CHAPTER 2

ILANA.

I left Greenwood Pack five days after receiving Rana's letter, my things neatly packed into a small sack. I stood at the edge of the dock, staring across at the ship that would take me over the sea to Nightshade Pack. The vessel was huge, its sails billowing in the evening breeze, and its crew moved about with practised efficiency. Taking a deep breath, I grasped my sack tightly in my hands and stepped aboard.

The journey lasted for close to two weeks, till the sea stretched endlessly around me in an expanse of churning waves and salty air. As night descended, I would lie in the cramped cabin assigned to me, staring at the wooden beams overhead while the ship rocked gently, trying to fight off the sea sickness. My mind wandered to Rana and to the island ahead. On boarding the ship, a few men laughed upon hearing I was heading to Nightshade Pack.

"That Pack and the island will eat you alive for dinner, girl." One spat, but I turned a deaf ear to their words and clung to the thought of seeing Rana again after all these years.

I stood at the bow as the ship finally pulled into Aethel, my heart pounding. In front of me, the island loomed with jagged cliffs, bathed under an eternal night. Lanterns along the shoreline cast a soft glow upon the dark waters. As I got off the ship, my breath caught. It was true-it was always nighttime here.

I followed a line of passengers to the towering walls that surrounded the city. The gates were guarded by people in dark armor, their piercing eyes scanning everyone who approached. When my turn came, I hesitated, my sack clutched tightly in my hands.

"State your business," one of the guards demanded.

"I'm here to visit my cousin, Rana," I said, my voice steady from my chest, where nerves fluttered.

The guard's eyes stayed fixed on me a moment, until he nodded to another guard to search my sack. Convinced, they nodded and stepped aside.

"Welcome to Aethel," one of them grunted.

I stepped through the gates and felt this weird zap, like some kind of invisible current against my skin. My breath hitched with the sensation as the hairs on my arms stood on end, but just as quickly as it had come, it dissipated. I shook my head, unsure of what to make of it, continuing forward.

The city sprawled before me, bustling with life despite the perpetual darkness. Lanterns and oil lamps lined the cobblestone streets, casting a warm glow over the scene. Shops with hand-painted signs displayed goods ranging from freshly baked bread to intricately woven fabrics. Merchants called out to passersby, their voices mingling with the laughter and chatter of the crowds. Children darted between adults, their laughter echoing in the air.

The street performers played stringed instruments, their melodies adding a lively rhythm to the night. The buildings were made of stone and wood, exuding an old-world feel with ivy creeping up the facades and shuttered windows peeking out onto the streets. I couldn't help but stare in wonder. It was such a big change from Greenwood Pack, the only place I'd ever known.

"Ilana?"

I turned to see a young girl, no more than nine years old, staring up at me with wide, inquisitive eyes.

"Yes, that's me," I said hesitantly and curiously.

"Rana sent me to fetch you," she said brightly and bouncily. "Come, this way!"

I followed the girl down the twisting streets, my feet having to hurry to keep up with the girl who practically melted through the streets. The child stopped in front of a small stone house with a wooden door and flowering vines climbing the walls. Before we reached it, the door swung open, and Rana came out, her face brightening the instant she saw me.

"Ilana!"

"Rana!"

We hugged tightly, and tears streamed down our faces. I felt an immediate warmth that I hadn't felt in years—a feeling of a home I believed was gone.

"Come inside," Rana said, pulling me in with her hand.

The interior of the house was cozy and inviting, with a fire crackling in the hearth and the faint scent of herbs in the air. A man with broad shoulders and a kind face stood near a crib, shushing a wailing baby.

"This is my mate, Gor," Rana said, gesturing toward him. "And this little one is Orion."

Gor gave a courteous smile and nodded. "Nice to meet you, Ilana," he said in a soft tone, bouncing the baby gently in his arms.

I smiled back and stepped closer. "May I?" I asked, dropping my sack and holding out my hands.

Gor hesitated a moment before passing the baby to me. Orion fussed for a few seconds, but I immediately started to hum a soft lullaby, swaying gently as I held him. My voice was low and soothing; the baby's cries faded. Soon, his tiny eyelids drooped and he was fast asleep.

Rana watched with a soft smile. "You have always had a way with children," she said.

I looked up, my smile bittersweet. “It’s been a long time since I’ve held a baby.”

We settled on the worn couch, catching up on years of lost time. Rana spoke of her parents’ decision to move east, their subsequent passing, and her journey to Nightshade Pack alone. Here, she had met Gor, built a life, and started a family.

“And you?” Rana asked gently.

I hesitated, bouncing my knee gently as I rocked Orion. "I stayed in Greenwood," I said softly. "Even after my parents…died. I didn't know where else to go."

Rana reached out and squeezed my hand. "You're here now," she said softly.

Sensing we needed a topic change, Rana brightened up instantly. "The Blood Moon Festival is soon, in just a few days," she said. "The whole pack is on cloud nine. It is a festival you will never forget."

I smiled. "I'm so glad I am here," I said truthfully.

"And I am glad you came," Rana replied.

When Orion stirred, Rana took him gently from my arms. "Come, I'll show you your room and where you can freshen up before dinner."

I followed her down a narrow hallway to a small but charming room. A simple bed with a quilted blanket sat against one wall, and a wooden wardrobe stood in the corner. A single window overlooked the busy streets below.

"Take your time," Rana said, laying a hand on my shoulder. "Dinner will be ready soon."

Left alone, I set her sack down and moved to the window. I peered out into the lively streets, watching the lanterns bob in the breeze and the people striding with

purpose and laughter. A smile pulled at my mouth.

For the first time in years, I felt like I'd finally come home.