LOGINRosie slipped her small hand into mine as though we'd known each other for years. "Come on." "I want to show you everything." I laughed. "I thought Martha was going to do that." Rosie looked over her shoulder. "She walks too slowly." Several of the older children giggled. Even Martha smiled. "I'm afraid she's right." "I no longer have the energy to keep up with them." Rosie proudly led me through the front doors. The orphanage was simple. There were no expensive furnishings or elaborate decorations. But everything was spotless. Beds had been made neatly. Books were arranged carefully on wooden shelves. The dining hall smelled faintly of fresh bread. It felt... Loved. Not because it possessed much. But because those caring for the children made the most of what they had. As we walked, more children slowly gathered around us. Some asked questions. Others simply watched. One little boy frowned thoughtfully. "Do all Lunas wear pretty dresses?" I looked down at m
As we finished dinner, I set my teacup down. "Kael?" He looked up from the report he'd been reading. "Yes?" "I've been thinking about one of the welfare reports." He closed the folder without hesitation, giving me his full attention. "The complaints about widows and orphans?" I nodded. "I don't want to rely only on written reports." "I'd like to visit the Blackwood orphanage myself." For a moment, he simply regarded me. Then he asked, "When?" "Tomorrow, if possible." He considered it briefly before nodding. "That can be arranged." Relief settled quietly over me. "I was hoping to take food, blankets, books... whatever they might need most." His expression remained calm. "Speak with the estate steward in the morning." I blinked. "That's all?" A faint smile touched the corner of his mouth. "What answer were you expecting?" "I thought..." I laughed softly. "...perhaps I'd need to convince you." "You've already convinced me." His answ
The following morning... The Blackwood Estate had already returned to its usual rhythm. The silver ribbons had been taken down. The last of the flower arrangements were being carried away by the servants. Only a few white lilies remained in the entrance hall, their fragrance a quiet reminder of yesterday's celebration. For a brief moment, I found myself smiling. It had been everything Aurelia had hoped for. Perhaps... Even more. "Luna?" I turned to find one of the junior attendants waiting patiently beside the staircase. "The administrative block has prepared today's files." I nodded. "Thank you." It felt strangely comforting to hear those words again. There was work to be done. As I crossed the courtyard toward the administrative block, I noticed the estate slowly coming alive around me. Guards changed shifts at the main gate. Servants carried baskets of fresh produce toward the kitchens. Several gardeners were already replacing flowers that had
The celebration lingered long after the last slice of cake had been served. Children's laughter gradually faded as one family after another made their way toward the front of the estate. Servants stood by the entrance, thanking each guest as cars rolled slowly down the long driveway and disappeared beyond the gates. The silver and white ribbons still fluttered gently in the evening breeze. Fresh flowers lined the pathways exactly as they had that morning, though now a few petals had scattered across the stone paths, evidence of a day well spent. I stood on the front steps beside Kael, watching the final guests prepare to leave. Lily waved enthusiastically through the open car window. "Bye, Aurelia!" "Bye!" Aurelia waved both hands so vigorously I was half-afraid she'd lose her balance. "You have to come over again!" "I will!" The car pulled away, disappearing through the gates. For a few moments... None of us spoke. The estate, so full of life only minutes ago, seemed t
The afternoon slipped by more quickly than I expected. Laughter drifted across the gardens. Children darted between the games, their excitement never seeming to fade. The drawing competition ended in a spirited debate over whose wolf had the fluffiest tail. No one appeared particularly interested in deciding a winner. In the end... Every child declared themselves victorious. As the sun began its slow descent, the musicians softened their melodies. Almost as if on cue, Miss Agatha appeared beside me. "Luna." I turned. "I believe it's time." I followed her gaze. The enormous birthday cake was being wheeled toward the center of the gardens. Conversation gradually quieted. One by one, the children gathered around. Their parents followed soon after. Seven silver candles crowned the top of the cake, their tiny flames dancing gently in the evening breeze. Aurelia stopped in front of it. For perhaps the first time all day... She was completely still. Miss Agatha lit the f
"I think time moves slower on birthdays." Aurelia said with a sigh. "I believe you may be right," I said. She looked at me hopefully. "Can we wait outside?" Kael folded his napkin neatly before setting it beside his plate. "The guests will come to us." "But..." She hesitated. "I want to be the first one to see Lily." A faint smile touched Kael's lips. "I'm sure Lily feels the same way." That seemed to satisfy her. At least... For the next thirty seconds. A knock sounded at the dining room door. One of the footmen inclined his head respectfully. "My Alpha." "The first guests have begun to arrive." Aurelia was out of her chair before the sentence had even finished. "They're here!" She caught herself almost immediately. Turning back toward us with exaggerated patience. "I'm walking." She took one perfectly dignified step. Then another. The moment we reached the hallway... She broke into a run. I laughed despite myself. Her white bir
"It's time" my newly found friend Mira informed me. I've waited for this night for so long, I've been on a strict diet, having to eat those very tasteless meals. I carefully stood up, so as not to ruin my pretty white dress, specially selected for this night, everything I was putting on was caref
I barely slept. Not because I was afraid. At least, that was what I kept telling myself. The truth was far less flattering. I was anxious. Anxious about seeing Vera. Anxious about seeing Manda. Anxious about walking back into a house that had never truly felt like home. By the time morning
I thought long and hard about the marriage proposal. For days, I had turned it over in my mind from every possible angle. The council. The pack. The responsibilities that would come with becoming Luna. None of it was a decision to be taken lightly. The truth was, I wasn't walking into t
I was all alone outside, sitting on the cold floor, with my white dress now brown. On a night I should have been with my mate, the future Alpha. A night my fate was supposed to change, I guess it did change after all, but not for the better. I had been publicly humiliated in front of the pack , a







