Once we were fully protected, the scientist led us around the side of the Packhouse and through the gate that led to the gardens. The sight that greeted us was worse than I had imagined, and I felt my stomach twist immediately.Before, the fungus had been sporadic, eating up the occasional plant or
AvaI set the tray of tea and cookies down in the center of my kitchen table, which had been pulled away from the wall to make room for everyone. The space was crowded; the Elders sat around the table, Chris stood by the kitchen counter island, and Leonard leaned in the doorway.“I’m sorry it’s so c
I grit my teeth, willing myself not to bite out a scathing retort. Suddenly, there was a sound of a floorboard creaking behind Leonard, and we all turned to see a blonde head of hair peering around the corner.“Show yourself,” Elise barked before Ophelia could slip away.With a sigh, Ophelia emerged
AvaThe road to Crescent Moon stretched on almost endlessly, winding through a dense, lush forest. I leaned close to the open window, letting the cool, misty air hit my cheek.Chris gave me an amused glance from his seat beside me. “Enjoying yourself?” he asked.I couldn’t help but smirk. “I haven’t
We placed our orders—a burger for Chris, a club sandwich for me, and coffee for both of us. As the waitress was about to leave, I couldn’t help but ask, “Excuse me, but we couldn’t help noticing how thin the forest looks around here. Has there been a lot of logging recently?”The waitress’s smile fa
AvaThe grand foyer of Crescent Mansion was dimly lit and smelled sweetly of pine as we entered, causing both Chris and me to inhale deeply on instinct. The butler, a slender man wearing a crisp black tuxedo with coattails down the back, turned to us as the doors shut behind us.“Alpha Chris, Luna A
Chris nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Always trying to save the day, aren’t you?”“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”…Later that evening, we made our way downstairs to the banquet hall. The room was elegantly decorated, but I couldn’t help but notice the lack of floral arrangements that
ChrisI made my way through the crowded banquet hall, scanning the room for Patricia. The air was thick with the scent of perfume and the low hum of conversation, making it difficult to concentrate. I had been searching for her for the better part of half an hour, and I was no closer to finding her—
Chris shook his head, rolling his eyes. “Unbelievable,” he hissed as I smirked with satisfaction.The trip to the clinic went by a lot faster on wheels than on foot. Chris remained glued to my side, his hair falling into his eyes as he repeatedly checked on me. I simply smiled in the backseat, and w
Epilogue — Part IIAvaAs the balloon hit me square in the face, I stumbled back, nearly losing my balance. Chris’s strong arm caught me, steadying me as a chorus of “Surprise!” filled the air.Our living room had been transformed, covered with balloons and streamers in shades of blue and silver. A
Her imprisonment in New Moon was coming to an end, and soon she would be returning to Moonstone on parole. The thought filled me with a mixture of apprehension and hope, as it did all of us.But that was not coming for another month.As the Elders filed out, I leaned back in my chair, unable to keep
Before I could comment, the Elders finally filed in, their usual robes swishing around them as they moved. Fatima was now the Eldest since Elise was gone, and so she took the end of the table opposite Chris.Claire hobbled in after her; she had been leaning on a cane lately due to a sudden onset of
Epilogue — Part IAvaMy hand rested on my belly as I waddled through the doors, half-ignoring Chris’s presence. He sighed, letting the door fall shut behind me.“What’s wrong?” he asked, following me to the circular council table in the center of the room.“Nothing.”That was a lie.It was my 40th
For a moment, Chris was silent, his gaze intense as he searched my face. Then, without warning, he dropped to his knees, burying his face in my skirt. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.“Goddess, I can’t wait to marry you,” he murmured, his voice muffled by the fabric.I smiled, run
AvaI found Chris on a balcony overlooking the golden sunset of New Moon mountain. The sky was ablaze with vibrant oranges and pinks, casting a warm glow over the snow-capped peaks. The crisp mountain air carried the scent of pine and distant earth from far below, the scent of autumn.Back in Moonst
“As you should, Alpha Edward,” Chris said, clasping the Alpha’s forearm. “As you should.”It was heartwarming to see how everyone seemed to be thriving. The bonds between the packs were stronger than ever, and there was a palpable sense of hope in the air.Finally, it was time for the meeting to beg
AvaGolden sunlight streamed through the enormous windows, shafts of warmth spreading across the large meeting hall. A fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and a long oak table had been placed at the center of the room. Soft piano music played from a human-made record player in the corner, and counc