Eila paused at the heavy wooden doors of Luna Priscilla's chamber, reluctantly letting their rich texture press against her fingertips. The moment was bittersweet — a goodbye to the calm refuge that their conversation had provided — but a necessary step forward in her own path.
Turning back briefly, Eila nodded to both Nina and Luna. "Thank you… for trusting me with this. And for believing I can make a difference."
Luna's piercing silver-grey gaze softened just a fraction. "Your magic is a blessing to this pack, Eila. We will do whatever we can to aid you. The rest… is up to fate."
Nina fell into step alongside Eila as they made their way down the grand staircase. The two fell into a comfortable silence — a moment to appreciate their growing bond, forged through loyalty, magic, and understanding.
Outside, the courtyard was alive with activity. Pack members rushed back and forth, children darted between their legs, and the scent of freshly-baked bread wafted from the kitchens. Eila drew in a deep breath — this was home, the place where her roots grew strong.
She turned toward Nina. "I… I want to be useful. To ease the suffering I see all around me. I was wondering… if I could work in the infirmary alongside you." She wanted to ask this for a long time. But every time she thought she felt shy and uncomfortable about this decision but now her family's reserves of coins were depleting, she needed a stable source of income to support her family and take care of her parents.
Nina paused mid-step, eyebrows lifting in surprise. "Are you sure? Healing is… a heavy path." Nina was staying in pack for next month. Till then Eila will learn all about healing and how to improve her core magic. She will master everything with her help.
Eila nodded. "I'm sure. I want to do something more, something that brings peace instead of chaos."
Word of her request soon made its way to Luna, and much to everyone's astonishment, the Luna consented. "If you wish it, I will employ you in the infirmary. We will put your magic to the greatest possible use."
The following days fell into a comfortable rhythm for Eila. During the day, under Nina's guidance, she trained in healing — strengthening her magic, honing its ability to ease suffering, closing deep wounds, and mending broken spirits. The rest of her time was spent at home, quietly looking after her parents. She tended their routines, made sure their favorite foods were prepared, and kept their spirits up, eager for the moment when their health would be fully restored.
All the while, a new thread of happiness began to seep back into their lives — a happiness forged by their growing health, their growing bond, and the knowledge that there was a future worth living for.
Eila kept a small box carefully hidden under her mattress. Inside was a surprise for Michael's birthday — a handcrafted leather pouch filled with protective charms, a small knife forged by the pack's blacksmith, and a piece of a fallen sycamore tree, a symbol of renewal and eternal loyalty. Michael's birthday was a momentous event for their family — a chance to celebrate not just him, but their collective healing and unity. Afterall, he will turn sixteen tomorrow, he will get his wolf and possibly his mate. It was a great occasion to celebrate. Eila could hardly wait to see the expression on his face when he opened her gift.
As the clock turned toward midnight and a new day began, Eila fell into a restful slumber, a small spark of hope blooming in her heart. Whatever hardships lay ahead, there was a future worth preserving — for Michael, for their family, and for the pack.