Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Кога

“I want to be a good Luna for them. I confided to my dad one evening as we sat by the campfire. “Our new pack is shattered, and they deserve someone who can guide them through the healing process.”

Oswald nodded, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames. “You already are a good Luna, Kora. They see it in you. You’ve shown compassion and understanding, and that’s what they need now.”

I sighed, still feeling a twinge of doubt. “But what if I’m not enough? What if I can’t help them heal?”

Dad turned to me, his eyes filled with wisdom. “You can’t carry the weight of their healing alone, Kora. It’s a collective effort. What matters is that you’re there for them and listen and support them. Together, we’ll rebuild our pack

His words offered some comfort, but I couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of inadequacy. Deep down, I wanted to be the leader they deserved, and the Luna who could help them find solace and strength.

As the days passed, I noticed something intriguing. Our new pack, the Shadowmoon pack, embraced me more readily than my own pack ever did. There was a sense of acceptance and a recognition that we were all in this together. It was as if they understood the challenges we faced and were willing to stand by us, unwavering in their support

I watched as our loyal packmates integrated seamlessly with the Shadowmoon pack. There were no issues, no conflicts-just a shared sense of purpose and a commitment to rebuild what had been broken. It reassured me that our loyalists were not the problem; the division in our old pack had stemmed from deeper roots.

I was surprised that the locals couldn’t remember much since Deborah took over. After she died and they were freed, many just “woke up” suddenly and hurried home, trying to pick up the pieces of their lives.

Enough people had come in and out over the years that they’d slowly pieced together what had happened, but I couldn’t imagine how it must have felt.

The weight of lost memories and the confusion that followed must have been overwhelming for them. As I listened to their stories, I realized the extent of the trauma they had endured. It wasn’t just the physical and emotional manipulation under Deborah’s spell, it was the aftermath, and the struggle to piece together their shattered lives.

One evening, as I sat with a group of pack members, the conversation turned to memories. They spoke of moments they couldn’t recall, years of their lives seemingly wiped away. It was a disorienting and frustrating experience for them, and I listened attentively, offering words of empathy.

“I can’t remember my child’s first steps, one woman said, her voice tinged with sadness. “I missed so much,

Another man nodded in agreement. “I woke up one day, and suddenly, my wife was gone. I don’t even remember why she

left

I squeezed the woman’s hand gently, offering what comfort I could. “You have the chance to create new memories and to rebuild those lost moments. And we’re here for you every step of the way.”

The man smiled weakly. Thank you, Luna. It means a lot to know we have your support.”

I realized then that my role went beyond guiding them through their healing process. I had to help them reclaim their identities, and rediscover the pieces of themselves that had been taken away. It was a daunting task, but one I was determined to undertake.

Together, we would mend the wounds of the past and forge a stronger future. And as we embarked on this journey of healing and renewal, I knew that the Shadowmoon pack would not only find its place in our alliance but also become an integral part of our collective strength.

When I brought him the news of the Shadowmoon pack’s missing memories, my father seemed unsurprised. He had turned to face me, his weathered face etched with lines of experience. He nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation

“It’s to be expected, Kora, he replied, his voice tinged with empathy and understanding. “Most of our pack members were under Deborah’s spell for a considerable amount of time. Not all of them were sent out to infiltrate other packs as spies.”

My heart sank at his words.

As I sat with the pack members, listening to their stories of lost memories and their challenges in rebuilding their lives, Mason sat by my side, his constant source of strength and support. His hand found mine, intertwining our fingers, a silent reminder that we were in this together.

Some had lost family members, their absence a painful void in their lives. Others grappled with the guilt of actions committed under Deborah’s control. It was a delicate balance, providing solace without prying too deeply into their wounds.

But amidst the pain and confusion, there was also resilience and hope. The pack members who had regained their memories showed remarkable strength, piecing together their identities and rebuilding their lives. They were determined to move forward and reclaim what was rightfully theirs. The weight of their lost memories was a burden they no longer had to carry alone.

As the evening wore on, Mason and I found ourselves leaning against a tree at the edge of the clearing, seeking a moment of respite amidst the emotional conversations. The moon’s soft glow bathed us in its gentle light, creating an intimate atmosphere.

Mason turned to me, his eyes filled with tenderness. “You have a remarkable gift, Kora. The way you connect with our pack members, the empathy you exude-it’s inspiring to witness.”

A blush crept up my cheeks, and I shyly looked away. I’m just doing what I can to help. They’ve been through so much and deserve all the support we can offer.

He cupped my face, guiding my gaze back to him. “You’re doing more than just helping, Kora. You’re leading with compassion and love. You’re guiding them toward healing and showing them that there’s hope for a brighter future.”

His words touched my heart, and I leaned into his touch, cherishing the warmth of his hand against my cheek. “I couldn’t do it without you, Mason. Your unwavering support and strength give me the courage to keep going.”

A gentle smile graced his l*ps as he brushed his thumb against my cheek. “We’re a team, Kora. Together, we can accomplish anything. And remember, you’re not alone in this. We have our loyalists and the resilient members of the Shadowmoon pack standing with us.”

His words resonated within me, reaffirming the bond we shared. Mason’s love and unwavering belief in me ignited a spark of confidence, allowing me to embrace the weight of my role as Luna with a renewed sense of purpose.

“You’re right,” I whispered, my voice filled with conviction. “We have a strong support system, and together, we will help our pack heal and find their way back to themselves.”

Mason’s gaze intensified, his eyes reflecting the moonlight as he pulled me closer. “I have no doubt that you will lead them with grace and compassion, Kora. Your presence alone brings solace to those in need.”

A surge of gratitude washed over me, intertwining with the love that enveloped us. At that moment, the burdens of doubt and inadequacy melted away, replaced by an unyielding determination to stand by our pack members each step of the way.

The campfire cr ackled in the distance, its warm glow casting dancing shadows around us. It seemed symbolic of our challenges-illuminating the path forward while reminding us of the darkness that still lingered.