The celebration continued into the dusk, culminating in the pack’s traditional visit to the sacred spring nestled deep within the woods—a revered site believed to be the home of their own Moon Goddess. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a warm, amber glow over the pack lands, Aiden approached Mira with Lyra in tow.
“It’s time,” Aiden said, his voice a blend of formality and warmth. He looked down at Lyra, who was practically bouncing with excitement. “Ready, little wolf?”
“Ready!” Lyra exclaimed, grasping her father’s hand. She then turned to Mira. “Will you come too, Momma?”
Mira knelt down to meet her daughter’s gaze. “Your father will take you to the Goddess' spring, my love. But I'll wait here for you when you get back.”
Lyra nodded, her enthusiasm unbridled. “Okay! Let’s go, Daddy!”
Mira watched as Aiden and Lyra set off toward the woods, their figures soon swallowed by the trees. A part of her longed to follow immediately, but she knew this moment was important for both father and daughter, a tradition that had been passed down through generations.
As she lingered, attending to final preparations for the feast that would follow, Mira couldn’t shake a sense of unease. It clung to her like a shadow, persistent and unsettling.
*
The walk through the forest was serene, with the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife providing a tranquil backdrop. Aiden held Lyra’s hand firmly as they walked, his thoughts miles away. Despite the peaceful surroundings, his mind was a tempest of conflicting emotions.
“Daddy, what’s it like being Alpha?”
Aiden smiled down at her, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It’s a great responsibility, Lyra. It means making choices for the good of the pack, even when those choices are difficult.”
“Will I be Luna like Momma?”
“One day,” Aiden replied, his voice softening. “But that’s a long time from now. For now, you should just enjoy being a pup.”
Their conversation continued, light and easy, as they neared the sacred spring. However, as they reached the clearing, Aiden’s phone buzzed in his pocket, breaking the moment. He hesitated, glancing at the screen to see Maria’s name flashing insistently.
Aiden frowned, torn between the call and his daughter. “Lyra, stay here for a moment, okay? Daddy has to take this call. It’s important.”
Lyra nodded obediently, though her excitement dimmed slightly. “Okay, Daddy.”