Chapter 124 Hollows and Fault Lines pt 1
Seren
The past few days have been a blur of post-ceremony clean-up, sending guests on their way, and getting the pack back in order after the celebrations. Mom, Dad, and Gideon left the day after the ceremony, as planned. I was still adjusting to the hollow they left behind.
My feet struck the packed earth in a steady rhythm as I ran, breath burning in my chest, muscles loosening with each stride. The motion usually cleared my head—but today, my thoughts slipped backward, replaying their departure in cruel, perfect detail.
Two days ago
Duncan and I had stood on the wide stone steps of the packhouse, the air sharp and clean with early morning frost. Mom and Dad loaded the last of their bags into their SUV, breath fogging as they moved. Gideon stood a short distance away with Malachi and Axel, gesturing toward the line of vehicles assembled to ferry the royal guards back home after the previous day’s chaos.
I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but eventually Gideon nodded. Malachi and Axel climbed into the SUV behind our parents, and Gideon turned toward me. His boots rang against the stone as he climbed the steps, stopping when we were eye-level. When he saw the tears gathering despite my efforts, his mouth tilted into a familiar half-smile.
“Come on, sis. It’s not that bad,” he said gently. “I’ll be back before you know it. We’ve still got a lot of training left to do.” He closed the remaining distance and pulled me into his arms. “I just need to make a run to Darkshade, check on a few things at Silver Moon, and then I’ll be back. I promise.”
I clung to him, fingers digging into his jacket as my vision blurred. His scent—wood smoke and peat, solid and grounding—wrapped around me as he rubbed slow circles against my back. After missing him for most of my life, letting him go again after barely a month felt cruel. Like the universe was reminding me not to get too comfortable.
“We didn’t have enough time,” I sobbed, the words muffled against his chest.
Warm reassurance flowed through my bond as Duncan sent steady waves of comfort and strength, anchoring me without intruding. He didn’t step forward or interrupt—he simply stood back and let me have this moment. I loved him for that.
“We’ll have more,” Dad said quietly as his hand settled on my shoulder. “Don’t doubt it. Now that we’ve found you, we’re not letting you go again, little star.”
Mom stood beside him, her smile soft, but her eyes bright with unshed tears. She smoothed a hand down my hair, then gently cupped my face.
“You know where to find us, sweetheart. You can drop in anytime—truly. And worst case, we’ll see you in two months at the tournament.” Her thumb brushed beneath my eye. “You’re not alone anymore.”
Sniffling, I stepped back from Gideon and tried to pull myself together.
“I know. I’ll just miss you. It’s been really nice having you around.”
They hugged me one last time before Duncan finally stepped forward, resting a hand on my lower back. “We should let them go, little wolf,” he said softly. Then he met my parents’ eyes. “I’ll take care of her. I promise.”
Dad clasped Duncan’s forearm, firm and certain. “I trust you will. We’ll be in touch.”
They turned back one last time as they climbed into their vehicles.
“We’ll see you soon, Seren. We love you.”
The thud of approaching footsteps nearing mine pulled me out of my memories. I smiled as Duncan matched my pace, falling effortlessly into stride beside me.
“You’re getting fast, little wolf.”
“This? This is nothing. It’s just a warm-up.” I grinned over at him.
“Well, in that case…how about a race? To the training grounds—the first one there gets to pick dinner.”
“You’re on.” As soon as I said it, I pushed forward with a burst of speed, changing direction to head for the fields. I heard the sounds of the pup training group not far ahead, so we were already close. I added a little more speed, pulling on Kara’s strength, the thunder of Duncan’s footfalls behind me.
We passed the edge of the field full of pups, all of whom stopped to watch their Alpha and Luna race by. Little voices cheered us on, some yelling out “Go, Luna!” and some “You can catch up, Alpha!” The joy of the children was palpable; their encouragement almost giving wings to my feet as I flew to the end of our race. When I finally reached the training field, Duncan just steps behind me, the crowd had grown to include the teenagers and adults in the basic training courses as well.
“Well done, Luna!”
“Congratulations, Luna!”
“Luna, you won!”
I lifted my arms in triumph, laughing breathlessly. Duncan swept me up, spinning me once before kissing me soundly in front of everyone. Heat rushed to my face.
“I love making you blush,” he whispered, then set me down. Turning to the crowd, he called out, “All right, all right. I admit it, your Luna is faster than me!” Good-natured laughter met his pronouncement. “Now, it’s time to get back to work.”
Chuckles were still rolling through the crowd as the training groups went back to what they were doing. Tristan and Blake walked towards me, Julian and Lucian trailing behind them, as we met in the main training area.
Now that I was officially sworn in as Luna, I had moved from training in the private field to training with the rest of the pack. Like Kayla, I wanted them to see that I could hold my own, and that I was working to be the best that I could be. Tristan and Blake started sparring with me while Duncan, Julian, and Lucian wandered around the field helping those training with their form or showing them a new move.
We’d been going at it for about half an hour when the alarm went up.
‘Rogues on the north border! There are at least fifty of them!’ Our patrol called through the pack link.