Chapter 117

Chapter 117

Kora

“I’m so glad to see you all made it safely.”

That was debatable, but I didn’t have the energy to question Eloise as my father joined me, looking over the rest of us with sympathetic eyes. Rylan hurried over to some of the Shadowmoon pack as they peeked from their homes and businesses to see what was happening outside. I couldn’t make out what was said, but the witch snapped my attention away when she spoke next anyway.

“The interim Alpha and I have been discussing the future,” Eloise smiled, her eyes sparkling with a mix of wisdom and hope. “And we agree that it is time for a new era. For unity and shared purpose. They are ready to follow your lead, Mason.”

As I stood among what was left of my pack, the weight of the recent events bore heavily on my shoulders. The transformation of Shadowmoon and this attempt to make us their leaders left me baffled and uncertain. How had we gone from being refugees seeking asylum to becoming the Alpha and Luna of a pack that had been trying to kill us only a few short weeks before?

Glancing at Mason, he seemed equally baffled.

“I have seen glimpses of a vision-a vision of a united Lycan community, standing strong together against the forces that seek to divide us,” she explained, obviously sensing our hesitancy. “I understand this may be difficult to comprehend.” Eloise’s tone was gentle yet firm. “But Shadowmoon has undergone its own transformation. Rylan recognizes the need for change and believes in the potential that you and Kora possess to lead them into a new era.”

My head was spinning, and thankfully, Rylan reappeared to bring us all

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back to Earth.

“We’re making up rooms for you in the old packhouse. When our… previous Alphas were ruling, they preferred us to live mostly separately, so it’s been abandoned for some time. There should be more than

enough room to house all of you, though. How many injured are there?” He was so warm that it was disarming.

“Quite a few,” Shawn chimed in as he limped forward from the back. “And I, for one, am exhausted. Could we settle in and then let the four of you debate the logistics of Mason and Kora taking over everything?” His voice was teasing but tense, and Eloise clapped her hands.

“Of course! Forgive me. I’m a bit eager to get started.” Her smile was directed at Rylan next. “I’ll let you show them around and take the injured to see our healers. If anyone hurt could please follow me.”

Shawn waved off my attempt to help him with a smile, and several others followed him and Eloise as they made their way further down the main street.

“She means well, but now isn’t the time to be throwing her visions on you.” Rylan sighed affectionately.

Rylan’s words brought a sense of grounding amidst the whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty. His warm demeanor and understanding nature provided a much-needed anchor amid the chaos.

“I appreciate your understanding,” Mason replied, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude. “Today has been a lot to process.”

Rylan nodded, his eyes filled with empathy. “I understand that it might be overwhelming, especially considering the history between our packs.”

“Thank you, Rylan,” I said sincerely. “We can discuss the logistics and future plans later.”

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Rylan’s smile widened, his eyes filled with pride. “That’s the spirit. I’ll show you to the packhouse and make sure everyone is taken care of.”

He turned and gestured for us to follow. The walk was blessedly short, just a few paces beyond the main street, and I had never been so relieved to see something so dilapidated.

“It’s in rough shape, but we’ve been working on getting it into better condition. There should be the bare minimum of necessities in each of the habitable rooms, and we have a small diner right down the street.” He pointed, and I saw the small sign hanging from one of the awnings along the main strip.

He pushed the door open and waved us into the dusty building just as a handful of women were scurrying for the exit. We let them pass without bothering them, as Rylan explained which hallways were safe to make a home in.

“Please make yourselves at home,” he said, his voice warm and

inviting. “Rest, recuperate, and when you’re ready, we can discuss the future of our packs. We’re in this together now.”

Slowly, our pack dissipated and disappeared into their rooms, as Rylan left us to settle in. I found myself standing in the center of the main living room, overwhelmed by the events that had unfolded.

Dust particles floated in the air, illuminated by beams of sunlight that filtered through cr acks in the boarded-up windows. The creaking floorboards beneath my feet echoed the weight of the uncertainty that hung in the room.

Mason joined me, his eyes scanning the room with nostalgia and apprehension. “It’s hard to believe that this is where our journey has led us,” he murmured, his voice tinged with melancholy.

I nodded in agreement, my mind still reeling from the sudden shift in

circumstances. “Indeed. It’s as if our lives have taken a completely

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unexpected turn.”

As we stood there, lost in our thoughts, the sound of footsteps approached from behind. I turned to find Eloise standing there, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

“I hope I’m not intruding,” she said softly, her eyes lingering on Mason and me. “I just wanted to check on both of you.”

I offered her a small smile, appreciating her presence. “No, not at all. We were just taking in the surroundings.”

Eloise nodded, her gaze sweeping across the room. “This place holds memories, both good and bad. But it also represents a fresh start. An opportunity for change and growth.”

Mason’s brow furrowed as he looked at Eloise. “But how can we be

sure that this alliance will work? How can we trust that Shadowmoon truly wants to follow our lead?”

Eloise’s eyes softened, understanding the weight of his concerns. “Trust is something that is earned over time,” she replied. “But Shadowmoon’s willingness to grant you asylum, their acceptance of the interim Alpha’s decision, and their openness to change are all positive signs.”

She paused for a moment before continuing, her voice filled with conviction. “I believe in the power of unity, Mason. Sometimes, it takes a crisis or a common enemy to bring people together. The vision I saw, of a united Lycan community, was born out of that belief.”

Mason glanced at me, and I could see the flicker of determination in his eyes. “If there’s a chance to bring our packs together, to create a stronger, more harmonious community, then we have to take it. We can’t let past grievances hold us back.”

Eloise smiled, her eyes gleaming with pride. “That’s the spirit,” she said.

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Chapter 117

“It won’t be easy, and there will be challenges along the way. But remember, you’re not alone in this. Now, rest and settle in! And when you’re ready, I’ll be waiting in the Alphas manor to tell you about my visions of the Lycan King and his Blo ody Queen.”

With a wink and a wave, Eloise left us.