Chapter 20:
I felt a soft kiss on my forehead, which gently stirred me from my sleep. As my eyes opened, Xander’s smile greeted me, filled with love.
“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” he whispered softly, brushing a hair from my face.
It took a moment to register his words. Today was my birthday. I was becoming seventeen. Considering the events of the previous year, it was strange to experience something as ordinary as this.
Once I sat up, I noticed my room had transformed overnight. There were vases with wildflowers everywhere, and their nice smell was all around. Over a chair was a beautiful white dress, and it looked soft and shiny in the morning light.
“Xander, it’s so pretty,” I said, touching the smooth fabric with my fingers.
He smiled even bigger, happy to see my reaction. “This is just the beginning. The pack has been planning this celebration for weeks.”
After I’d dressed, Xander led me to the pack house’s dining room, where Selene and Zara were waiting. They enveloped me with a big group hug, shouting happily.
“Happy birthday, Aurora!” Selene exclaimed, pressing a small, wrapped package into my hands.
“Open it!” Zara urged, practically bouncing with anticipation.
Inside, I found a beautiful silver bracelet, which had protective and strong symbols carved into it. “It’s stunning,” I said, feeling quite emotional. I never thought a year ago that I’d have friends like these or a family that truly cared about me.
Our breakfast was spectacular. We had a blast laughing and chatting about what we were going to do today. Afterward, Xander accompanied me to the main clearing. I gasped as we emerged from the trees. The entire area had been transformed into a festival ground. Streamers in white and silver the colors of my Wolf form fluttered in the breeze. Tables laden with food and drinks circled a large open space cleared for dancing.
The pack members who had gathered burst into cheers as they saw me, and I felt a blush creep up my cheeks.
Xander gave my hand a comforting squeeze, then moved in front of everyone to speak. “We’re not just here for Aurora’s birthday. We’re also here to celebrate what she means to our pack. Our Luna, protector and friend.”
He turned back to me, producing a small velvet box from his pocket. it was a beautiful necklace with a silver crescent moon and opals inside. “It’s a family tradition,” he said, fastening it around my neck. “It shows you’re a Luna and part of our pack’s future.”
We had fun playing games that showed how strong and fast we were. Because of my new White Wolf powers, I was really good at them.
Later, we had a feast with lots of yummy food like berry tarts and venison stew. The thoughtfulness of including these touches nearly brought me to tears.
Throughout the meal, pack members stood to share stories and memories. People shared stories about the help I’d given them during training and acts of kindness or bravery they’d seen from me. Each story made me feel closer to this family I’d discovered, this home I never knew I’d have.
When it was my time to speak, I got up on wobbly legs, filled with emotions. “A year ago,” I started, my voice a bit shaky, “I was all alone, scared, and had no hope. I never thought I’d be here today with so much love and people backing me up.” I stopped for a moment, glancing at all the faces around me – friends, family, my pack. “You’ve not only given me shelter, but also a purpose to live and the power to keep going. Plus, I now have something to look forward to every day. I swear to use all my power to keep this pack safe and show you the way.”
As night came, the open area changed. Many lanterns were lit, giving off a soft, magical light all over the place where everyone was having fun. Music started up a mix of traditional pack melodies and more modern tunes.
Xander appeared at my side, holding out his hand with a slight bow. “May I have this dance, Luna?” he asked.
I giggled, took his hand, and let him guide me to the middle of the open area. As we started to dance, everything else around us disappeared. It was only us, moving to the rhythm, staring deeply into each other’s eyes.
Soon, other couples joined in, and I began to switch partners, creating a delightful pattern of twirling and laughing. The simplicity of the dance made it easy to connect with each person I danced with, and the joy was contagious. I danced with Jaxon, with Marcus, with some younger pack members who blushed and stammered as they tried to lead. Each dance, each interaction, reinforced the bonds I’d formed with this community.
As the night wore on, I noticed Xander in deep conversation with some pack elders. He caught my eye and smiled, giving me a small nod that seemed to say, “Just a moment longer.”
I turned back to my current dance partner, one of the refugee wolves we’d welcomed into the pack. As I did it, a weird feeling began in my fingertips. It was like my arm or leg had fallen asleep. But it didn’t go away. Instead, it grew stronger, moving up my arms and into my whole body.
I almost fell over. “Aurora, are you alright?” my mate asked, genuine concern in his voice.
I wished to reassure him that I was okay, but my voice failed me. The feeling changed to a buzzing, like a powerful energy was rushing through me. It felt like my skin was too tight, and something was trying to get out.
The music stopped, and people started calling my name. I saw Xander running towards me through the crowd. He looked terrified.
Before I knew it, my eyes were burning, and there was a really bright, hot light coming from inside me. Everything started spinning fast, and then everything went dark just as Xander was trying to grab me.
In the dark, I felt weird, like I didn’t have any weight. I could hear voices from everywhere. Some were people I knew, but others sounded ancient and very strong.
“The White Wolf rises…”
“Protector of the innocent…”
“Destroyer of darkness…”
“Aurora…”
The last voice cut through the chaos, anchoring me. Xander. I could feel him, even in this strange in-between place. His presence was a lifeline, pulling me back towards reality.
I took a sharp breath and my eyes quickly opened. I was on the ground in an open space, with people looking at me with concern.
Everything around me started to whirl fast, and then everything went completely dark, right when Xander was trying to reach me.
In the dark, I felt a weird feeling of not having any weight, like my body wasn’t there. I could hear voices everywhere. Some were people I knew, but others seemed ancient and very strong. Xander was beside me, gently supporting my head in his lap.
“Aurora,” he whispered, sounding relieved. “You’re back. How are you feeling?”
I blinked a few times, checking my body. The intense power rush had lessened, but I could feel it lingering, ready to be used if needed. “I’m… okay,” I replied, a bit shakily. “Different, but okay.”
As Xander helped me to my feet, I noticed the pack members backing away slightly, awe and a touch of fear in their eyes. “What?” I asked, looking down at myself. I gasped. My skin seemed to be glowing faintly, a soft white light emanating from within.
“Your eyes,” Xander said softly. “They’re… incredible.” He produced a small mirror from somewhere, holding it up for me to see.
My reflection shocked me. My eyes, which were once a comforting brown, now had a silver glow that was both mesmerizing and frightening.
I quietly asked, “What’s going on with me?” with a noticeable tremble in my voice, filled with fear.
Xander held me firmly around the waist, offering support. “I’m not certain,” he admitted, “but we’re a team in this. No matter what this situation is, or if you’re changing in some way, we’re by your side.”
Looking at the pack around us, I saw their expressions change from fear to resolve. They were ready to stand by me, regardless of what this new change brought.
Then, everything started to spin. The voices from the dark places became louder, and the strength within me increased. It felt completely new to me.
“Xander,” I said quickly, trying to hold onto him as my legs gave way. “I can’t… I can’t control it…”
The final thing I saw was Xander’s face, filled with fear, as he tried to catch me. Then, darkness took over again. This time, it felt like I might not come back.
Aurora’s body started to glow with a super bright white light. Xander held her tightly and called her name, terrified. But Aurora just lay there, not moving. The power inside her was growing so big it was scary for everyone watching.