Blood Floweret

« Chapter Thirty-Four »

The moon was nearly as bright as the sun. 

Soft, milky rays of moonlight met the land in an unforeseen kiss, igniting the souls of the wolves who were ready to commence their ceremonial run. Only now, it wasn't just a ceremony they ran in honor of. It was for her, it was for Cassius gaining a wolf, it was for the strength of their family--and everyone's hearts beat together in anticipation. Waiting, eager, and singing.

Though, two wolves were completely engulfed in their own world. Cassius had shifted while Reeve watched and crystal tears slid down her cheeks. Reeve was almost sobbing as Cassius rubbed up against her leg and then he licked her hand. After a few moments of running hands through his fur, with the uttermost awe and raw emotion, Reeve finally shifted and their wolves stood together. Ears perked, heartbeats thundering.

And then they were playing. Reeve's silver wolf was quite the contrast to Cassius' chocolate one and they moved like yin-and-yang. Reeve leaped forward and tugged at the scruff of his neck and he shook her off with a silly yip. They tussled, tails wagging the entire time, and they nipped half-heartedly. Their souls orchestrated their movements and it was almost like a dance.

Cassius had always dreamed of being able to join Reeve for a run as a wolf, he still remembered the first day Reeve had found freedom, when she had asked him to join and he couldn't because he lacked his wolf. But now, that all seemed to be in the past, and he found himself rolling across the ground with Reeve, their play unstoppable and their hearts soaring from the beauty of the moment. 

She looked away from them, taking in the night. She could hardly believe the true beauty that bathed the forest, it seemed utterly ethereal and breathtaking. No other place on earth existed like this because home wasn't a place, it was the people, and wherever her people were, she would follow. They were connected like a giant oak tree with thousands of limbs reaching for the sky but their roots were the same, digging into the earth for a stronghold to help others grow. 

She glanced around her, fluffing her tail with eagerness, and she saw a sea of faces ready to surge forward as one wave. They were united through one purpose, equality, and they stood for what they believed in. Even when the world shunned the tiny pack Aloysisus, they weathered the storm and they emerged as one of the strongest, largest packs. Now, Aloysius stood like a mighty mountain that could not be shaken, and they chased the evil from the land. 

They were a family of mismatched souls and a thousand shattered pieces, but with a little nurturing, every piece grew stronger to support more weight. Every soul rejected the darkness and chose to follow a path of greater good. Every heart beat with the right tune. 

Because in Aloysius, there were no outsiders. There were no outcasts or omegas or underdogs. There was a brother, a sister, a father, a mother. A friend, a lover, but never an enemy. There was acceptance, understanding, and unconditional love because, in the end, they all bled red. They all suffered, they all knew pain, and they all overcame in their own timing. 

A melodious howl broke through the silence of the night. 

Her ears perked, spotting a golden wolf standing in the middle of the pack, and then thunder rose from the earth to challenge the sky as hundreds of paws were set into motion. All it took was a single note from their Alpha and their honorary run took place with the soaring of their hearts. 

Cassius suddenly brushed against her side, his green eyes wide with unflitered emotions. He was feeling this moment for everything it was worth. She bumped his shoulder, yipping with excitement, and his jaw opened to let his tongue lull out as he ran. It was such a goofy characteristic for him. She laughed in her head and sped her pace. Her own heart was racing, her limbs flooded with exhilaration as her paws swallowed the earth with greed.