Lacking Humanity|Half Crescent

Chapter Thirty-Eight (Rewritten)

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Sage found herself aiding Alanna in taking inventory of the stock room, it was Half Crescent's final night—As the fight certainly brought an unsettling feeling among both packs that it was best to move along sooner rather than later. And while Julian wouldn't have cared either way, it was clear that his pack member's opinions would be unavoidable.

Alanna herself was feeling guilty, she loved Hera and Andy—The three extra days would've been alright, but the desperation of meeting the deadline of winter truly starting to snow them in. It was all-around safer for them to start traveling sooner.

Sage truly couldn't fathom yet another night, not when the pack members were still torn between the rumors and her victory over her most recent challenge.

"You can always come to visit. I would love to meet your pups." Her voice startled the young Luna, and a light smile formed, though it was clear that she had mixed feelings about the invitation.

Though Alanna had to get it out in the open.

"You know, Sage, we're not angry at all...Julian is just—When his Mate died, he almost lost the pack due to neglect. It's natural to fall into a spiral, especially in the higher tiers when the relationship is also a job. When this pack lost their Luna, they nearly lost their Alpha as well." She stood frozen, unable to think rationally, as she looked up with tears in her eyes.

Alanna said her name. Her real name.

"Sweetheart, no, it's—"
"I don't have a mate mark, my mate thinks I'm dead...He—Pack's at war..." Sage had begun to hyperventilate at the mere thought that her pack could've been neglected, but Alanna refused to allow her to spiral.

"No, your Mate is just fine. Remus is just fine. Your pups are waiting for you to come home. You just have to hold out a little longer." Alana claimed, and Sage nodded. However, she had another reason to panic, especially when trapped against the wall.

"You know my name."
"It's hard not to when Andy made the slip, but it's alright. Your secret's safe with me," Alana promised, but her eyes showed her clear hesitation as she continued, "Julian isn't the...Isn't the biggest fan of Alpha Remus." Sage didn't push the topic; instead, she felt her body uplifted by the idea that Alanna knew who she was.

"I'm sorry for lying. I don't like lying."
"To who? Me or Andy?" Once again, guilt had layered the conversation between these two Lunas—Well, if anything, Sage and Hera was Luna twice over and Alpha in her own right.

"The Goddess has special plans for you, and when you find Remus, he'll understand. Andy will too. Those two are a lot stronger than anyone wants to give them credit for."
"I have money. I'll pay you and Alpha Julian back when I get home and—"
"Take your time, sweetheart. Cuddle with those pups...They only stay small for so long." Sage had noted the advice, and the two finished their tasks side by side, mostly silent, considering the tables had been turned.

Alanna knew that the switch from Hera to Sage was much too coincidental. While she might not be neck-deep in the drama happening across the border, Julian was, for the most part, at least. The story lined up as well. Sage had been missing and labeled as dead. Other than that, it was difficult to search for any more relevant information without her Beta or Delta finding out.

However, Sage was a very powerful she-wolf. To have the backing of half of America willing to pay for her safe return was something that Alanna couldn't wrap her head around. Not only was Mystic Grimm her birth pack, but Crescent Moon was her mate, and White Paw's Luna was her sister.

In addition to how intertwined her Beta and Delta's mate are.

Crescent Moon was restoring what the norm of pack relations was meant to look like. Unity in all, but it crumbled right alongside the council, and Alanna did not speak about it anymore.