MOON'S SHADOW

Weight of the heart

Lumina's cabin was silent, its interior was cool and a bit chilly despite the rising sun at midmorning. Golden rays filtered through the window and filled the room, specks of dust rose slowly in the air reflected in the morning light, dazzling like little specks of gold. A low fire burned in the hearth and small dry twigs crackled softly as the fire settled. Lumina was perched uncomfortably on her bed. She was draped in her robe. Her abdomen was wrapped in a bandage, she delicately turned on her bed looking for a comfortable position. Two days had passed since her fight with Eliam.

Three soft knocks disrupted the eerie silence.

“Pup, are you in there? I'd like to see you.” She missed that voice. That comfortable, deep and assuring voice filled Lumina's ears. She was happy to hear from her father.

“Daddy. Come in.” She called out eagerly, her voice controlled.

The door groaned as her father pushed it open, his well-defined body appeared in the room. Deep lines ran across his forehead showing how much he had aged, but his eyes still remained focused. He peered at Lumina with concern, his eyes glancing at Lumina's bandaged wound.

“How is that wound healing?” He took long strides and crouched low next to Lumina's bed. He patted Lumina's hair softly, looking at her gently with love and affection.

“It's coming along nicely daddy. Don't you worry about it.” Lumina gave her father a tight smile.

“Pup, I'm worried about you. I would have preferred if you took a few days to heal properly first before leading the pack to war. I don't want you to get hurt more than you already are.” Her father suggested, his eyes watching Lumina's bruises with alot of concern.

“I don't have a choice, dad. I'm the Alpha of the pack. I recently just established that. I cannot let the pack go ahead without me. We have to do it soon too. Alpha Kieran is planning to attack us on the next full moon.” Lumina replied seriously, holding his piercing gaze.

Her father's heart swelled with pride. He witnessed the certainty and the resolve in Lumina's posture. He knew he had raised his daughter right. Even though his heart ached with pain and concern. He was sure the pack was in the right hands. “Oh. Pup. You've grown so much.” He sighed heavily. He suddenly looked older, his voice was thick with emotions.

“Daddy, I need your blessing,” Lumina urged him gently. “I can only do this knowing you are fully behind me. Don't worry about me.”

“Of course. You've had my blessings ever since you were born. You are my daughter. My only daughter. I fully support you. Remember to be brave, but cautious. You have nothing to prove to anyone. You are enough just as you are. And whenever you need me or anything. I will be here to provide for you, okay?”

“Thank you daddy.” Lumina smiled broadly, pushed herself into a sitting position and hugged her father lovingly. “I love you daddy. More than anything.”

“I love you pup.” Father and daughter held each other dearly in a loving embrace, which could have gone on for a while had it not been interrupted by loud footsteps approaching Lumina's cabin. Soft wraps came at the door. Without waiting for an answer, the door was gently pushed open.

Carden peeped into the room and his eyes landed on father and daughter. “Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin the sweet moment..” he smiled hesitantly. He felt a little awkward standing there, his hands hanging by his side.

“No, come on in, my boy.” Lumina's father said, invitingly stretching his arms out. “I'm sure this one was expecting your visit. I'll see you later pup.” He added warmly, kissed his daughter's forehead and stepped out of the cabin.