Page 26 of Howling Holidays

Myheartpoundsinmy chest as we stand outside the town hall, the cold winter air biting at my cheeks. I know the weight of this moment; it will change everything for my pack and the people of Everwood. As alpha, I have to show strength and courage, but deep down, there is a flicker of fear. Will they accept the truth? Can they handle knowing about the existence of wolf shifters?

Emily and I walk together toward the winter solstice gathering, the pack following behind and infused with promise. Today Everwood's divides crumble away, my pack and our true nature will be revealed to all. Centuries of secrecy have kept us safe, but also spawned suspicion. The time for transparency has come. I only pray humanity's grace matches mine.

My wolf stirs restlessly beneath my skin, sensing the tension that permeates the air. I can hear the low hum of voices from within, the townsfolk gathered and waiting. With one last fortifying breath, I push open the doors.

"Here goes nothing," I mutter, taking a deep, steadying breath.

Emily weaves her fingers into mine as we find our seats in the front, smiling through her nerves. "You're so brave," she whispers. "No matter what happens, remember that. I’m here for you." I draw her close, memorizing her scent. With Emily at my side, no darkness can shake me. Our love will light the way forward.

The hall is dimly lit with flickering candles, casting ominous shadows across the weathered faces of the council members seated at the front. The air is thick with apprehension. I can smell the anxiety rolling off the townspeople in waves. The room overflows with residents as they pile in and take their seats. My clan lingers at the edges, their faces reflecting my own mixed emotions. Everwood's future pivots on what happens here today. I pray my actions speak louder than ingrained fears. We come in kinship, seeking reunion, not domination. That truth must be the seed from which trust grows. I squeeze Caleb's shoulder as the speakers begin, taking courage from his presence. He returns my gesture firmly. No matter what comes, we walk into light together.

I place my hand on Emily’s again and center my spirit, letting calm flow through my veins. For generations, my ancestors stood where I do now, awaiting revelation's double-edged sword. That legacy rings in my blood and bones. I embrace its power and purpose. I rise tall before their judging eyes, voice carrying clear across the hushed crowd. After the council finishes speaking, they call me up to make my announcement.

With a deep breath, I stand before the crowd, my heart pounding in my chest. As I look out at the sea of faces, I can sense the fear and suspicion that lingers in the room. But I am determined to push through it, to show them that we are not their enemies.

"Good people of Everwood," I begin, my voice ringing out through the hall. "I stand before you today to reveal a truth that has been kept hidden for far too long, to protect both your lives and ours. Many of you know my name is Logan Everhart and my family runs the tree farm at the edge of town. What you don’t know, though, is that I’m the alpha of a pack of wolves. The town’s folklore of magic and wolf shifters is true."

There is a collective gasp from the audience as I speak, followed by outraged murmurs and I can feel the tension in the room rise. But I hold my ground, meeting their gazes one by one.

"I know that this may come as a shock to many of you," I continue. "But I assure you that we mean you no harm. We have lived among you for generations, hiding in the shadows, but that time has come to an end. You’ve sheltered a hidden branch of Everwood's family for generations unknown. We now come before you, asking for acceptance and peace. The era of secrecy ends today."

Murmurs stir the heavy silence as my cloak falls away. I level my gaze unflinching, willing them to truly see me. "We are not here to harm you, but rather to coexist alongside you, to work together for the betterment of our community."

The silence in the room is deafening as I stand looking out at the crowd, shock still covering their faces. Whispers start to stir among residents and an older gentleman stands up in the back.

"How do we know they ain't dangerous?" he demands. "You expect us to just welcome these...creatures into our community?"

“Yeah, how do we know you’re telling the truth? How do we know our families are safe?” echoes a woman closer to the front of the room.

Murmurs of agreement ripple through the crowd. I clench my jaw, trying to keep my voice level.

"We have lived peacefully among you for generations," I say. "We only wish to break this curse and restore balance. The pack protects this town; we mean you no harm."

"Pretty words," another woman calls out bitterly. "But how do we know you won't turn on us the moment it suits you?"

I suppress a growl of frustration. "If that were true, why would I reveal ourselves to you now, when we could continue living in secret? I am trying to build trust between us."

Their faces remain doubtful, arms crossed in defiance. After so many years of secrecy, this distrust was inevitable. But we cannot break the curse alone.

I take a deep breath. "Dark forces threaten this town, forces beyond the pack's power. Our only chance is to face them together. I know it won't be easy, but for the sake of Everwood, we must try."

The townsfolk erupt into chaotic shouts and arguments, disbelief and suspicion etched on their faces. This is the reaction I feared, but we cannot succeed alone. I have to make them understand.

I pause, taking a deep breath, hoping my words are enough to start bridging the divide between our kind. "A dangerous group of shadow shifters guards the curse placed over my pack, and they are a threat. They’ve been trying to attack us, and I’m worried if we don’t break this curse, they will attack the town next. We have strength in numbers, and we’re asking for your help in completing the ritual.”

I feel their bristling fears, their need to cling to old boundaries that once kept order. In their eyes, I am still other. Less than human. The wolf in my blood stirs, seeking escape in the old ways of distrust and isolation. I suppress its snarling fury, keeping my palms raised in naked supplication. Fight or flight will only breed more darkness. I steady my knees on solid earth and keep still, trusting. Move through me, sacred spirit.

As the panic swells, Bonnie rises from her seat. Immediately, a hush falls over the crowd. They know better than to ignore an elder council member.

"Thank you, Logan," Bonnie says, her voice steady and reassuring.

"What Logan says is true," she declares, her voice clear and steady. "The shifters have long been a part of Everwood, though their secrets were closely guarded. As many of you know, my family has lived in Everwood for generations. Over the years, we've faced our share of trials, but we've always come through stronger for having faced them together. I believe that the events we're about to discuss will be no different.”

I nod in agreement, feeling a renewed sense of determination surge through me. With the witches help, I know that we can face whatever challenges lay ahead. And as I look out at the sea of expectant faces, I can't help but feel a flicker of hope that, together, we might finally begin to untangle the web of secrets that have ensnared our town for so long. The crowd's unease shifts to curiosity, sheepish smiles, reaching hands.

“Everwood has also long been home to witches, who gave the wolf shifters their power many years ago to be the guardians of Everwood. The shadow shifters are a nasty breed, born out of contempt and turmoil. If they are after you as you say, then the curse must be broken to protect our town. The witches stand with the wolves, and we will help break these chains of this curse together.””

Henry, the bakery owner, stands up from his seat near the back of the room. “We stand together as a town. Together we’ll end this curse and those shadow shifters.” He chimes in.

---