A month after the Harvest Festival, Luna sat in her clinic's consultation room across from Dr. Catherine Blackthorne, who had returned to Moonridge for a follow-up discussion about the Northern Territories position. The autumn light streaming through the windows cast everything in warm, golden tones that made the moment feel both significant and bittersweet.
"I have to say, Dr. Nightwood, your reputation has only grown since our last meeting," Dr. Blackthorne observed, reviewing the file of case studies Luna had compiled. "The poisoning incident, the successful treatment of that rare genetic condition in the Morrison twins, your breakthrough with Mrs. Patterson's chronic illness—you're developing techniques that could revolutionize supernatural medicine."
Luna nodded, though she felt a familiar weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. "The abilities seem to be evolving constantly. Sometimes I feel like I'm discovering what I can do at the same time as my patients."
"Which is exactly why we need you in our research program," Dr. Blackthorne said earnestly. "Luna, what you're developing through trial and error could be systematized, studied, taught to other healers. Imagine the impact that could have on supernatural medicine worldwide."
It was a compelling argument, and Luna had been wrestling with it for weeks. The opportunity to contribute to medical research on such a scale was everything she had dreamed of during her training. But leaving Moonridge felt like abandoning the community that had supported her through her transformation from rejected mate to respected healer.
"I've been giving your offer serious consideration," Luna said carefully. "But I need to understand more about what the position would actually entail. The day-to-day work, the research expectations, the living arrangements."
Dr. Blackthorne smiled, clearly sensing that Luna was moving toward acceptance. "Of course. Let me paint you a picture of what your life could look like in the Northern Territories."
What followed was an hour-long discussion that both excited and intimidated Luna. The Northern Territories Medical Center was a state-of-the-art facility that combined cutting-edge technology with traditional healing practices. Luna would have access to the most comprehensive supernatural medical library in North America, collaboration with other gifted healers, and the opportunity to work on cases that challenged everything known about supernatural physiology.
"Your primary focus would be developing and documenting advanced healing techniques," Dr. Blackthorne explained. "But you'd also treat patients with conditions that have stumped conventional medicine. Think of it as being part doctor, part researcher, part teacher."
"And the Alpha King?" Luna asked. "I'd be working in his territory, under his authority. What's he like?"
Dr. Blackthorne's expression became carefully neutral. "Alpha King Damien Blackthorne is... complex. He's fair, intelligent, and completely dedicated to the welfare of his people. He's also intensely private and can be quite intimidating until you get to know him."
"Blackthorne," Luna repeated, catching the shared surname for the first time. "You're related?"
"He's my nephew," Dr. Blackthorne admitted. "But I want to be clear that this offer is based entirely on your qualifications, not family connections. Damien doesn't interfere with medical center operations, and he specifically requested that I recruit based on merit alone."
After Dr. Blackthorne left, Luna found herself staring at the formal offer letter that outlined salary, benefits, and start date options. The compensation was indeed staggering—enough to pay off her student loans immediately and still have more money than she had ever imagined earning. But more importantly, the research opportunities represented everything she had worked toward professionally.
Her contemplation was interrupted by Rebecca announcing that she had visitors. Luna looked up to see Dr. Moonwhisper entering with Elder Thorne, both wearing expressions that suggested they had come for an important conversation.
"Luna, dear," Dr. Moonwhisper began, settling into her usual chair. "We've heard rumors about the Northern Territories offer, and we wanted to discuss it with you properly."
Luna felt heat rise in her cheeks. "I should have told you directly. I've been trying to make the decision privately, but I realize that was unfair to you both."
"No apology necessary," Elder Thorne said kindly. "But we are concerned about losing you, both personally and professionally. You've become essential to this pack's wellbeing."
"More than that," Dr. Moonwhisper added, "you've become like a daughter to me. The thought of you leaving is heartbreaking, even though I understand why you're considering it."
Luna felt tears prick her eyes. These two people had been her anchors during the worst period of her life, supporting her transformation from broken young woman to confident healer. The thought of disappointing them was almost unbearable.
"I don't know what to do," Luna admitted. "Professionally, the Northern Territories opportunity is incredible. But personally, leaving Moonridge feels like abandoning everything that matters to me."
Elder Thorne leaned forward with the wisdom of someone who had lived through many difficult decisions. "Luna, let me tell you something your grandmother once said to me. She said that gifts like yours don't belong to just one pack or one community—they belong to the world. Sometimes fulfilling our true purpose requires leaving behind what's comfortable."
"But sometimes," Elder Thorne continued gently, "our true purpose is exactly where we are, serving the people who need us most. Your grandmother also believed that roots run deeper than wings, and that the greatest healers are those who understand their community's heart."
Luna looked between the two people who had become her chosen family, feeling the weight of their conflicting wisdom. Dr. Moonwhisper reached across to squeeze her hand.
"What I'm about to say might surprise you," Dr. Moonwhisper said softly. "As much as it would break my heart to see you go, I think you should seriously consider this opportunity."
Luna's eyes widened in shock. "Dr. Moonwhisper—"
"Hear me out, dear. You've grown beyond what Moonridge can offer you professionally. Your abilities are extraordinary, and they're still evolving. You need resources, mentorship, and challenges that we simply cannot provide here." She paused, her voice becoming thick with emotion. "I've watched you blossom from a broken young woman into someone truly remarkable. But I've also seen the questions in your eyes lately—the wondering about what more you could accomplish."
Elder Thorne nodded slowly. "Margaret is right. And there's something else to consider, Luna. The Northern Territories isn't just any territory—it's the seat of supernatural governance in North America. The connections you'd make, the influence you could have on supernatural medical policy... you could help shape the future of healing for all our kind."
"But what about my patients here?" Luna asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mrs. Henderson still needs weekly treatments for her arthritis. The Morrison twins require monthly check-ups. And there are so many others who depend on me."
"Luna," Dr. Moonwhisper said firmly, "I may be old, but I'm not dead yet. I can handle the routine cases, and for anything complex, we'll find solutions. Maybe we can arrange for you to visit Moonridge periodically, or for serious cases to be transported to you."
"Think of it this way," Elder Thorne added. "Right now, you're helping dozens of people. But with the research and techniques you'd develop in the Northern Territories, you could eventually help thousands."
Luna stood and walked to the window, looking out at the town that had become her sanctuary. The afternoon sun painted the streets in warm gold, and she could see pack members going about their daily lives—lives that had been touched by her healing in some way.
"There's something else bothering me," she admitted without turning around. "This Alpha King Damien Blackthorne... I've heard rumors about him. They say he's never taken a mate, that he's ruthless in politics, that he keeps himself isolated from everyone. What if he sees me as just another tool for his purposes?"
Dr. Moonwhisper and Elder Thorne exchanged a meaningful look that Luna missed.
"Luna," Elder Thorne said carefully, "sometimes the rumors about powerful people are greatly exaggerated. Perhaps you shouldn't judge him before you've met him."
"And even if he is difficult," Dr. Moonwhisper added, "you've dealt with difficult people before. Remember how terrified you were of me when you first arrived?" She chuckled softly. "You thought I was going to turn you away."
Luna turned back to face them, a small smile playing at her lips despite her worries. "You were pretty intimidating that first day."
"My point exactly. People aren't always what they seem at first glance."
Luna sank back into her chair, feeling the magnitude of the decision pressing down on her. "How long do I have to decide?"
"Dr. Blackthorne mentioned they'd like an answer within two weeks," Luna said, consulting the letter again. "They're hoping for a start date after the winter solstice, which would give me time to transition my patients here."
"That's reasonable," Elder Thorne mused. "Enough time to prepare, but not so much that you'll overthink yourself into paralysis."
Dr. Moonwhisper stood up with a decisive air. "Luna, I'm going to give you some advice that you're not going to like. Stop trying to make this decision with your heart alone. Use that brilliant analytical mind of yours. Make a list—pros and cons, opportunities and risks. Look at this objectively."
"But—"
"No buts. You've spent your entire adult life making careful, measured decisions about medical treatments. Apply that same methodology to your own life." Dr. Moonwhisper's voice softened. "And remember, dear, no decision is permanent. If you go and find it's not right for you, you can always come home."
After they left, Luna sat alone in her clinic as evening approached. She pulled out a piece of paper and, following Dr. Moonwhisper's advice, began to make two columns. But as she wrote, she realized that her heart and mind were telling her the same thing—this opportunity was too important to pass up, both for her own growth and for the potential impact on supernatural medicine.
The real question wasn't whether she should go, but whether she was brave enough to take such a monumental leap into the unknown.
As if summoned by her thoughts, her phone rang. The caller ID showed a Northern Territories area code.
"Dr. Nightwood? This is Alpha King Damien Blackthorne."
Luna's breath caught. His voice was deep, resonant, and carried an unmistakable authority that seemed to reach through the phone and fill her clinic.
"Your Majesty," she managed, immediately feeling foolish for not knowing the proper way to address him.
"Just 'Damien' is fine, Dr. Nightwood. I hope you don't mind me calling directly, but I wanted to speak with you personally about the position my aunt has offered you."
"Of course, I... that is, I'm honored by your call."
"I understand you're considering the offer, and I wanted to assure you that if you accept, you'll have my complete support for your research. I've reviewed your work, and frankly, your abilities could revolutionize how we approach supernatural medicine."
There was something in his tone—not just authority, but genuine respect and perhaps even excitement about her potential contributions.
"Thank you," Luna said, finding her professional confidence returning. "I do have some questions about the position, if you don't mind."
"Ask me anything."
"Your aunt mentioned that you don't interfere with medical center operations, but given the nature of my abilities and the research potential, I imagine there might be... political implications to some of what I discover."
There was a pause, and when Damien spoke again, Luna could hear approval in his voice. "You're thinking like a true researcher already. Yes, there could be political implications, which is exactly why I want someone with your integrity handling this work. I give you my word that your research will be protected from political interference, and any discoveries will be shared with the broader supernatural medical community, not hoarded for territorial advantage."
Luna found herself leaning forward, intrigued despite her reservations. "And the living arrangements? I admit I'm somewhat nervous about relocating so far from everything familiar."
"You'd have a fully furnished apartment on the medical center campus, or if you prefer more privacy, we can arrange housing in the nearby town. Either way, you'd have complete autonomy over your living situation."
They talked for another twenty minutes, and with each question Damien answered thoughtfully and directly, Luna felt her apprehensions easing. By the time they hung up, she realized her decision had been made.
She was going to the Northern Territories.
The thought terrified and exhilarated her in equal measure, but for the first time since receiving the offer, Luna felt a sense of rightness about the path ahead. She was ready to discover what she could become when given the resources and challenges to match her abilities.
As she locked up the clinic and headed home, Luna whispered a thank you to her grandmother's memory. Whether this journey led to triumph or heartbreak, she was finally ready to spread her wings and see how far they could carry her.
The Northern Territories awaited, along with an Alpha King who had sounded far more intriguing than the rumors suggested, and opportunities that could reshape her understanding of what it meant to be a healer.
For the first time in months, Luna fell asleep excited about the future.