The cold wind howled through the dense forest, the branches of towering pine trees swaying as if they were dancing to the rhythm of the night.

Well, tonight felt like a very similar companion, at least it was for me, though I feel like my world had been shattered by loss.

My father, Weldon Fox's pack, had been my sanctuary, a place where my existence was as integral to the pack as the moon's reflection upon the sea.

But now, the moon was my only company, though almost every person in my father's pack was here, our friends, even those I considered as part of my family. I watched helplessly as the fire consumed my family's cabin as the cruel flames danced to a tune I know I could never control or comprehend.

The ache in my heart was unbearable, so much that it was scary as I felt how it slowly consumes me, plus the silent howls of the wolves who had been my family rang in my ears, which only added to the pain in my chest, almost making me numb.

In the dark of night, despite the ashes of our former lives and the presence of the other wolves, I found myself alone, truly, irreparably alone.

I'm Brielle Fox, my parents and my friends chose to call me Foxy. My beloved father had given me that nickname because he believed it was cute enough for him, I was his little wolf, and he treated me like a princess.

What can I say?

I was the Shadow Walker's pack's Alpha, Weldon Fox's only daughter. At least I was once the Alpha's daughter.

I am only 12, and watching the full moon had always been my favorite time of the month, my family would sit by the fire while my mother and my father would share some stories I'd often fall asleep to.

But tonight was completely different.

Just a few hours ago, my mom was preparing our favorite meal when the scent of something unfamiliar drifted in.

My parents, usually so calm and confident, were on edge.

"Stay with your mother, Foxy!"

My father growled, his voice low and protective. I trembled in fear as my mom, with her soft touch, pulled me close.

"Don't worry, little Fox, we will be alright,"

she whispered, though her eyes betrayed her fear.

Then the door shattered, and a pack of lone wolves burst into our cabin. Their eyes were glowing red with anger and malice.

I may be young, but I am old enough to know that they weren't like the pack my family belonged to. I know they were rogue wolves, my parents never once forgot to warn me about them. They have always been driven with chaos and bloodlust.

My father leapt into action, his powerful form blocked the intruders, but there were too many. My parents were the strongest among all of the wolves, but despite their strength, they were overpowered.

In a moment of sharp, deafening silence, my father collapsed on the floor, and my mom followed soon after, her body crumpled beside him.

For the first time, I felt my heart shatter, tears blurred my vision, and I started to run into the woods, my feet barely touching the ground.

The full moon cast silver light through the trees, but all I could feel was the weight of the loss, irreparable fear and the emptiness left behind by the lives of my parents, who loved me so fiercely.

It had been a senseless massacre, and in the aftermath, I was left to wander the forest in search of something that could heal the wound in my soul.

It wasn't long before a lone figure emerged from the underbrush, his fur matted and tangled from days of travel. Despite my fear, I walked closer, and there I started crying when I finally saw who it was. Alaric Barlowe, the Beta of the pack and my father's oldest friend, had found me. He had searched the charred remains of the pack's territory, hoping against hope that I had somehow survived.

His fur was graying, a silver that caught the moonlight, and his eyes, always steady and filled with quiet wisdom, now held a deep sorrow. When he sees me, I hear him call my name, his voice barely more than a whisper, and when I turn toward him, almost seeking the comfort only he could provide at this very moment.

"I promised your father I would protect you at all costs,"

Alaric said softly, lifting me into his embrace with utmost care, as though I was as fragile as a glass forgotten by centuries. And when I finally calmed down, Alaric escorted me back to our cabin, and he was the reason why I'm here now, forced to witness how they burned our cabin, together with my parents remains still inside.

It had only been a few days after my parent's death, the sun was setting over the dense woods as I sat at the edge of a clearing. My eyes flicked with sadness as I watched the trees dance with the wind. My ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps.

The new Alpha's footsteps.

"Foxy?"

A deep and familiar voice rumbled through the evening air. My head turned to see Alaric Barlowe stepping out of the shadows. His broad shoulders squared, and his expression calm but firm. Alaric was like my dear father, a wolf in every sense, but a man in others. Alaric was kind enough to take me in after my parents died, he became both my protector and my guardian, though Alaric was my father's most trusted friend, our bond had yet to settle in my heart. Alaric crouched down to my level.

"How are you feeling today?"

He asked. I immediately looked down and started playing with my fingers.

"I'm fine..."

I muttered, but my voice lacked conviction. It's even funny how I wasn't even sure if FINE was the right word to describe how I feel. Alaric smiled, his white teeth flashed in the dim light.

"Don't lie, little Fox, What's on your mind?"

He asked again. I hesitated as my small form stiffened, seconds later, when I finally spoke.

"I-I don't feel like I belong here. Not with the pack, not with you."

I whispered, my eyes beginning to water. Alaric's expression softened, though his wolf remained present. I think it was his strength. I loved how he was so calm that I had to rely on him in my own fractured world.

"You belong with me, Foxy."

Alaric said quietly.

"You belong with us, you always will. I promised to take care of you, from now on, I will be your father, and my son, Aric, will be your companion, in time, he will be your protector, you will be his Luna. But I can't force you to feel at home, that's something only time can give."

I growled softly under my breath. I was too young to understand what he had said about me and his son, if there is one thing I am sure of, it is that I do like Aric, I'd often tell my father about my little crush on him, but then I can tell he doesn't like me back.

"My father, Weldon. He's the alpha of this pack... Why'd you have to become the alpha now? I didn't ask for this."

I asked, Alaric's eyes darkened, and he stood, turning to face the horizon where the last bit of sunlight was fading.

"The pack needs stability. And I need to lead them, Foxy. For you... for your father."

He paused as he looked back at me. "But being an alpha isn't just about power, Foxy. It's about protection, it's also about ensuring the pack survives, together."

I looked away. A surge of emotion filling my chest.

"B-but I don't know who I am anymore, not without him."

"I know."

Alaric said, sitting beside me.

"I don't expect you to forget your father, and your mom and I won't ever ask you to."

My eyes began to water again. I looked away when a sob escaped my throat.

"I-I don't want to be w-weak..."

"Being strong doesn't mean you never show fear, little Fox. It means facing it, even when you don't know how,"

Alaric said, his voice deep and full of wisdom. I looked up at him, my eyes met his, and for the first time since my parents death, I finally let my guard down, well, just a little.

"M-maybe I can try... Be strong... Though my dad is gone, I still want to make him proud." Alaric smiled.

"That's all I want to hear you say."

He nudged at me with his elbow, and I smiled as I looked at the spot where our cabin once was. The future ahead was uncertain, but for the first time, I didn't feel completely alone now.