The next morning, sunlight spilled over the mountain peaks, casting the village in a warm glow. But inside the packhouse, the atmosphere was anything but calm. Kate stood in the center of the main hall, surrounded by Brison, Elder Rowan, and several senior pack members. The gravity of the meeting was clear; today would mark the beginning of her training as Luna.
Brison stood at her side, his steady presence a source of comfort. Elder Rowan, a gray-haired wolf with piercing blue eyes, stepped forward, his cane tapping against the wooden floor.
"Being Luna is more than standing at the Alpha's side," Rowan began, his voice firm but kind. "It's about balance. The Alpha leads with strength and authority, but the Luna leads with heart and wisdom. Together, you form the backbone of this pack."
Kate nodded, her hands clasped in front of her. "I want to be the Luna this pack deserves," she said. "But I don't know all your customs or traditions. I need to learn."
Rowan's expression softened. "And learn you will. We'll start with the history of the pack, so you understand the legacy you're becoming a part of. Then we'll move on to the practical aspects—mediating disputes, strategizing for hunts, and maintaining morale."
Brison placed a reassuring hand on Kate's shoulder. "You'll have my support every step of the way," he said.
The first lesson took place in the pack's archive, a room filled with scrolls and leather-bound books that smelled of old parchment. Rowan guided Kate through the shelves, recounting tales of past Alphas and Lunas who had shaped the pack's history.
"One of the most revered Lunas was Seraphina," Rowan said, pulling out a worn book and opening it to a faded illustration. "She united the pack during a time of war, using her gift of foresight to lead them to safety."
Kate traced her fingers over the image of Seraphina, a regal-looking wolf with piercing eyes. "She sounds incredible," Kate murmured.
"She was," Rowan agreed. "But she also faced great challenges. Many doubted her because of her unconventional methods. Yet she proved them wrong by staying true to herself."
The words struck a chord in Kate. She thought of Lyra's doubts, the whispers of the pack, and the pressure to prove herself. But she also thought of Brison's unwavering belief in her.
The next lesson was more hands-on. Kate joined Brison in the training grounds, where the warriors practiced combat drills. Brison demonstrated how to lead a group through a strategy session, his commands clear and decisive.
"You don't have to be the strongest fighter," Brison told her as they watched the pack train. "But you do need to understand how to inspire and guide others. A Luna's strength lies in her ability to bring out the best in the pack."
Kate nodded, absorbing his words. She watched as a young wolf struggled with a move, his frustration evident.
"Wait here," she said to Brison before stepping forward.
She approached the young wolf, her voice gentle but firm. "Try shifting your weight to your back leg," she suggested.
The wolf looked at her hesitantly but followed her advice. His next attempt was smoother, and his face lit up with relief.
"See? You've got this," Kate said with a smile.
When she returned to Brison, he was grinning. "That's exactly what I mean," he said. "You have a way of connecting with people."
As the day went on, Kate learned about the importance of rituals and ceremonies in pack life. One of the elders showed her how to prepare for the upcoming full moon gathering, where she would officially be introduced as Luna.
"You'll lead the ritual alongside Brison," the elder explained. "It's a sacred ceremony that strengthens the pack's bond."
Kate felt a flutter of nerves but nodded. "I'll do whatever it takes to honor the pack."
That evening, Kate and Brison sat on a rocky outcrop overlooking the village, the stars twinkling above them. Kate rested her head on Brison's shoulder, her mind buzzing with everything she had learned.
"Today was… a lot," she admitted.
Brison chuckled softly. "It's a lot because it matters. You're not just stepping into a role—you're becoming part of something bigger than both of us."
Kate looked up at him, her eyes shining. "I just hope I don't let everyone down."
"You won't," Brison said, his voice filled with certainty. "You've already proven yourself to me and to the pack. The rest will come with time."
Kate smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude and love. "I couldn't do this without you, Brison."
"And you'll never have to," he promised, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
As the night stretched on, Kate felt a newfound sense of purpose. The road ahead would be challenging, but with Brison by her side, she knew she could face anything.