Moonlight Redemption

Melissa stepped out of the car with a heavy sigh and faced the entrance of her pack. “Seven good years Melissa. Rougemount, here I am” she muttered to herself. She gazed at the narrow path leading into the forest's heart, the same one she had walked away from seven years ago. A rollercoaster of emotions started within her: curiosity, anxiety, nostalgia, and somehow a strange sense of hope. She had left her pack and her Home behind in silence and pain, expressing it to no one, not even Devon, her mate, and alpha, the one she loved. But fate had its way, and had drawn her back. As she walked deeper into the forest, the familiar rustling of dry leaves and cracking of twigs beneath her feet welcomed her like an old friend. She could hear the sound of her chest, not out of fear but out of uncertainty is what she would expect. “Melissa!” a voice echoed. She stopped and looked up just to see Gan, one of the pack’s elders and her favorite during her childhood days; he approached her with extended arms, welcoming an embrace. “You’re finally back!” he exclaimed. His wrinkled face lightened up. “Yes Gan, I’m back” she replied with a slight smile. Her heart warmed up a bit, but the burden of her return was still laid bare on her shoulders. “I’m sure you’re never going to leave us again… our redeemer”, Gan added with a bright and eerie look. Melissa froze for a bit. “Redeemer? "What’s that about?” She thought to herself. “I… I have no idea what you are talking about Gan” she replied, narrowing her eyes. Gan quickly waves it off, still smiling. “Never mind, my dear. You’ve had a long journey, come inside already, everyone’s gathered. They will be excited to see you.” ***************** As they entered the pack’s central gathering room, Melissa took note of the scene - the crowd of elders, warriors and servants mingled beneath the protruding chandeliers from above. The air was buzzing with the sound of music, clinking glasses and muttered laughter. Despite the festive spirit and vibrant environment of her pack, she still felt missing, somehow like an outsider. Melissa’s eyes went round the whole room carefully, looking for something familiar. Something she could hold on to. And then, she saw him. A tall fighter stepped into the light. It was Devon, her mate. Her breath caught. “Melissa!” he called, his deep voice coated with disbelief as he moved towards her “You’re finally back. He added with a low and husky voice. Melissa’s throat went dry. She swallowed hard, locking eyes with him. Time hadn’t dulled his striking features. His strong jawline, intense brown eyes and his commanding presence. She could read the mix of emotions written all over his face, that of hurt, uncertainty and deep-seated longing. There was something guarded, something aching. “Devon”, she whispered. “You’re unharmed?” he asked, gently brushing his hands on hers. “She nodded. “I’m fine Devon. I just… I had to come back.” His gaze softened and his brows furrowed. “You left without saying a word, Melissa. "Do you have any idea what you did to me, to the pack?”. “I was lost”, she admitted, her voice shivering. I didn’t know how to face what happened”. Devon gazed away for a second, his jaw clenched. “And now that you’re back, what has changed? What I’ve told you before: don’t let that lame prophecy get into your head. You might get hurt chasing shadows” He snapped. Melissa hesitated. “I’ve been having strange dreams. I think I’m needed here. But I just don’t know why. He took a deep breath. "We’ll talk about it later Lisa”, he said, using the nickname he only called her. “Tonight is your return." You’re safe now. That’s all that matters”. He reached up to her face, moving away a strand of her dark curls behind her ear. His hand brushed on her cheek, fingers lingering on the freckles on her nose. “You’re still adorable”, he murmured with a smirk flashing through his face. She leaned slightly into his arms and hugged him. “Thank you. I really miss you.” Devon smiled. “Of course you did. "Where else would you find someone like me?”. His playful wink drew a reluctant smile from her as their eyes met. Just then, the chatter in the room went dead. Elder Gan stepped forward onto a raised platform and rang the ceremonial bell. “Tonight,” Gan announced, “We welcome one of our own. A daughter of the prestigious pack of Rouge mount has returned not just by chance, but by destiny. Melissa’s stomach ached as heads turned towards her. Gan’s voice seemed like a weight on her which she could not ignore. “The moon is shifting”, he continued, “and soon…. The redeemer will rise”. And there it was again. Redeemer. As the crowd raised their glasses and cheered, Melissa felt uncomfortable and leaned close to Devon. “Did you hear that? Again with the same ‘redeemer’. “….. I don’t understand. I barely forgot today was a ceremony and….and all these are just too strange to me” Devon’s jaw tightened. “Ignore it. God has always been drawn to that prophecy and some mystical talk. You’re not a pawn in some ancient game, Melissa. You’re here now, and that’s enough”. But he agitated rapidly. That word, redeemer, was no longer just a word whispered in her dreams. It seems like it now followed her reality. But she was still unsure. Later that evening, needing some space, Melissa stepped out onto the balcony. The cool night air brushed against her soft skin, filled with the scent of damp earth and pine. Suddenly, footsteps approached quietly behind her. She turned, expecting Devon. But it wasn’t him. “Kael”, she breathed, with relief warmth in her voice. He stepped into the moonlight, his silver eyes meeting hers. “You disappeared from the feast.” “I needed air,” she said, folding her hands and adjusting herself properly. “And peace”. Kael leaned on the railing beside her. “This place… it hasn’t changed much, but something feels off” “You feel it too?” she asked. He nodded. “Yeah … the energy’s wrong. Like everyone’s smiling, but they’re watching…. Waiting” Melissa looked out towards the woods. “I didn’t know what they expected. I’m not some chosen one”. Kael glanced at her. “You might be more than you think.” She smirked with scorn. “You think so? … I can’t even make full use of my powers” She looked at her palms. Before Kael could respond, a sharp howl pierced the night. It was urgent and raw. Melissa snapped her head towards the forest, where the sound came from. Another howl followed, then a third, closer Kael reached beneath his coat, pulling out the dagger he always carries, staying on his heels. “We should head back inside, it’s not safe here.” Melissa hesitated, staring at the dark tree line. A pair of glowing amber eyes blinked back at her. Then they vanished.