Axel laughed and then he left his place beside her. Making his way to the small stage that had been placed for the presentation.
“Wolves of Winter!” he called out, and everyone grew silent. Even those so drunk they couldn’t see straight paid attention.
“Another year has passed,” he continued. “And though we have lost many, and now we await a war that can come at any time. But, nevertheless, we know we have been blessed by our Goddess, with every dawning of the day.”
Many murmured in agreement or lifted their steins to him.
“Luna Lily and Alpha Geri brought these blessings to our world, our people. And so we honor them, we mourn them, we live for them. Our children, our youngest wolves, our future, they have run through the trees, like Alpha Geri before them, and they have found all that was left of Luna Lily.”
Alma stepped forward and handed the flower to Axel.
“Alma of Winter,” Axel said softly.
Alma looked up with surprise. She blinked and stood speechless.
