Chapter 2

The first day yielded nothing.

I settled for using my phone to take pictures of every record from my previous Moon Blessings, uploading them to a secure cloud drive. I remembered in my past life, after the pup vanished, I’d searched for those records at home.

They were all gone. Even the security runes in the infirmary showed no trace.

It wasn't enough. I went to a portrait artist in the Pack square and commissioned a set of maternity sketches. During the session, I had them take plenty of behind-the-scenes images, clear shots of my swollen belly from every angle.

Only then did I feel a sliver of security.

Next, I used a communication rune to call my mother.

"Mom, I'm craving your honey-glazed venison."

"Of course, sweetheart. I'll prepare some and send it with the next patrol. A she-wolf carrying needs her strength."

"Mom… you remember how many moons along I am, right?"

"Seven moons, Lily. How could I forget?"

I recorded the entire conversation.

Last time, my mother had looked the Pack Enforcers in the eye and told them I’d never carried a pup.

This time, even if everything else went sideways, this recorded truth shouldn't be able to just disappear.

The day of the rescheduled Blessing arrived.

Ethan went to finalize the offerings at the shrine entrance. I waited on a stone bench outside.

A young acolyte in grey robes walked by. She saw my belly and smiled.

"A pointed carry. Strong signs of a future Alpha."

Ethan returned, catching the tail end of her words. "Alpha or Beta, it doesn't matter. If it's a boy, we'll protect his mother together. If it's a girl, I'll protect them both."

The acolyte giggled. "Your mate is so devoted."

I couldn't smile. I remembered this acolyte.

Last time, she’d said the same thing. A pointed carry.

Later, when my pup was gone and I returned, frantic, she’d looked at me with blank innocence. "Luna, you must be mistaken. You were here for a general aura-cleansing, not a Blessing."

This time, I discreetly activated the recording function on my phone, capturing her words.

The Blessing Chamber was deep within the shrine. The Seer conducting my reading was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and silver streaks in her dark hair.

Last time, it had been her.

Later, I’d stormed back, desperate for answers, and she’d gazed at me with pure confusion. "I have never seen you before, Luna. Are you certain you have the right shrine?"

But I was certain. It was her.

I watched her face as she prepared the sacred tools, completely unaware of my scrutiny.

"Please, recline on the altar. Expose your belly."

I lay back. She passed a smooth, milky moonstone over my skin, its surface glowing as it hovered. The reflection in the scrying basin beside us shimmered, resolving into the familiar, curled form.

"Developing well," the Seer murmured. "The aura is strong, perhaps a little too vibrant. Mind your diet, Luna. We don't want the pup growing too large for a smooth journey."

I stared at the shimmering image, my throat tight.

"Seer… may I take a remembrance image with you?"

She looked surprised. I rushed to explain. "My first pup. I want to document everything."

Her expression softened. "Of course. Come."

I pulled out my phone, opened the camera, and moved to stand beside her. I made sure the scrying basin was in the frame.

Click. The image was captured.

I looked down at it. Her face, my face, the glowing pup-shape in the basin. All there. Clear.

This time, if it happens again, let her try to deny it.