AMBER.

I knelt in front of my parents’ graves and placed down the flowers. I had picked a bunch of beautiful wildflowers from my garden before leaving. I just sat there for a while, enjoying the peace and quiet. The air smelt sweet, and the cool night breeze felt wonderful. I lay back and looked up at the full moon shining above me. I felt something stir inside me for a second. I sat up sighing. It was time. I pulled one of the containers from my bag and carefully scattered Mary’s ashes over the graves. I had just finished when I heard a noise in the distance. It sounded like a branch snapping. Looking around, my eyes settled on a dark shape in the distance. Focusing on it, I could just make out the wolfs outline. It was blending into the shadows, not moving, just watching. I felt uneasy. A voice somewhere deep inside told me to get out of there. I gathered my things and got back to my car as quickly as I could.

ALPHA JASON STONE.

Looking out at the sea of faces in front of me, I was disappointed to realise that Amber wasn’t among them. Maybe she didn’t feel ready for something like this yet. Tanya had told me that she had given Amber a dose of the potion today, so maybe she wasn’t feeling up to it. I cleared my throat and started reading out the names of the people who had turned sixteen since last years ceremony. I needed to focus on the job at hand.

BECKY.

I was trying to enjoy myself, but I kept thinking about Amber having to scatter Mary’s ashes by herself. I wondered how she was getting on. My Dad saw how distracted I was and asked “Everything OK, sweetheart?” I smiled at him and told him that I was just worried about Amber. He asked why, and I told him. “Well if you really want to be with Amber, then that’s where you should be. We have one of these ceremonies every year.” He told me. “Are you serious? I can’t just leave, can I?” I asked, surprised. “Of course you can. The Moon Goddess ceremony has never been compulsory for pack members. Well, unless it’s your ceremony year and it’s not, you had yours years ago. Besides I’m your father, and I’m giving you permission. Now go and replace your friend.” I gave him a huge hug and ran home to change. My dress and heels weren’t really suitable for hiking to the lake.

AMBER.

I reached the lake and stopped for a moment to take in how stunning this place was in the moonlight. It had looked beautiful in my dreams, but in person, it was on a whole different level. I made my way to the waters edge, my dream flashing into my mind. I swallowed and slowly leant forward, looking into the water the smooth surface like a mirror in the moonlight. I let out the breath that I hadn’t realised I’d been holding as I saw my own face looking back at me.

I heard footsteps in the woods behind me and was instantly on edge. Yet this time, there was no uneasiness coming from within. Just my mind panicking a little. I caught the scent of lavender and lemon on the air, and my body instantly relaxed. I watched Becky walk out of the trees and smilingly make her way over to where I sat. “What are you doing here. Aren’t you meant to be at the party?” I asked her. She grinned “I’d much rather be here with you. I’ve been to plenty of Moon Goddess ceremonies before, besides the actual ceremony part is over. I’m only missing the dancing and drinking.” She replied. I thanked her for coming and told her about the wolf up at the Alpha cemetery. She told me that it was probably just one of the pack guards patrolling. I nodded, feeling reassured, and pulled the second container out. This time, as I let its dusty contents fall gently out and be taken by the breeze, I whispered a final goodbye to Mary. When I was done, Becky pulled me into a hug. And we just stayed like that for a few minutes. I was so grateful that she was here. We stayed at the lake, talking and laughing for a while. I wasn’t sure how long we’d been there.

The sound of happy howls began to fill the air. “It’s the midnight run” Becky told me. Everyone in the pack who’s old enough to shift into their wolf does, and we all go for a run in the woods together.” She explained. I told her that she should go and join in, as I was ready to head home now anyway. It took a few minutes to convince her, but then, after one final hug, she asked if I’d like to see her shift. I nodded, and she began to undress, explaining that if she was to shift with her clothes on, then they would be destroyed. She stepped back to give herself space and dropped down to all fours. I heard the sounds of bones cracking and flesh tearing, and then suddenly there was an absolutely gorgeous white and brown wolf standing in front of me. Her fur was thick and shaggy, and her eyes were the most brilliant shade of green. “You are stunning” I told her. I could have sworn I saw that wolf smile. She touched her head to mine and froze. She began sniffing me until I batted her away. “That tickles” I told her. She stepped back and looked at me inquisitively. “Go. Have fun.” I told her. She bounced around like an excited puppy before bounding off into the trees. I gathered her things and headed home.

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