Page 201 of Crystal Luna

“It’s not from us. The Howlers gave it to us and made us promise to give it to you after your luna ceremony.”

Her heart skipped a few beats as she slid her shaky fingers under the wrapping paper and revealed a jewellery box.

She stared at it for a moment, fighting her emotions and tears before she even opened it. There, on a silly cushion, laid a diamond moon suspended on a golden string. She picked it up, surprised by the length of the chain itself.

“They added a note,” Ash pointed out, holding up a small piece of paper.

She sucked in a deep breath as she stared down at the handwriting.

Dear Velora,

By the time you read this you will have officially become the Crystal Luna and I can’t tell you how proud I am. You will be a wonderful, strong, brave, and loving luna. Your heart is true and your mind sharp.

The Howlers congratulate you and wish you all the best on the journey Isis has chosen for you.

Please come visit us soon. We love and miss you very much!

PS.: The necklace is large enough to drape around your wolf’s neck without restricting you. Wayne insisted on making sure of it and Rayan volunteered to test it with a shift.

Vel stared at the words as tears gathered and fell. Isaiah quickly retrieved the note to save it from getting wet.

“At least he has taste,” Ash teased which conjured a smile from her. “But didn’t you say you don’t like diamonds?”

“I don’t, really. I’m worried I’ll lose them.”

“How about you wear it for special occasions?” Isaiah suggested and took the moon between his thumb and forefinger to give it a better look.

“We better get you something bigger to match, cause now he made us look like dicks,” Ash chuckled.

“You’re so competitive,” she laughed, shoving Ash’s shoulder.

“You love me for it.”

“I do.” Then, as the realisation dawned on her she looked to Ash, then Isaiah. “I do love you—and Isaiah too.”

And that was the first time she ever admitted to loving them.

The End

Epilogue

Velora

As they drove towards the gates of the Howler’s territory, Velora felt both excited and sad. Some days she found herself wishing she were still part of them and returning made her heart sting. As soon as the snow thawed, she’d made plans to visit. Asher and Isaiah had stayed behind to give her time and space. Axel had offered to come with her and even though Asher had wanted a few more warriors to join them, she’d stayed stern. They’d been allowed to follow her to Swiftport where they’d stopped.

Marvin already stood at the gate with Rayan’s wolf by his side. Axel rolled down the window and was greeted with a bright smile.

“Welcome. I believe Luna Velora still knows the way.”

She returned his grin, warmth relaxing her anxious heart. “Of course, I do.”

Rayan’s tail wagged and he ducked to smile through the window before he took off down the road.

Marvin stepped back and she could see him shift in the mirrors.

“That’s Marvin—the lead warrior,” she explained. “And that one running around like a puppy is Rayan. He used to be my partner in crime and helped me figure out my half-shifts.”

“They seem very excited to see you again.”

---