- Beneath the Great Blue Moon -
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As dusk settled, Samuel and Alex remained by the lake, a small refuge amid the turmoil of the world. Samuel gently stroked the pup, and as he looked down at him in his lap, he noticed Alex had fallen asleep, his tiny paws curled slightly, his breathing calm.
He must be tired. I'd better take him back to the den. I don't want him sleeping out here in this cold.
Carefully, trying not to wake him, Samuel stood up—only to hear a voice behind him.
—Samuel?
It was Sam. The young wolf stood there, his eyes carrying a mix of hesitation and determination.
—Can we talk? —Sam asked.
Samuel nodded, his expression serious.
—The Alpha and Anne explained what happened yesterday. I'm sorry for judging and attacking you like that. When I heard Anne scream, I ran to help, and when I saw you, I thought my family was in danger. I came here personally to apologize.
He paused, clearly uncomfortable.
—I don't really trust humans. I've seen too many terrible things they've done to us, so I acted irrationally. I'm sorry.
Samuel looked at him and replied calmly:
—I don't trust humans much either. I would've acted the same way if the ones I love were in danger. But next time, don't hesitate to kill—especially if it's a hunter.
Sam blinked, confused for a moment, then smiled faintly as he understood.
—Was that your way of saying 'apology accepted'? —he asked, a little unsure.
Samuel nodded.
—Thank you, Samuel.
Sam's gaze shifted to Alex, still fast asleep in Samuel's arms.
—Sorry to ask, but... why are you with that pup? It's not common to see a human like this with a wolf.
Samuel looked down at Alex, remembering his promise and the bond that had begun to form between them. Then he turned back to Sam and said firmly:
—He's my son.
—Your pup?! —Sam exclaimed in surprise. —Wow, now I feel even more guilty about what I did yesterday. Anne should've told me he was your pup...
He shook his head, ashamed, before changing the subject.
—Anyway, tonight is the Moon Night celebration. We'd like to invite you and your pup to join us. What do you think?
—I'll be there. Thanks for the invite, —Samuel replied.
—I should be the one thanking you. See you later! —said Sam before walking away, leaving Samuel deep in thought.
Samuel adjusted Alex gently in his arms and decided to take him to the Alpha's den.
Hope he doesn't mind, he thought. As he walked back, he noticed the other wolves' gazes were different now—softer, less suspicious of his presence.
When he arrived at the den, Samuel carefully laid Alex down and used his powers to create a small blanket over him.
This will keep him comfortable.
Samuel left the den silently and, as he did, encountered the Alpha.
—You're back already? Where's the pup? —the Alpha asked, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
—He's sleeping inside. Must've been tired, —Samuel said softly.
—I see. I heard you and Sam made peace. Is that true?
Samuel nodded.
—I'm glad to hear that, —said the Alpha with a gentle smile that seemed to brighten the air around him.
Samuel's eyes drifted toward Alex, and the Alpha, noticing how much the pup meant to him, commented:
—He seems very important to you. When you spoke of him before, you said you failed to protect someone. What did you mean?
Samuel sighed, memories surfacing, his scars still lingering beneath the surface.
—On the first day of the outbreak, I lost my brother. I tried to protect him, but I was too late. One of those creatures attacked him before I could save him. After watching him die in front of me... I just ran. I left everything behind.
There was pain in his voice, and the Alpha listened silently, honoring the moment.
—And is that why you want to protect this pup? Is it guilt? —the Alpha asked, his words filled with understanding.
—No. It's not guilt, —Samuel said, looking at his hands. —Now that I can protect someone I love, I don't have to be afraid of guilt anymore.
The Alpha nodded, comprehension shining in his eyes. Then, Samuel returned to the den and sat beside Alex. The pup stirred slowly, lifted his head, and nuzzled closer to Samuel.
—You're awake, little wolf. Do you need anything? —Samuel asked gently, his voice full of affection.
—No, no... —Alex replied shyly, his eyes still heavy with sleep.
Samuel was surprised to hear him speak.
—Did you sleep well? I hope it wasn't a problem that I brought you here.
Alex nodded softly, a small blush spreading across his tiny snout.
Shortly after, the Alpha entered the den, watching the two of them with a kind smile.
—It's almost nightfall. We should go, or we'll miss the great moon rising.
As the night approached, the three of them set off toward the Moon Mountain. Along the way, Alex stopped, hesitant.
—What's wrong, Alex? —Samuel asked, concerned.
The pup looked at the ground, reluctant.
He must still be scared about what happened yesterday, Samuel thought, feeling a pang in his chest.
—Want me to carry you? —Samuel offered, sensing Alex's fear.
The pup nodded, and Samuel lifted him gently into his arms, holding him in a comforting embrace. When they finally reached the mountaintop, a large crowd of wolves was already gathered, waiting for the special moment. Anne spotted them and ran over.
—You made it! Come on, my family's right up front.
They followed Anne and, as they sat down, Samuel looked around, absorbing the vibrant energy in the air. Everyone was eagerly waiting for the moon. Then, a blue and green aura began to glow in the sky, expanding until, at last, the great blue moon emerged on the horizon. The magic of the moment enveloped them all, and Samuel couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace as he watched the light of the moon reflected in Alex's eyes.
The celebration began shortly after. Tributes and performances filled the night, and for a brief time, everyone there forgot the horrors of war.
Sitting beside Alex, Samuel didn't smile—but inside, he felt a quiet joy. That night, he knew that even in the midst of chaos, there was still room for moments of hope and unity.
The weight of the past began to lift, and he allowed himself to believe that, with Alex by his side, a new future could be built.
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