A luna's tale:tamed by darkness

The beautiful morning sky stretched out over the beautiful city of vine,the soft glow of sunlight filtered through the sleepy city,the cool breeze in the air . Birds chirped lazily in the towering sequoia trees that boarded the city, their sounds weaving through the air like familiar songs, it was a place where time moved slowly, people knew their neighbours, and the change in season inspired every day.

Sera took a deep breath as she stepped out of her small apartment ,stretching as she pulled on her jacket tighter around her shoulders, the air was cool and damp, hinting at the beginning of summer, the smell of damp earth, pine and wildflowers floated with the breeze, grounding her in the moment. She loved her home in vine, she had a family, a pack and friends who meant everything to her.

Walking down the quiet street,she passed the old diner with its sign fading off and swinging to the side, the old bakery she grew up with. The smell of fresh bread and coffee came through the open window, floating in the air, mingling with the outdoors. She smiled knowing the morning rush is about to start, imagining the warmth inside the bakery mixed with the chatter of customers and wonderful smell of pastries.

Along the way, some children chased after each other playing charades, their laughter sounding so bright and cheerful, her gaze softened. Life in vine was simple but warm , a mixture of ordinary moments and events that made it whole and beautiful. And Beneath it all was the heart of the Bloodmoon pack.

After a while she met kaya at the corner by the creek, her best friend since she was just a little pup. Kayas eyes sparkled with their usual mischievous energy, bouncing lightly on her heels as she spotted sera.

"Morning!" She called out, her voice chirpy and bright.

"Morning" sera replied with a grin, walking up to her. They followed the winding path through the tall sequoia trees leading towards the packs gathering grounds.

The forest was bright, sun light streaming through the trees, birds chirping, deers in sight, the scent of pine and moss and wild berries filled the air as they got closer to the pack grounds.

Sers breathed in deeply, the woods were a sanctuary for her, a place were she could be free, where she could feel the strength of her bloodline coursing through her veins. Here, here senses were heightened and the noice and chaos of the human world faded away.

As they arrived at the clearing grounds, the sounds of the pack's morning rituals reached ears. Wolves moving silently on the soft ground, their movements were fluid and intentional. The low hums of their voices mixed with laughter, occasional barks, howls and growls filling the air. It was a harmony of life,wild and free.

They increased their footsteps in anticipation. Sera loved training days, they brought a sense of purpose to her, a chance to test herself and grow stringer.

Kaya nudged her playfully " You ready for today?"

"Always ready" sera replied smiling

"Good cause Marcus promised a tough session" kaya said, eyes shinning.

Sera chuckled "I've been ready since breakfast ".

The clearing opened before them, the wide space rounded by ancient oaks and pine trees, branches stretching protectively around. Big large stones circled the perimeter worn out by generations who had sat there, telling stories and settling disputes.

Pack members were already gathered, Eli, sera young cousin, was sparring with a friend under the watchful eyes of his father., his movements improving with time and nearby, their uncle coached a small group in tracking techniques, pointing out subtle signs and traces in the dirt and leaves.

Sera's eyes swept the crowd looking for familiar faces.

Fierce warriors, healers,cunning strategists, and all sorts of people where all over the trainning grounds. Each of them as important as the other in the pack. A thread in the tapestry of the pack.

Her uncle caught her gaze and smiled, nodding to her as a sign of greeting. Sera returned it with a small bow of her head, smiling back at him.

Training began with stretches,and the usual warm ups, the pack moving in synchrony. Sera loved the way they moved in harmony, their bodies working together as a part of one.

As the session progressed, they practiced combat drills,hunting skills, self defence, honing reflexes and building endurance. The grounds felt alive and responsive to every step.

Between the exercise, laughter came up freely. Kaya challenged sera to a sparring match, their playful rivalry drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd. Sera grinned, matching her friends enthusiasm with quick strikes and agile moves.

Later As the cooled down near the edge of the clearing by the spring, the sun climbed higher warming their skin and lighting up the forest.

Sera took a while to sit on a rock by the edge, watching the leaves fall and float in the breeze. Her thoughts drifting away. Life was good but sometimes she wondered if there was more waiting beyond the familiar boundaries of the pack borders.

She was happy in her pack but felt empty.

Kaya plopped down beside her,breaking the silence

"You're awfully quiet"

Sera shrugged "just thinking"

"About what" kaya nudged her shoulder.

"Nothing really" sera smiled softly " just wondering "

"About what?"

Sera hesitated then shook her head "nothing,never mind"

Kaya smiled knowingly but didn't press " well, when you wanna talk,I'm here".

Sera's smile grew , she was lucky to have kaya, someone genuine who understood her without needing explanations.

The rest of the day unfolded in a steady, quiet pace.,meals were shared along the fire pit, stories were told under the trees, the quiet moments just watching the sunset paint the skies in streaks of orange and pink.

At night the pack gathered again to howl ,their voices rising in a beautiful chorus praising the moon goddess echoed through the woods, in preparation of the crowning ceremony.

As sera lay in her bed, the beautiful sounds of the forest whispering to her through the window, she felt a calm settle over her. But she still felt the pull. That pull that tells her there's something outside these borders that's calling her.

As She drifted off to sleep, she reminded herself, tomorrow would bring its own challenges and joys,but for now, she was were she needed to be.