Episode 3

The weight of the world pressed down on Luna’s small shoulders. She was cold, so achingly cold, and the unfamiliar dampness clinging to her clothes felt like a second skin. The rough hands that had scooped her up from the storm-lashed woods were gone, replaced by a soft, yielding surface that smelled faintly of lavender. She blinked, her eyes fluttering open to a room bathed in the gentle morning light filtering through a large window. Where was she? The memory of the frantic flight, the screams, the terrifying wolf forms, and the chilling separation from Jordan and Max crashed over her, a tidal wave of fear. She sat up, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against her ribs. She was alone.

A small, hesitant voice broke the silence. “Are you awake?”

Luna flinched, her gaze darting to the doorway. A young woman stood there, her long black hair a stark contrast to her pale skin. She was beautiful, Luna thought, but her fear was a stubborn, thorny vine that wrapped around her heart, making it hard to trust anyone. The woman offered a kind smile, holding a tray laden with steaming food and a cup of what smelled like warm milk.

“I brought you some breakfast,” the woman said softly, her voice like a gentle melody. “You must be starving.”

Luna’s stomach growled in agreement, a pathetic sound that made her blush. She hadn’t eaten since… she couldn’t even remember. The image of the man who had grabbed her flashed in her mind, and a shiver, not entirely from the cold, traced its way down her spine. Was this woman with him? Was she part of the danger?

Hesitantly, Luna reached for the food. The warmth of the milk seeped into her chilled fingers, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filled her senses. She ate ravenously, her fear momentarily eclipsed by the gnawing hunger. As she ate, the woman sat nearby, her presence a quiet comfort.

“My name is May,” she said, her blue eyes soft. “And you are?”

Luna swallowed, the words catching in her throat. “Luna,” she whispered.

“Luna,” May repeated, a genuine warmth radiating from her. “You are safe here, Luna. You are with the Star Lake pack.”

After Luna finished her meal, May gently helped her into a fresh set of clothes. They were soft and warm, a welcome relief from her damp, scratchy attire. With her hunger sated and her body a little warmer, Luna’s curiosity began to outweigh her fear. May led her through the grand mansion, showing her the different rooms, the bustling common areas, and the serene gardens. Luna’s eyes widened with wonder at the sheer size and beauty of it all.

Finally, they stood before a large gathering of wolves, their forms shifting and reforming in the courtyard. May’s voice rang out, clear and strong. “Everyone, I would like you to meet Luna. She is a precious guest, and from this day forward, she will be known as Princess Luna of the Moonlight pack. She is under our protection.”

Luna looked around, a mixture of awe and a strange sense of belonging washing over her. The wolves regarded her with curious, yet respectful gazes. She was no longer just a lost, cold child. She was Princess Luna.