Veron sat on one knee and looked at Vivian with admiration in his eyes. Stunned, Vivian took a step back and just gawked at him.
Veron placed his hand on his heart and said, “Today, I have seen what true courage is. It is not about being powerful, it is about standing up for the right thing.”
Tears sparkled at the corner of his eyes as he said in a voice thick with emotion, “When I saw you pointing that rod at yourself to stop him, I felt so helpless, so worthless.
You were ready to give your life so that the women would be protected…. I mean… I haven’t seen anyone do that…that is not the way of our life, Vivian… but I admire your grit your courage. What you did today was incredible.
I hereby accept you as the Luna of our pack and promise to ponder about the things you say seriously in the future.”
Then he took her hand and placed a light kiss on her hand before standing up.
The bonfire blazed fiercely piercing through the darkness of the night. It crackled now and then dancing in the gentle breeze.Men, women, children scurried about doing something or the other.A throne of sorts was placed right in front of the bonfire. It was decorated with vines and flowers.Sandilo and Vivian walked towards the throne hand in hand. They were flanked by Veron and Apra on either side. Vivian was dressed in a beige gown with a plunging neckline. It hugged her tightly at her small waist and flowed down to her ankles.The gown was held together by metal pins of sorts but it gave Vivian a different look.Her copper tresses were braided intricately and held together in a tight bun. Flowers were threaded between the braids in a peculiar pattern. Flower garlands, armbands, and waistbands adorned Vivian painting an alluring picture. She looked around awkwardly.She was never the one to doll up. She expected people to b
Vivian listened with rapt attention as the old woman continued her tale, “For generations, we were entrusted with a secret. We were supposed to reveal it to the right person…”“Grandma, don’t get me wrong… but I think you are making a mistake... How can I be the prophecized one? I am not even a werewolf?”“You are the Luna of this pack and even if you are not the prophecized one, I want to share this secret with you. You are a very righteous and kind person... the only person deserving to know the truth.”“Ummmm….. okay…” Vivian replied awkwardly.“Did you know what happens to us on a full moon night?”A shudder coursed through her as the memories of the previous full moon night flooded her mind. She drew in a deep breath and nodded her head.“What if I told you that we were not always like that. We could control ourselves when we are in wolf
“What are you doing, Vivian?” Sandilo asked as he stepped into the courtyard.Vivian's mouth parted slightly as she took in his appearance; disheveled hair, sleepy eyes. He looked adorable. Her cheeks turned scarlet as her eyes landed on his lips.The scene of their kissing last night flashed through her mind and she looked away embarrassed. She wondered what she would reply if he inquired about her reaction… It was better to distract him.She flashed the IAD in the air and said pursing her lips, “I am trying to fix this one but sadly it is out of battery…”His mouth formed an ‘O’. Then, he looked at her with a sheepish expression and said, “What does that do?”“It helps us communicate with people who are far away from us. I just wish I could fix this up…” Vivian said sadly…Sandilo took the IAD from her hands and observed carefully.“I
Vivian sat in the courtyard; absorbed in her task of making a battery. She was quite satisfied with the materials they procured, the rods were of similar height and width but the spool of copper wire looked like it had been transported from the earth.She couldn’t restrain her curiosity and went in search of Sandilo. She walked around the house, her ears perked up in an attempt to catch their voices.Her pace quickened as she heard the hushed voices coming from the backyard. She was about to call out to Veron but something about the atmosphere made her halt.Sandilo was sitting with his face buried in his hands. Veron stood there with his hand on his shoulder while Apra was looking at them with an anxious expression.“What will you do now, Sandilo? Will you fight for the pack or abandon them…”“No, I can’t abandon my pack… Vivian would never forgive me if I did so… I don’t want to fall
Vivian found herself relaxing over time. She caressed the wolf’s body and even kissed the top of its forehead. The moon had completed three-quarters of its journey. She had to do it soon, whether it worked or not.“Wolfe… I want you to do something for me… will you…”The wolf wagged in reply as if it had agreed to her wish…Vivian ruffled its fur and said, “Please give control to Sandilo and take your human form…”The wolf barred its canines in reply. It was evident that the wolf didn’t like her suggestion.“Please… please…pretty please….” She tried begging but she received a growl in return. She scurried away from him reflexively.The sound of the footsteps indicated that the wolves were drawing closer by the minute. She looked at the wolf with panic in her eyes. She had forgotten to ask the old woman what she should do if her plan fails.
Determined to find a way to prevent the war, Vivian set off to meet Sandilo’s father.She looked around her, there was no one in sight. The sunlight filtered through the leaves giving it a golden appearance. It was eerily silent. She couldn’t even hear the sound of birds or animals. It was as if they had retreated into a haven, predicting a war.Soon, she started regretting her decision. She had been walking for hours now, the sun had completed three-quarters of its journey.She felt like she was lost. All she could see were rows and rows of trees around her. The trees too looked identical to each other. She didn’t know how to go back again either.“Well done! Vivi… Congratulations on screwing up everything.” She muttered as she slumped on the ground.Her throat was parched due to exertion and her legs ached like hell. The wound on her arm wasn’t getting any better either. It was oozing with pus now. But,
Alpa Sandilo, Veron, Justin, and Rufus were seated in a circle in the courtyard. Some other eminent members had joined them for discussing strategies.“Alpha, why don’t we use the new tinkle weapons we have made. They are very sharp and it will help us gain an upper hand easily…”“I think he is right, Sandilo…”When Veron didn’t get a response, he placed his hand on Sandilo’s shoulder and shook him slightly.Sandilo shuffled in his seat and muttered, “Hmmm… good idea…”“Alpha, we must form four groups. So that we can ambush the Blackmoon pack….”Sandilo just kept staring into space. His eyebrows furrowed and he jolted out of his seat saying, “Where is Vivian?”“Ummm… Wasn’t she sleeping in the room? Why? What happened?”Sandilo trotted towards the bedroom without replying. His heart skipped a
“Alpha,” Roxan greeted as he stood respectfully in front of his father. He kept his eyes lowered even after he stood up straight. Vivian couldn’t help but scoff at his pretense.“This girl here says that you molested her, is that true?” he asked Roxan in a stern voice.“Of course not, Father. How can I do such a heinous deed? I know that she is Sandilo’s mate. She was the one who interfered in my work.”“Alpha, he was torturing that poor girl unnecessarily…” Vivian blurted out before Roxan could complete his sentence.Alpha glared at her and said, “Don’t interrupt, girl. I will give you the chance to speak…”Vivian could almost hear Sandilo gnashing his teeth. He held her tighter, showing his silent support. He would have ripped off the man’s neck if he wasn’t his father.“I had just gone to get some women as per your instruction Alp