Celestial's relationship with her father, Marcus, blossomed during her early years in the Everscent pack. He was her unwavering source of strength, her shield against the judgmental stares and whispered doubts of the pack. To her, he was more than an Alpha; he was her guide, her teacher, and her closest confidant.
Though Marcus was a busy leader, he made a point of carving out time for Celestial each day. Whether it was before the sun rose or after the moon had climbed high in the sky, he ensured she never felt alone. It was during these private moments that their bond deepened, as Marcus taught her not only how to survive but also how to thrive in the world of wolves.
"Watch your stance, Celestial," Marcus said one morning as they stood in a clearing surrounded by towering pine trees. The ground was littered with fallen leaves, and the scent of the forest was crisp and earthy.
Celestial adjusted her footing, trying to mimic her father's posture. Her small frame trembled with effort as she held her fists up in a defensive position.
"Good," Marcus said, circling her. "Now, when your opponent strikes, don't just block, redirect their energy. Use their strength against them."
He lunged forward, his movements quick but controlled. Celestial reacted instinctively, raising her arms to deflect his attack. Her balance faltered, and she stumbled backward, landing in the soft grass with a huff.
Marcus chuckled, offering her a hand. "You're getting better," he said as he helped her to her feet. "But you need to trust yourself more. You're stronger than you think."
Celestial's face lit up at his praise. "Really?"
"Really," Marcus said, ruffling her hair. "Strength isn't just about muscles. It's about heart. And you've got plenty of that."
Despite her progress in training, Celestial faced a constant source of doubt within the pack: her inability to shift into a wolf. While other pups her age had already experienced their first transformations, Celestial remained firmly in her human form.
The whispers grew louder as the years passed.
"She's not one of us," an elder murmured during a council meeting.
"She doesn't have the wolf within her," another added. "What if she never shifts? What does that mean for the pack?"
Marcus silenced them with a glare. "It means nothing. She is my daughter, and that is all you need to know."
But even his authority couldn't quell the skepticism. Celestial felt the weight of their judgment every day. The other pups avoided her, taking on a cruel edge when she tried to join them.
"You can't play with us," one boy said, his tone mocking. "You're not a real wolf."
Celestial's cheeks flushed with anger and embarrassment, but she held her ground. "I'm stronger than you," she shot back.
"Prove it," he challenged.
Before she could respond, Marcus appeared, his towering presence scattering the group of pups. He knelt before Celestial, his hands resting on her shoulders.
"Don't let them get to you," he said softly. "They don't understand yet, but they will. You don't need to prove anything to anyone. Just be yourself."
"But what if they're right?" Celestial whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "What if I'm not like you?"
Marcus cupped her face in his hands, his golden eyes filled with warmth. "You are more than enough, Celestial. Whether you shift or not, you are my daughter. That will never change."
As time went on, Marcus began teaching Celestial the deeper traditions of the Everscent pack. They spent hours in the forest, learning how to track prey, read the signs of the wilderness, and understand the pack's history.
One evening, Marcus led Celestial to an ancient stone circle nestled in the heart of their territory.
"These stones mark the founding of our pack," he explained, his voice reverent. "After your grandfather, my father had a dispute with his brother Karl, the alpha of Luminous pack, he divided the pack, and chased his brother, my father, your grandfather and his supporters away. This spot was where they arrived. This is where my father formed Everscent pack. He became the founding father and first Alpha of this pack. All his days as alpha, he have protec."
"Will I ever belong here?" she asked quietly.
Marcus crouched beside her, his expression serious. "Belonging isn't something that's given, Celestial. It's something you create. You may not see it yet, but you have a purpose here. And when the time comes, you'll show them all who you truly are."
For all the challenges they faced, there were also moments of joy. Marcus had a way of making even the hardest days feel lighter, whether through a shared laugh or a simple gesture of affection.