MasukNow, Luka realized, home had become a place of secrets and complications for his sister. A place where she had to constantly guard her words and actions, where the weight of her destiny and her unconventional relationship pressed down on her young shoulders.
As if sensing his thoughts, Lilly looked up at him, offering a small smile. But Luka could see the tension around her eyes, the way her hand tightened on the strap of her art carrier.
"You okay, Lil?" he asked softly, hanging back a bit so Kenny and Axel wouldn't overhear.
Lilly nodded, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking about everything I need to do tonight. Homework, violin practice, and..." she trailed off, her gaze flickering to the art carrier.
"I just want to protect her," Luka said softly. "Lilly, I mean. And Kenny and Axel, too, I guess. They're all so young to be dealing with something this big."Alpha Riverwood's eyes softened with understanding. "They're fortunate to have you looking out for them. But remember, Luka, you're not alone in this. Your mother and I are here to support all of you."Luka nodded, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. "Thanks, Dad. I... I've been meaning to ask you something."His father raised an eyebrow, encouraging him to continue."Lilly's been working on some kind of art project," Luka began carefully. "She's been really secretive about it. Did you know anything about it?"A flicker of somet
Now, Luka realized, home had become a place of secrets and complications for his sister. A place where she had to constantly guard her words and actions, where the weight of her destiny and her unconventional relationship pressed down on her young shoulders.As if sensing his thoughts, Lilly looked up at him, offering a small smile. But Luka could see the tension around her eyes, the way her hand tightened on the strap of her art carrier."You okay, Lil?" he asked softly, hanging back a bit so Kenny and Axel wouldn't overhear.Lilly nodded, but her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, just... thinking about everything I need to do tonight. Homework, violin practice, and..." she trailed off, her gaze flickering to the art carrier.
Luka felt a surge of sympathy for Axel. The weight of pack expectations was something he understood all too well."What about online courses?" Luka suggested. "Or maybe a local college? That way you could still be close to Lilly and fulfill your pack duties."Axel considered this. "That could work. But there's still the issue of explaining why I'm not going away to a prestigious university like my father expects."Luka nodded, understanding the dilemma. "We'll figure it out," he said, surprising himself with the certainty in his voice. "All of us, together."Axel looked at him, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Luka. I know this situation isn't easy for you either."
The casual way she dismissed it only piqued Luka's curiosity further. He knew his sister well enough to recognize when she was downplaying something important."Well, I can't wait to see it when it's ready," Luka said, offering her a supportive smile.Lilly's expression softened with gratitude. "Thanks, Luka. I promise, you'll be the first to see it when it's done."As the conversation shifted to other topics, Luka couldn't shake the feeling that this artwork was somehow significant. The way Lilly guarded it, the secrecy surrounding it - it all pointed to something more than just a casual project.Jett's presence stirred within him, a mix of curiosity and caution. -Patience,- the wolf advised. -Some thi
As the bell rang signaling the end of class, Luka gathered his things with a renewed sense of purpose. He caught Kenny's eye as they stood to leave, offering his friend a genuine smile."Hey," Luka said softly as they exited the classroom. "I just wanted to say... I'm glad you guys are going about everything the why you all have. It can't have been easy, but I think it was the right thing to do."Kenny's eyes widened slightly in surprise before a relieved smile spread across his face. "Thanks, man. That... that means a lot.Luka nodded, understanding the weight of that the three of them had been carrying. "I won't pretend it's been easy to accept," he admitted. "But I'm trying. And I promise, I've got your backs - all three of you."As they made their way to their next class, Luka felt as if
As they headed to their first class, Luka's mind was racing. The complications seemed to be piling up, his own impending ceremony, Kenny's not far behind, the secrets they were all keeping, and now the looming issue of Axel's responsibilities to his own pack.Jett's presence stirred within him a comforting warmth. -We will face each challenge as it comes,- the wolf reassured him. -The Goddess has a plan for all of you.-Luka took a deep breath, drawing strength from Jett's certainty. Whatever the future held, they would face it together. For now, all they could do was take it one day at a time and trust that when the moment came, they would know what to do.As he settled into his seat for class, Luka made a silent vow to himself. He would do everything in his power to protect Lilly,







