INICIAR SESIÓNThe first response to our outreach comes from an omega network in Colorado three days after we send the initial messages. I'm reviewing Doc's latest research when Luna brings me a sealed letter, delivered through the same anonymous motorcycle courier system the omegas have been using for weeks. "This one's different." She hands it over carefully. "The courier said to tell you it contains a name." I open it with shaking hands. Inside is a single page with minimal information: Daniel Morris, currently embedded in Redwood pack as their logistics coordinator. Requests healing. Will make contact when safe. "They're real." I look up at Luna. "The conditioned wolves are reaching out." "One is reaching out." She corrects gently. "That doesn't mean the others will." "It's a start." I fold the letter carefully. "Doc needs to see this. We need to prepare protocols for when Daniel makes contact, security measures to protect him from his handler, a treatment plan." "Slow down." Luna puts a
Jolie pov I'm in the middle of a healing session with Marina when Doc interrupts, his face pale beneath his usual calm."Jolie, I need you to see something." His voice is tight with urgency. "Now."Marina looks between us, concern flickering across features still learning to express emotion. "Is everything okay?""Go rest." I help her to her feet, my moonfire dimming as I break the connection. "We'll continue tomorrow."She leaves reluctantly, and I follow Doc to his office. He's spread documents across every available surface—files, photographs, charts with names and dates connected by red string like something from a crime investigation."What is this?" I ask, picking up a folder at random."Hell." Doc drops into his chair, looking ten years older than he did this morning. "I've been researching Celeste's conditioning, trying to understand the techniques used so I can better support the healing process. I started digging into Academy records, following trails of information. Jolie,
Ryder pov The first package arrives days after we sent out messages to omega and hybrid networks. I'm walking past the main gate when Knox intercepts me, carrying a medium-sized box wrapped in plain brown paper. No return address, just a note pinned to the top."This just showed up." He hands it over carefully. "The guard said a motorcycle courier dropped it and left. Wouldn't give a name."I pull off the note, recognizing the careful handwriting immediately. It's from Rachel, an omega I met years ago when the Iron Fangs helped her pack relocate after a territorial dispute.You showed the Council for what they are. You gave us hope that change is possible. We're with you.Inside the box is money. Not a fortune, but enough to buy two weeks of food if we're careful. Beneath the cash is a list of contacts—omega packs throughout the region willing to trade, to help, to offer support however they can."Holy shit." Knox reads over my shoulder. "Is this real?""Rachel doesn't mess around."
Ryder pov The news hits days after our talk about the future. I'm in the command center reviewing supply inventories when Luna bursts through the door, a thick envelope in her hand. Her face is tight with anger."They're cutting us off." She tosses the envelope onto the table.I pick it up, scanning the formal letterhead. Council seal at the top, followed by dense legal language that boils down to one thing: economic sanctions. Traditional packs are forbidden from trading with Iron Fangs territory. Any pack that maintains contact with us faces their own penalties."When did this arrive?" I ask."This morning." Luna drops into a chair. "But the sanctions went into effect yesterday. Our suppliers in Montana? Cancelled our standing orders. The medical supply company in Oregon? Refused to ship. Even the damn butcher in town won't sell to us anymore."I flip through the pages, my jaw tightening with each line. They're strangling us without firing a shot, cutting off every supply line we'v
Jolie pov "I don't know if I can do this." She looks at me with terrified eyes. "If every healing session is this painful""They won't all be." I assure her. "Today was intense because we were breaking through major blockages. Future sessions will be gentler. We'll work on smaller sections, give your brain time to adjust between treatments.""How often?" She asks."Twice a week, if you're willing." I suggest. "That gives you time to process between sessions while maintaining steady progress.""Twice a week of feeling like this?" She sounds daunted."Twice a week of becoming more yourself." I correct. "Yes, it's painful. But it's also liberating, you are reclaiming pieces of yourself that the Academy stole. That's worth some temporary discomfort."She considers this, wiping her face. "Okay. Twice a week. I can do that.""You sure?" I ask. "I know it's hard""I'm sure." She straightens her spine. "Because even though this hurts, it's better than being empty. I'd rather feel too much t
Jolie POVWeeks after the integration sessions, I've finally recovered enough to begin deeper healing work. Doc cleared me yesterday after extensive testing. My moonfire is back to full strength, my empathy gift functioning normally. I'm ready to tackle the more intensive work of rebuilding what the Academy destroyed starting with Celeste.She sits across from me in the private healing room Doc set up, looking nervous. Over the past few weeks, she's made incredible progress—experiencing emotions, forming connections, learning to be human again. But we both know there's deeper damage that needs addressing."How does this work?" She asks. "The actual healing, I mean. Not just showing me emotions but rebuilding my ability to feel them naturally.""Honestly?" I lean back. "I'm not entirely sure. I've never done this before. Doc's research suggests I can use moonfire to help rebuild neural pathways that were damaged by conditioning, but the technique is experimental.""So I'm your guinea p







