Lunar Bonds

Falling

Over the next few days, Cedar made every effort to assist Willow with her transformations, balancing his responsibilities within the pack while offering guidance whenever possible. He'd carve out moments from his duties, patiently helping Willow navigate the complexities of her new reality.

"Hey, Willow! Need a hand?" Cedar called out one afternoon as he finished organising some supplies.

Willow looked up from her attempt to practice a transformation, a mix of frustration and determination evident on her face. "I think I'm getting better, but it's still a struggle," she confessed, a note of disappointment in her voice.

Cedar approached, offering a reassuring smile. "It takes time. Trust me, you're doing great. Here, let me show you a trick that might help," he said, guiding her through a technique to ease the process.

Meanwhile, Arya's presence remained fleeting, visible only during mealtimes. She seemed distant, engrossed in her own affairs, creating an air of mystery around her that left Willow pondering her place within the pack.

Later in the day, Apollo's infectious cheerfulness filled the air as he approached Willow. "Hey there, Willow! How about a stroll in the woods? I promise it'll be fun!"

Willow hesitated for a moment before nodding with a tentative smile. "Sure, why not? Lead the way, Apollo."

Their interactions often involved Apollo's humour and his attempts to introduce Willow to the wonders of the forest. He'd share amusing anecdotes, offer playful jokes, and encourage her to explore the beauty of their surroundings, hoping to distract her from the complexities of her transformation.

The forest enveloped them in a serene embrace as Apollo led the way, his steps guided by familiarity with the trails. Willow followed, taking in the sights and sounds around her with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"So, Willow," Apollo started, breaking the comfortable silence, "What do you like to do for fun? Other than trying to master these werewolf transformations, of course."

Willow chuckled softly. "Well, before all of this, I loved spending time in nature. Hiking, sketching landscapes, just being outdoors. But now... it's all a bit different."

Apollo nodded in understanding. "I get it. But hey, maybe being a werewolf has its perks! We get to see the forest from a whole new perspective."

As they walked, Apollo pointed out various features of the woods, sharing anecdotes about the different spots they passed. He animatedly recounted some playful stories about the pack members, lightening the mood with his infectious enthusiasm.

"So, tell me about yourself, Apollo. What's your favourite thing about being part of the pack?" Willow asked, curious to know more about her newfound companions.

Apollo grinned, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "The bond, definitely. We're like a big, eccentric family! Each member brings something unique to the pack, and the bond we share is something special."

After their walk in the woods, Apollo excused himself, mentioning he had to attend to some pack matters. Willow returned to the cabin, finding herself drawn to the comforting crackle of the fire in the hearth.

As she settled by the warmth of the flames, Hunter approached, a thoughtful expression on his face. He took a seat beside her, a gentle smile gracing his features.

"Hey, Willow. Mind if I join you?" Hunter asked, glancing at her.

"Not at all, Hunter." Willow replied, offering a smile in return.

With a nod of gratitude, Hunter settled down, his eyes fixed on the dancing flames before turning his attention to Willow.

"You know, I've been thinking," he began, his voice tinged with sincerity. "We've been busy with our own affairs lately, and I realised we might've overlooked making you feel truly welcome. As a new member, you might have questions or things you'd like to know about the pack."