered with pride and satisfaction. “ Wow! Thank you both for such brilliant words. Now, why don't you guys run along and have some breakfast, so you can grow up strong and healthy. ”

The pups cheered avidly and scampered off towards the common area where a hot steaming breakfast of roasted meat, nuts, freshly brewed coffee, boiled corn, stir-fried rice and vegetables was served.

Lumina watched proudly after them, a nostalgic feeling creeping over her, of her own days when she was young, unburdened by big life-changing decisions, she stood up slowly and glanced towards the clearing, remnants of wood ash, soot still lingered in the clearing, evidence of the previous night's celebration.

Rhea Silverclaw stood in the middle of that clearing, lost in deep thoughts, her face impartial, shoulders drooping as if she was carrying a huge stone. Her mind was so far gone, she didn't even notice as Lumina walked steadily in measured steps towards her.

Lumina stood a few steps away from her, studied her face before proceeding to her. She approached slowly and called out softly, not intending to take her by surprise.

“Hello Rhea.”

Rhea shifted her position to face Lumina Greywolf, her expression spoke of deep pain and sorrow before she quickly masked it by an impartial look. She was exhausted.

“ You have a beautiful home. So lively and free. ” She complemented her in a cool but friendly tone.

“ I know it gives us strength to process the hard times in our lives. It is a haven for us.” Lumina concurred, moving closer to the newcomer.

Rhea looked at her with an expression that showed she understood what Lumina was talking about. “Yes. Here is so different from where I come from. We were always traveling, with no permanent place to call our own. I've thought of how it would feel like to live permanently in a place. ”

Unsure of what to say, Lumina paused for a second before adding, “ You don't have to carry the burden alone. As a member of the Greywolf pack, you can count on us, Rhea. ”

Rhea smiled gently, her face fatigued, she held Lumina's gaze. “ The kindness I find here is truly unexpected,I won't take it for granted. I am looking forward to living here. This might just be the perfect home for me, without my lingering past getting in the way.”

Lumina was moved by Rhea's sentimental words. She placed her hand on Rhea's shoulder reassuringly, just as she was about to respond, loud footsteps on the well-worn path approached, cutting short their conversation. Carden Thorne, in all his glory, nodded curtly to Lumina, then shifted to Rhea, “Morning?” He muttered indifferently, his arms folded against his chest. His tone was cold and off-putting.

“Morning to you Thorne.” Rhea answered in a measured tone, her eyes strictly focused on Thorne. A thin smile stretched across her lips.

“Is everything here to your liking?” his sarcastic tone was apparent. He threw daggers at Rhea.

“I'm perfectly comfortable, thank you.” Rhea said stiffly. “ I owe it all to you and the pack. I shall not do anything to make you regret it.”

Carden gave her a long, distrustful look. “ It's not for free. Earn it.”

The mood between Rhea and Carden was tense. Lumina flinched at the heated exchange and instinctively came to Rhea's rescue, with a tone of finality. “ Carden, it's alright. No one has done anything wrong yet. We have to stand in solidarity with one of our own. No one knows if we might need help tomorrow. ”

Carden was silent, his eyes turned to Lumina, they looked at one another for a while, then Carden inclined his head to Lumina respectfully, with a determined expression of a concerned warrior. “ Yes, Lumina. Please be safe, you too...” He walked away, towards the clearing where young wolves were gathering for morning practice. His steps were heavy, his shoulders stiff. Lumina's heart ached.

“He believes I'll harm you.” Rhea stated, in a helpless tone.

“It's his duty to feel that way. Don't misinterpret it with hatred. He'll loosen up soon. You and he have a lot in common. You'll see.” Lumina exhaled. Her eyes were solely focused on Carden as he walked away.

Moments passed without any of them speaking.

“Do you share in his doubts as well?” Rhea turned and faced Lumina with a stern expression.

Lumina was taken aback by Rhea's unexpected question. Her mind raced with questions she wanted to ask that woman about her story. A part of her felt like she knew her, a part of her was certain she was not completely honest.

“I do have questions that I would like to ask, but I'm willing to wait until you are ready to talk about it. Don't interpret that as doubt. I just want to understand more about what you have faced, so I can help you better. I also believe you are not here to harm us, rather to help us. Right Rhea?”

Rhea took Lumina's hands into hers, she squeezed gently, nodding. “ Right. Thank you. I mean it. You won't regret it.”

Lumina was at ease. “ I'm glad we've had this talk. Now let's walk around. There's a lot you should see, so you feel more at home..”

Rhea smiled, though it did not display in her eyes...” lead the way.”

Lumina gave her a tour of the pack territory. Giving explanations where needed, Rhea listened attentively, not interrupting. The pack members were cool, withdrawn and overly cautious whenever Rhea Silverclaw approached them. Greetings were made tersely and everyone cleared the way for the strange woman. Lumina's heart ached as she wondered what the problem might have been with this woman.

The two women finally passed through the clearing, where active training was led by Carden Thorne. Rhea watched him keenly as instructed, corrected and commended the eager pups who looked up to Carden with alot of respect and love.

“He takes his job very seriously,” Rhea observed.

“Carden is one of the best. He would give his life for this pack.” Lumina said proudly. She watched as Carden trained the pups extra hard. She knew it was because of the woman's appearance in their territory.

“The pack is lucky to have him. He must love the pack deeply,” Rhea said sentimentally.

“Is there something important to you too, that you love and would give your life to?” Lumina inquired curiously. She felt the sentiment in Rhea's tone.

A mixture of feelings passed through Rhea's eyes, before she masked them with an impartial look. “ Staying alive. I want to live and have a place I can call home like you.”

Lumina patted her shoulder reassuringly. “ Now you have a home. Here, with us.”

Rhea glanced at her with misty eyes. They shared a connection Lumina couldn't explain. She pushed all the doubts about Rhea to the back of her mind. They spent the day exploring every inch of space. Rhea learned more and more about the Greywolf pack, which Lumina was happy to share.

They finally ended up right where they had begun. At the clearing. The tall towering trees provided shade and a cool breeze from the hot baking sun that was high up in the sky. The pack members were as busy as bees, engaged in day-to-day activities. They worked harmoniously, their lives connected together like the well woven paths of the forest.

“I'd like some time alone. To digest everything.” Rhea stated after a long silence.

“Sure. Lumina readily agreed. “Just know that you are not alone.”

Rhea smiled gently before retreating into the dense forest.

Lumina was disturbed as she watched the stranger leave. A nagging heavy feeling gnawed at her heart, like an alarm that kept warning her that something might not be right with the woman. She sensed an ominous darkness that would soon engulf them, hidden deep in the dark forest.

She repeatedly wondered if she had made the right choice in putting her faith in Rhea. It was at such times that her father provided the best of comforts.

She treaded along the path towards her father's cabin.

Alpha Elias sat comfortably on a broken tree trunk, facing away from the camp. He watched leisurely as the day unfolded before him. Lumina approached, her footsteps crunching softly against the forest floor. She sat down next to her father, her eyes were drawn to two chimpanzees who were involved in a violent confrontation. The smaller one kept shoving into the big one while shrieking stubbornly.

“ That little chimpanzee reminds me of myself when I was young. So stubborn and wild. Remember papa?”

Alpha Elias laughed quietly, his tone gentle and soft, “The whole forest remembers. You were always so fast for your own age, quick-witted and smart too. Your mother and I tried to slow it down, but you had none of it. Going hunting with us so determinedly. I always told you to stay home, but you never did. Even when you were so fatigued you could barely keep up.”

Lumina and her father shared a rich laugh that filled the forest. It was apparent that the father and daughter duo, cared for and loved each other deeply.

“I always wanted to be the best for our pack papa, to be of use, and be able to provide solutions to our problems.” Lumina reminisced, her voice laced with longing. Her eyes were misty.

“ You've grown into a young, beautiful, strong and wise young leader. Don't even doubt it for a second. Your mother is very proud wherever she may be and so am I.” Alpha Elias held her hand gently, with a reassuring smile.

“ You think so, papa? She is? Mother was my role model. She was so special.” Lumina's eyes glistened with unshed tears, her heart swelled with joy at her father's kind words. She missed her mother more than anything in the world.

Alpha Elias stared into space nostalgically, his voice thick with affection and love. “She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met. Everyone loved and respected her. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. I'm glad you are here. You are just as special as she was. And I love you very much.”

“I miss her too papa. So much. Every time I ask myself if I'm doing as well as she would have done. I wonder if she has made the choices I have made.” Lumina said with a desperate look in her eyes.

Alpha Elias looked at her reassuringly. “You've done your best. And every decision you've made has been for the right reasons. You share her patience and sense of justice. You are a great leader. She believed in you, Lumina. I remember how she took you hunting with her. Whenever you felt disturbed, you'd come down right afterward. Her death was the most painful thing to ever experience. If it were not for you my dear, I would not have gotten through it.” Alpha Elias’ voice was low and laced with heavy emotions. His eyes glistened with unshed tears.

“Oh papa! It must have been an awful experience for you. I'm sorry papa. You are very strong. You have led the pack very widely despite the loss of mum.” Tears streamed down Lumina's cheeks as she mentioned speaking. Her tone was low and gentle," You are my hero papa. I have learned so much from you.”

“No Lumina, you are the one who has taught me alot. Raising you has taught me patience, determination, it has given me strength. I'm here now because of you.” Alpha Elias' expression was a mixture of pain and love.

“Thank you father for such kind words. I'll never forget any of them. I want you to know that I still look up to you. You are my hope, and my strength,” Lumina said sentimentally.

Father and daughter were connected in a loving embrace. Each filling the huge gap left by the death of Alpha Elias’ mate. At that moment, hope was renewed for the future and strength was born. It was as if her mother was right there by their side completing that embrace. Lumina felt at peace. Her heart relaxed.

“I love you pup.” Alpha Elias said proudly, his voice laced with emotion.

“I love you papa.” Lumina said sentimentally.

Alpha Elias and his daughter spent the day in comfortable silence enjoying the vibrant life of the forest, while sharing memories of the past.

To watch father and daughter partake in old activities. Hunting and fishing. Howling excitedly. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold.

Even as the day forged ahead, and Lumina concentrated on the day-to-day activities, her mind still lingered on the new guest of the pack, she thought of what might be hidden beneath her calm and composed countenance. She wondered if she had brought them good tidings or bad. Most importantly she hoped she had made the right decision for her pack. Just like her mother and father and trusted her to do. She could not live with the regret of bringing harm to her beloved pack.