A wolf was being carried to the courtyard of the Alpha where preparations were being made hastily. Eric himself stood transfixed in a spot as he gazed to see what was about to happen to the wolf.
Before him was a bed of moss on which the wounded wolf was laid on while the rest of the pack surrounded him, each holding the other's hands. His eyes widened in surprise as he knew he was about witnessing the healing ritual Luna had told him about.
The Alpha commanded the attention of all present with a slow growl. It was clear this was no ordinary gathering for the healing ritual was not like others.
The pack stood in a circle surrounding the bed of moss, as the moon clearly came overhead illuminating their faces and casting its rays on the wounded one.
Beginning with a low murmur rising into a chant, they began with reverence and respect for the ancient incantations of old. Their voices intertwined with the rustling sound of the leaves and wind. As the chant increases in crescendo, their words invoke the power of nature and the energy of the island itself, calling upon the elements to aid in the healing processes of their fallen brother.
Eric watched carefully and observed with detailed precision, with his eyes focused in the center of the circle from his vantage point on a raised platform. He saw the Alpha hold out his hand and an unknown hand passed him a pouch containing various mysterious and life-saving herbs. With a move which showed a lifetime of experience, he opened the pouch and poured the contents into a small mortar as a piece of moonstone was passed to him.
Slowly grinding it and crushing the leaves together, a heavy fragrance of sweet aroma filled the atmosphere. It was as if nature itself had orchestrated this array of fragrances.
Moonlight water, drops of tears from the eyes of Moon goddess statue at the courtyard which accumulates in a cavern at its feet was drawn, shimmering and as ethereal as ever. Carefully measuring out the required amount needed, the Alpha poured it into the mortar creating a potion that glittered like powdered gold.
The potion rippled gently as it seemed to be alive in the shimmering rays of the moon, Eric watched with utmost captivation as the Alpha carefully mixed the potion thoroughly, his movements filled with purpose and determination.
Once the potion was done, the Alpha approached the wounded Wolf, his steps were steady but his lips were mumbling words unintelligible to anyone but known to him.
The circle of wolves gathered closer as the chanting increased more in crescendo, shaking and reverberating through the island, Eric strained further trying to catch what the Alpha was about doing next.
Placing his hands in the wounded Wolf with tenderness and compassion, his touch transferring a surge of energy and healing aura to him while taking part in his pain, slowly bringing the little goblet containing the potion to the wounded Wolf's mouth as he drank it all in one gulp.
As if his body was already waiting for the potion to finalize its healing, a soft glow began to surround the alpha as he directed the healing energy towards the wounded Wolf. Eric shuddered in astonishment, as he behold the gaping wounds began to heal, the gashes and cuts which was before dripping blood and looked sour slowly began knitting together seamlessly until every wound was healed leaving behind scars which serves as testimony that a wound was once there.
The healing energy which was serving as the power source in the ritual slowly started dying down till the Alpha stopped glowing, except for his hands which remained glowing. With a quick sign in the air; the glowing on his hands spread out like a sonic boom pulsing through the whole pack members infusing into a renewed force of strength and vitality.
The whole pack changed from an atmosphere of pain to one of hope and renewed energy. This is the moment of healing where the boundaries of the physical forms and the spiritual realms are combined to form one and bring healing to the Wolf pack when it is needed most.
As the ritual reached its conclusion, the alpha slowly withdrew his hands, standing to his feet as he stretched forth a hand to the now healed wolf who was now hale and healthy.
As the Alpha helped him to his feet, the pack began another series of chanting, this time there seemed to be joy inlaid in it. Their hearts brimmed with happiness as joy and gratitude splattered all over their faces, they rejoice at the compassion of their leader and also extend thanks to the moon goddess for her incessant help.
After the last chant, the ritual ended as the pack gathered around the Alpha expressing gratitude and admiring his selflessness and love for his people.
Eric realized that the healing ritual is not merely an acclaimed practice but a testimony of the pack's love and devotion to one another, no matter the family or rank you come from. It showed that the well-being of one another is their main priority above all things
As he quietly made his retreat back to the cottage he lived with his savior's, he carried home a newfound appreciation for the wisdom and skills Luna and her brother has impacted on him; notwithstanding the fact that he was human and that he might leave them if he had the chance. But still they show him every mystery about the island and take time to explain it.
It also reminds him that these powers could heal not just physical painful wounds, it can heal the wounds of the soul; something not even the best physician in his hometown can do.
And so the incident of the healing ritual etched itself permanently in Eric's memory, a testimony to the extraordinary power of unity and of nature's bountiful gifts in the shadows of herbs and the healing properties it bestowed on each and everyone of them.