ABSENCE

The air was filled with the lingering scent of flowers and laughter, and the soft hum of conversations still hung in the pack house. Wolves were leaving in small groups, talking quietly amongst themselves, basking in the afterglow of the evening’s celebration for Elena and her unborn child. It had been a beautiful tradition, one that every Luna of the pack had experienced, and tonight, it was Elena’s turn.

However, one noticeable absence had stirred the quiet conversations. Amelia, Damien’s closest friend and the Beta of the pack, had not attended. The wolves, usually respectful, whispered among themselves, sensing the tension that had been slowly building for weeks.

"Did you see Amelia?" a young wolf asked his companion as they headed toward the door.

"No. She wasn’t there," another replied, his voice low. "Strange, right? She’s always at these things. Especially something this important."

"Jealous, I bet," an older wolf remarked, his eyes narrowing as he spoke. "She hasn’t been the