With the dawn of a new week came an air of purpose. The pack was still in recovery, but its people were stirring again, bracing themselves for the next chapter. And with it arrived an announcement that filled Eila's heart with a rare and bright hope.
Moonshine University had declared a visitation—an assessment round that would reach every pack in the region, selecting the most capable, the most promising, to attend the renowned institution. The news swept through the community like a warm breeze after a long storm. For Eila, it wasn't just a dream—it was a new direction. A fresh purpose.
Her parents were still resting in the infirmary, their bodies slowly beginning to accept the magic of healing. It was glacial, nothing close to the usual speed of werewolf recovery. The healers called it "human-paced," akin to the fragile species from the far-off continents. It was worrying, but it was still something. Her mother's pulse had regained strength. Her father now stirred in his sleep. It was enough to give Eila the hope she needed.
She visited them every day, whispering stories into the silence of their hospital room, even when they couldn't hear. She would find a way. If magic had caused their condition, she would learn magic to undo it.
Luna Priscilla, on the other hand, was back on her feet—elegant and strong, if a little slower than before. Though Zois had mentioned once in confidence that their mother wasn't truly back to her old self, that she carried a fragility no one else could see. Luna denied it every time. She waved off his concern with regal grace, but Eila suspected that the twins could feel what others could not.
Eila knew she couldn't fall behind.
The university assessments would test them in every possible way—Politics, Geography, General Knowledge, Magic, History, and Physical Education. And though she was confident in her mental disciplines, magic and physical training weren't her strongest suits. At least not yet.
She would need help. And she knew exactly where to turn.
After visiting her parents one afternoon, she found Leonard in the dining area of the Pack House, seated at the far end of a long, polished table. The windows spilt golden light across the room, and the air smelled of fresh bread and honey-glazed meat. He looked up as she entered and offered one of his rare, gentle smiles.
"They've announced the university visits," she began, sliding into the seat across from him. "I need to prepare."
Leonard listened without interruption, his sharp gaze softening when she mentioned her concerns about magic and physical subjects. He promised her he'd speak to the twins and ask for their help, then tilted his head slightly, "I'll let you know what they say, little light."
Later that afternoon, Eila retreated to the library. The familiar scent of old parchment and ink grounded her. She buried herself in thick tomes, studying geography maps and the historical records of past pack wars. She scribbled notes furiously, determined not to let her weaknesses define her chances.
As evening began to fall and shadows lengthened between the tall shelves, a familiar silhouette appeared in her peripheral vision. Nina.
The witch looked effortlessly regal in her black lace dress, her dark hair swept into a high knot, eyes gleaming with arcane secrets. She approached with the grace of moonlight.
Eila straightened, heart thudding. She'd always found herself spellbound in Nina's presence.
"What brings you to the heart of knowledge, pup?" Nina asked, her tone teasing yet warm.
Eila explained her situation, her voice barely above a whisper at first, but growing steadier as Nina listened without interruption. When she finished, Nina tilted her head, lips curving into a knowing smile.
"I leave for the coven the day after tomorrow," she said, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve. "But I have time tomorrow. I'll teach you all you need to know about magic—at least enough to pass their little tests."
Eila's eyes widened with gratitude, but Nina was already walking away, waving one delicate hand in farewell. "Be ready at dawn."
Heart still pounding, Eila made her way to the infirmary. Her parents looked the same—still and pale, but she whispered her day's events to them regardless, planting kisses on their foreheads before turning toward the door.
Outside, the evening breeze curled around her like silk. She stepped through the gates of the Pack House—and paused.
Zois and Lukas stood there waiting, dressed in their casual black uniforms, their striking features as familiar as breath. They looked at her with the same mischievous glint that always managed to make her forget the world.
She smiled—tired but genuine.
Without a word, Zois stepped forward and took her hand, pressing a soft kiss against the back of it. Lukas mirrored him, his eyes never leaving hers.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as the image of the night in the woods flickered in her mind. She opened her mouth to speak, but the twins smirked in perfect sync, clearly reading her thoughts practically written on her face.
"We'll help you with the test preparations," they said together, voices dipped in promise and something else—something deeper.
And Eila, standing between them beneath the fading sky, knew that she wouldn't be facing the challenges ahead alone.