Lunar Bonds

Control

After the strange encounter with Arya, days turned into a blur for Willow, a haze of rest and nourishment as she focused on recovering her strength. Rain, often seated by her bedside, became a constant presence during those days—quiet yet reassuring, offering help and support without the need for words.

Willow's days were spent in a cycle of sleeping, eating, and the occasional moment of drifting thoughts. Despite her burning curiosity about the transformations, the wolves, and the intricate dynamics within the group, she refrained from probing too deeply. Rain, sensing Willow's unspoken questions, withheld information, respecting Willow's silence on the matter.

With each passing day, Willow felt the tendrils of strength gradually weaving their way back into her worn-out body. Rain's care played a pivotal role in her recovery, and Willow found herself grateful for the silent companionship and the unspoken support.

After a week of rest and healing, Rain deemed Willow healthy enough to move around and meet the other members of the group. Willow felt a mix of excitement and trepidation—excitement at the prospect of exploring beyond the confines of the cabin and trepidation at the unknown reception she might face from the others.

With Rain by her side, offering a reassuring smile, Willow slowly rose from her bed, her legs feeling unsteady after days of confinement. She steadied herself, determination flickering in her eyes as she took tentative steps toward the door.

The pack house bustled with life as Willow emerged from her room, the sounds of chatter and activity filling the air. The other members of the group moved about—some cleaning, others engaged in conversation, all sharing an air of camaraderie that Willow found both intriguing and slightly intimidating.

Rain gestured for Willow to follow her, leading her through the cabin's corridors and into the common area. As they approached, a few heads turned, their gazes curious yet welcoming.

"Line up!" Rain yelled sharply, making Willow flinch. The older girl turned and smirked. "Scared?" She asked mockingly. Then she started laughing, and Willow relaxed. "Don't be scared. These guys are nice. Or most of them are." 

She eyed one or two of the group who were making their way into an untidy line. It was obvious she was joking around, but it made Willow nervous.

"Right." Rain clapped her hands. "Introduce yourselves I guess. This is Willow. We got a new member, so y'all better treat her with respect, you got that?" 

There were some nods, and a few stifled laughs. Rain ignored them and turned back to Willow, smiling gently. When nothing happened, Rain shot a look over her shoulder. A boy stepped forward.

He seemed to exert a contagious cheerfulness that seemed to light up the room. His bright hazel eyes sparkled with an infectious energy, and Willow couldn't help but feel at ease. His tousled golden-brown hair fell in careless waves, framing a face adorned with a perpetually sunny smile. He had a certain boyish charm that softened the edges of his youth, and Willow felt drawn to him already. 

He stepped forward with an easy grace, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Hey there, I'm Apollo!" he greeted cheerily, his voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm. "19 years old and counting. I'm the resident optimist and occasional troublemaker," he added with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, earning a few chuckles from the group.

"I love cooking. I make a mean campfire stew," he said, punctuating his words with an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

Willow nodded, and waited patiently. Nobody stepped forward, and Rain sighed behind her. "Idiots. Do I have to call you like it's school? Cedar, you go next." She pointed to a boy with chestnut hair.