I hear a knock at the door, and I recognise it as Norah. She has been my closest companion since the age of ten, and for the past six weeks, she has been waking me each morning.
Six weeks ago, my entire life was disrupted. My parents, my brother Brandon, and I were gathered around the table consuming pancakes adorned with fruit and whipped cream for breakfast, a Saturday specialty prepared by my mother.
We were conversing and relishing each other’s presence as we typically do on Saturday mornings when everything transformed. My father stated that Alpha requested him to assess a breach at the eastern border. My mother, a physician, intended to accompany my father to ensure the well-being of all the pack members.
My father held the position of Gamma, third in command at Lunar Howl Moon. The Lunar Howl Moon is among the most formidable packs. My father was exceptionally strong; I still find it hard to accept his absence.
I am incredulous that they are both deceased. Alpha received intelligence indicating that rogues were infiltrating the eastern boundary of our territory.
Initially, he dispatched a dozen warriors, and upon believing the negligible threat was neutralized, he instructed his Gamma to gather details regarding the incident and report back.
My father believed the situation was resolved and was merely interrogating our warriors and any captives; thus, when my mother requested to accompany him, he consented.
My father would not have permitted her departure had he been aware. Upon my parents’ arrival at the border, the atmosphere was tranquil. As my father interrogated everyone, the border was once again compromised, this time by 60 rogues.
The fifteen warriors accompanying my parents were swiftly defeated. On that day, we lost 25 pack members, and numerous families are affected by that loss.
My brother Brandon, aged 20, was appointed to the Gamma position to succeed my father. He lacked the opportunity to remain in bed and grieve and experience emotions as I did.
He has individuals relying on him, individuals that depend on him. He was set to attain the Gamma position in a few years upon my father’s retirement.
This was invariably his fate; it merely transpired earlier than anticipated. His Gamma training is exceedingly time-intensive, rendering this house devoid of warmth and companionship.
At last, I perceive the opening of my bedroom door. Norah enters, discards her bag, removes her sandals, and collapses onto my bed, enveloping me in her embrace. She is aware that my failure to answer the door indicates that I am weeping.
“Did Brandon grant you entry?”I whisper due to my apprehension that my voice may falter.
“Indeed,” she murmurs.
Following a brief silence, I manage to regain my composure, stating, “I apologise for my disarray, for neglecting to answer the door, and for your continual role in mending the fragments of my life.”
Celine, this is my desired location. I hold deep affection for you. You are my closest companion, and I detest that you are in pain. I wish to support you in mending the fragments. Norah insists, “Cease feeling guilty about my presence for your support.”
Her gaze and the authority in her voice convey that she is sincere in her statements.
I consider myself fortunate to have her as my closest friend. I am uncertain of my position throughout this ordeal without her support.
“Let us proceed.” Rise. We will transition and proceed to run today. Norah commands, “Expend some energy; it will benefit you, and you must leave this house.”
I remove the tears and compel myself to rise. While brushing my teeth, I observe the scene before me. My lengthy black loose curls are lacklustre, frizzy, and entangled; my complexion is paler than usual.
My blue eyes no longer stand out as they once did, and I have dark circles beneath them, accompanied by puffiness from excessive crying. I have also lost some weight, and it appears unappealing.
Upon re-entering my bedroom, I observe Norah seated on my bed, engaged with her phone. She possesses beauty both internally and externally. She is several inches taller than I am, standing at 5’8″, and possesses long, straight, dark brown hair.
She possesses gentle features, characterised by large honey-hued eyes. She turned 18 seven months ago and discovered that her long-time crush was, in fact, her mate.
She consistently harboured an infatuation for Gavin, the son of the Alpha. Gavin will assume the role of the next Alpha of our pack, with Norah designated as our future Luna. She is also suited for the position. She is resilient, compassionate, and devoted to our group. I reached the age of 18 five months prior, and I have not yet located my mate.
