Howling Stars - Book One: Forgiven (DISCONTINUED)

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        It had felt like a whole moon cycle before Pepper's trials, but it did come, whether or not Pepper wanted it to. Mouse and Squirrel had finished theirs, and Squirrel was ranked as a better warrior, and would be learning under Claw, one of the best warriors in the Pack of Howling Hollow.
        However, Mouse, had been ranked as a better hunter, and placed under Minnow. And since there was only one wolf every beginning trials for a skill, that left two skill sets open for Pepper to train for: Tracking and Healing. But if Pepper could do neither, then she would be classified as an Omega, and be sent straight away to the Pack of Falling Moon.
        And since Pepper wanted anything but to be given to the Pack of Falling Moon, she would have to excel at one of the two. But the question was... could she? Her father and mother were both supportive of all three of their pups. Yet, Squirrel and Mouse had constantly mocked Pepper for her wings, without Arrow or Ruby knowing.
        Right now, Pepper's only goal was to be great at something. Even if it was tracking or hunting, it was something. To be great at something, that would be an amazing feeling for Pepper. Of course, currently, Pepper had failed at most things that even a month old pup could do.
        But this was her chance. Pepper stepped forward as the alpha beckoned all the wolves to the rock that loomed over the hollow. "There is one last wolf to complete trials tonight. Pepper, the runt of Ruby's litter." Swiftfall turned and addressed Pepper.
        "Pepper, as you are the last one, there are only two trials for you. Tracking, and healing. And if you fail both of them...." The alpha trailed off.
        But Pepper knew what the alpha meant to say. She would become an Omega, and be sent off to the Pack of Falling Moon right away. It wouldn't happen. She wouldn't let it happen. 
        Swiftfall leapt down and howled, signaling for Dusk and Pepper to follow. 

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        The darkness turned into more of a terrifying aspect, even though she was mostly wolf. Without the moon to guide, there was no flicker of hope that she would actually manage to excel at a trial.
        "Here, you will find three different herbs. Once you do, you are to use them on the stick as if it has wounds. A chipped ear, a gash on their side, and a thorn in their paw." A voice spoke from behind Pepper, causing her to whip around and find nothing.
        Well... here goes, Pepper thought as she lowered her head to the ground, looking around for herbs. And there was none to be seen. None to have a scent that was easy to catch onto.
        Pepper felt as if her life was over, as she remained at her wit's end, unable to find one herb. And soon enough, the sun began to shimmer over the horizon, signaling the healing trial was over.
        Pepper had failed. There was only one thing to excel at now... And if she didn't even find one herb, she knew this would be the end of her life, imagining the things the Pack of Falling Moon could do. Please help me, Ancestors of the Starryfall, Pepper could only ask of her ancestors for help... and she was only left alone with her thoughts to do so.
        But something... spoke back. In her own head. You have our blessing, prophesied winged one. You are to help the wolves... not to rip them apart as the Pack of Falling Moon desires to do. Pepper nearly jumped.
        The voice continued to echo in her head. You appear to not have skill, but in twelve moon-cycles, when you complete your training, you will have more than any wolf can imagine. We grant you memories of flight, to show you your wings. We grant you memories of tracking, to help your skills grow.
        All at once, Pepper's consciousness warped, filling it with things Pepper knew that weren't her doings. Memories of other winged wolves. Memories of taking flight. Memories of tracking. There was hope for her last trial. The hope of her Ancestors of the Starryfall. it would be enough. Or at least, Pepper hoped so.
        This was her only chance.... and Pepper wouldn't blow it.