“You must understand this Luna. There is nothing in this world. Nothing! That can ever break the bond Deimos and you possess because it is something that holds power. More powerful than the relationship we have.” Cronus smiles once more and I slowly nod grasping his words.
“I understand. But what I don’t understand is why are there so many lanterns in the warehouse and what is this lantern festival?” I question him as he chuckles.
“Curious are we?” Cronus asks gently as I nod with a serious look on my face.
“Tell me,” I ask him filled with curiosity.
“It’s for when the other packs gather here at my land and send out lanterns into the sky. Myths say that the lantern will reach your loved one. The one you miss the most and the one you really wish to see. You can even write something on it. More than that the sight is amazing. It’s my packs tradition. We do it every year and some even find their mates.” Cronus tells me gently.
I tilt my head to the side questioning this myth. “Seems untrue to me,” I tell him to which he smiles.
“Believe and it will happen, Luna,” Cronus tells me with a smile as we both look forward at the sight of fresh pastures and birds.
I spend the rest of the day with Cronus’s pack, helping the females and preparing the lanterns. It’s a wonderful feeling for me and one I like a lot. As the sun sets, excitement pools into the air. Wolves are getting dressed for tonight. Apparently, they let the lanterns into the sky at midnight.
“Alpha!” The juvenile males call out to me. Usually, juvenile wolves tend to be disrespectful and out of control especially males. But these wolves are just…. sweethearts.
“Yes.” I turn around and look at them with a smile.
“Would you like help with something?” They ask me politely to which I smile further, shaking my head.
“Nothing I cannot handle,” I tell them gently to which they bow. “But I do wish to ask you all something. Come closer.” They nod and huddle closer to me.
“Yes Alpha?” One of the young males speaks up.
“So which of you pups are excited for a chance to find your female tonight?” I ask them with a sly smile as their cheeks heat up and turn to a bright red.
“Simon, Alpha! He even writes letters to her every night and keeps them in his drawer though he doesn’t even know who she is. It is addressed to My Beautiful Mate.” One of the males tells me as the others laugh making fun of him.
“Simon take a step forward.” A young wolf with hair painted in the colour of the sand comes forward. His eyes cast down to his feet and cheeks bright red. “Your mate will be very lucky to have you,” I tell him gently as the young wolves standing behind him stop laughing and look up at me. Simon snaps his head to meet my eyes.
“Why Alpha?” They ask me with curiosity.
“Because he is the one who is prepared and waiting,” I tell them gently. As the young males begin discussing within themselves, I glance at my watch and notice that it is time to get ready. “Alright time for you pups to look smartly dressed so off you go. Perhaps the rest should write letters as well.” I say to them as I walk away from them and stride into the house.
Taking a warm shower I get dressed in a short white dress. Combing through my hair I wonder how pleasant tonight is going to be. I cannot help but be excited to see the sight when all the lanterns are up in the sky.
A few hours later I see the arrival of new wolves from other packs. A lot of juveniles and mates are gathering. Feeling a bit nervous I search for Cronus. My eyes find him in the crowd as he shakes hands with other Alphas and is welcoming everyone.
Not wanting to disturb him I head towards the females prepared to help them with anything and help them I did. I gave out lanterns to every incoming guest. A lot of them just stared in awe making me extremely uncomfortable and some were sweet enough to have a small chat, asking about me and my title.
“Luna. How’s it going?” Cronus asks me sneaking up behind me.
“Pretty good. Are there more coming in?” I ask him looking at the entrance.
“Yes, I suppose. You don’t need to do this anymore. Why don’t you go ahead and find a spot? I’ll come to find you. Take this lantern and this pen. Write whatever you want on it.” Cronus smiles gently pushing me towards the crowd.
As my eyes search for a spot through the crowd I find one in the middle. Though I will be surrounded I didn’t mind. Cronus will be here soon. Reaching the spot I kneel on the floor not giving a second thought of my white dress. I think of what I want right now holding the pen in my hand.
Closing my eyes I think. What is it that I want? What do I wish desperately for at this moment? Opening my eyes I write down the first thing that comes to my mind.
I want to see him. I want to see my male.
Reading through the words I wrote I scoff to myself. So much for running away and I am back to square one. As I look around I see couples everywhere smiling and talking to themselves. I was the only wolf standing alone.
After a while, as I wait for Cronus I hear the sound of a loud bell as it thunders through the crowd. It’s for telling us to hold the lantern up facing the sky. As the wolves begin lifting their lanterns, my eyes search anxiously for Cronus. I don’t want to do this alone.
All of a sudden I feel the weight of my lantern decreasing and someone seems to be holding the other side of the lantern and I chuckle. “Cronus you are finally here, I was waiting for you. Why are you-.” I am cut off by the sound of another clang of the bell. “Alright, time to let this go.” I smile as we both lift the lantern higher and finally let go of it into the sky.
I look up at the sky watching our lantern softly swift through the air while joining the others and I laugh softly. The sight is beautiful. The sky is filled with light.
“It’s beautiful just as you said Cronus.” But Cronus doesn’t reply and silence greets me.
As I finally glance towards my right to look at Cronus my eyes widen. My heart stops its beats and my breath drowns in my throat while my mind becomes blank as my body shakes and shivers. The male in front of me finally opens his mouth and he utters one word.
“Mate.” He says.
“Deimos,” I whisper.