Arya.
In the aftermath of the victorious battle, I supervised the Rogue pack as they embarked on the arduous task of rebuilding the city.
Surprisingly, Lauren was also helping out. I watched in amusement as barked orders at the rogue wolves working on a fallen statue.
Spotting Nate, I moved to help him in treating the injuries of the wounded wolves, my hands working tirelessly.
The mournful atmosphere weighed on my heart as I tended to the wounded.
I couldn't help feeling like I was responsible for their wounds. The guilt gnawed at my insides. If I had left the pack on time, they wouldn't have been attacked.
For some reason, Ethan's last words to me felt like a threat. Though I managed to stop him, I still felt like another attack was coming and this time, he'd come with his full force. He won't take any chances this time.
I shuddered as I recalled his leering gaze as he watched me attack him.
Like he desired me and would stop at nothing to make me his. Like some property to be displayed.
Tears threatened to fall out of my eyes as I recalled the battle scene before I managed to transform and stop Ethan.
They fought for me. They could've just handed me to him and protected their kingdom from the attack. But they didn't.
"Need any help there, Luna?" Nate asked, concerned at my facial expression.
"I'm responsible for this. It's my fault–" I said as I faced him.
"None of this is your fault, Arya," Nate replied sternly, cutting me off.
"Tyler's brother is just a psychotic jerk and can't be satisfied with anything he has." His expression softened as he took my hands. "That's whose fault this is. It has nothing to do with you. Remember, you saved us."
"I can't wait to remind the fool that he was so weak, our Luna beat him to a pulp," he teased playfully as he released a rag I had been holding too tightly from my hands. "Now, my dear, you are causing more pain than comfort with all your thoughts running amok."
"I'm not that bad," I retorted, laughing at his observation.
I couldn't help the pride I felt as I caught a glimpse of Tyler helping to rebuild the city.
Mine.
As if he felt my stare, he turned and caught my eyes, he smiled at me for a while and turned back to his work.
"Of course you're not." He rolled his smiling eyes as he pushed me gently in Tyler's direction. "Go to him. I know you want to."
I shook my head, laughing as I walked towards my mate. The moon goddess certainly had something going when she sent Jane to help me escape from the Crest pack.
Tyler made me so happy I couldn't imagine life without him.
"Hello, Little One," Tyler turned towards me, grinning as he felt my presence. "Couldn't resist me that much?"
"Don't get cocky, Tyler." I smiled shyly as I felt my cheeks getting hot from his intense stare. "I'm just coming to inspect your work."
"At your service, m’lady," he said with a mock bow. I smiled at his playfulness. I loved him too much to risk losing him.
I looked around, observing the pack's progress. The air carried the scent of both victory and loss, a bittersweet symphony that echoed through the pack.
Wolves who had fought bravely lay recovering, and those lost were now resting beneath the soil.
I turned to Tyler, who was watching me with concern.
"I want to organize a feast," I declared, my voice resonating with passion. "To celebrate the pack's bravery, and honor the ones we lost."
Tyler, affectionate and understanding, nodded in agreement. "Whatever you need, Arya. We owe them that much."
"I know you feel like this is your fault and I promise you, Little One, you shouldn't feel any guilt for this," Tyler said as he gently ran his knuckles down my cheeks. "I'll take full responsibility for it, love."
"I'd rather we shared the responsibility though," I said as I kissed his lips.
"As much as I'd love to ravish you right now, I need to finish up here soon,” he said as he kissed me back. "I'll see you tonight."
As Tyler departed, Natalie joined me in the clearing. Arya, still fueled by her passionate resolve, turned to her friend. "Natalie, what do you think of helping me out with a feast to celebrate and honor our pack?"
"Count me in!" Natalie said, excitement written all over her face.
Amidst the preparations, Natalie watched me curiously. Like she wanted to ask me something but didn't know how to go about it.
"Out with it."
She hesitated for a while then replied "Arya, how did you heal so quickly? And what's with those amazing powers?"
I didn't even have an answer to her questions. I was still grappling with the mysteries of my transformation.
"Somehow, I know I'm a full wolf now, stronger than before," I confessed.
"But what's strange is the fact that I'm stronger than one of the strongest Alphas I know." I looked at her in confusion. "Especially since I haven't really been training with the warrior wolves. Like you did. I don't know how to control it. It's overwhelming."
Natalie, ever the pragmatic companion, suggested seeking answers from the elders.
"They might know more about your powers and how to control them."
Feeling the weight of her uncertainty, I took Natalie's advice.
I sought out Elder Ivan, one of the elders of the pack.
After asking around, I found him, assisting the scribes in recovering some of the damaged books in the temple.
"Elder Ivan," I called to him, my voice filled with urgency, "I need answers about my powers. I want to be able to control them."
He sighed as he noticed the urgency on my face. "In the past, most of the daughters of the moon goddess became powerful Lunas of their pack."
"Is there a way to control these powers" I explained. "I only felt them when I saw the need to protect my mate. I don't know if I can summon such power at will again.”
"Patience, child," Ivan smiled at my confusion. "Powers like this take their toll and need to prepare yourself for it."
"You'll need to train your mind and body every day," he said as he picked up another torn book, frowning at its disrepair. "The training for your mind has already taken place in our chambers, and Nate can help you train your body."
"Why Nate? Why not the Alpha himself?" I asked, tilting my head in confusion.
"Tyler would only serve to distract you," he said sternly, frowning at my ignorance, then chuckling. "He's your mate after all."
I decided to begin the training the next day as I had a feast to plan.
"Thank you, Ivan," I said as he nodded in acknowledgment, waving at me while turning his attention back to the books.
If training my body was what it would take to understand my powers, then so be it. Anything to prepare myself for whatever was coming.