Hidden moonlight

A new life

Lily's POV

A small community, Pine Ridge was different from the dangers of Silver Hollow. Tucked down in a valley surrounded by heavy forests, it gave the anonymity I so sorely needed. Here I could start afresh, distant from the prying eyes of the werewolf society.

On the outskirts of town, I stumbled into a small house. It was basic and pleasant with a little garden and picket fence. It was simply lovely. Here I could bring my children in peace away from the shadow of my past.

Months passed and the birth of my triplets provided a new direction. My Everything was Evan, Mia, and Nora. I enjoyed every day, but it was a whirlwind of feeding, changing, and consoling. Every little smile and coo let the pain of my banishment pass.

I began to see the unique abilities of the growing children. The eldest by a few minutes, Evan displayed incredible force. Even as a small toddler, he could readily raise items twice his weight. Mia has amazing sensitivity and lovely blue eyes. Usually comforting her siblings when they were upset, she could feel things. Then there was Nora, the youngest, whose agility was just remarkable. She slid with a grace almost supernatural.

Emphasizing the importance of privacy, I helped them control their abilities. Looking into their innocent eyes, "We must keep our abilities hidden," I would say. " Our secret is how we stay safe."

One cool fall morning, I strolled the children to the neighborhood park. The air smelled of pine, and there were noises of rustling leaves. Sitting on a seat, I watched them play, my thoughts of Silver Hollow and the life I had left behind flitting back.

I heard rustling among the undergrowth. I turned and stopped my heart. Rising from a tall, tough man with keen blue eyes fixed on me, I knew instantly Finn, Victor Darkwood's enforcer.

"Lily," he whispered in a soft but firm voice. We should speak.

I stayed cool even though I was terrified. "What then do you want, Finn?"

Glancing at the children, his voice changed. "Visitor is aware of your kids. He finds them here. You need to be cautious.

I began to panic. Ask them, "Why?" What do you wish for?

Finn sighed and glanced across at the playground. "Your children have absolutely outstanding talent. To Victor, they either provide a threat or an opportunity. Both ways, you are not safe.

My head whirl-turned. Though it appeared they had found me, I had intended to leave the dangers of the werewolf world. "What are you thinking about?"

"Leave Pine Ridge," Finn said in a subdued whisper. "I will help you here. Though you have to believe me.

That evening after the children were asleep, I once more packed our belongings. Though I could not endanger their safety, the thought of uprooting them so fast was horrible. Finn had offered to drive us to a safe abode, a lonely home somewhere in the forest, where we might stay low.

As we headed into the darkness, the moon cast eerie shadows on the road; my thoughts whirled with questions and anxiety. Finn's company made one both consoling and disturbing. Though I still didn't really trust him, I had no other choice.

Just before daybreak, we arrived at the cabin. Tucked up behind tall woods, it was rural and isolated. Finn's somewhat subdued approach allowed the children inside to relax.

Here, he assured, "you will be safe." "I shall keep an eye on it."

Though serene, the days at the cottage felt strained. Alert always on edge, I kept the children close. Finn looked over us with a protective intensity all the time. First cautious, I came to rely on him.

One evening Finn and I watched the children dash around the fireplace from the porch. Our conversation found a soothing background in the sounds of nighttime in the woodland.

"Why are you helping Finn?" I asked, breaking the stillness.

He stopped and pointed out toward the horizon. "I have some motives." Victor's concepts are dangerous. I object to vulnerable souls caught in the crossfire.

I glanced at him, trying to read the emotions under his austere exterior. "Thanks," I mumbled softly. for anything.

Finn acknowledged, his facial expression unreadable. "We'll make it, Lily. I commit.

Miles apart in Silver Hollow, Marcus Blackwood stared at the starry forest from the verge of the pack's territory. His responsibilities as Alpha had never seemed to be as heavy. Though empty inside, the pack was strong.

He made a serious error. Dreaming of Lily plagued him, her picture always reminds him of what he had lost. He had pushed her away believing it would be best, but he then realized the scope of his error.

A hole no force or will could cover, the nothingness stabbed at him. Along with the life they may have lived, he missed her. Though he had really betrayed his own heart, he had felt he was protecting the pack.

Driven to atone, Marcus headed to see Lily. He would sweep every inch of the nation if necessary. He had to see her atone, clarify. While the pack might wait, his heart would not.

I woke from my meditation back at the cabin startled by an unexpected knock on the door. Heart pumping, I opened it carefully. Old friend from Silver Hollow Detective Collins greeted me familiarly.

"Lily," he said, still rushing, "we have to talk. Marcus is out looking for you. He is traveling here right now.

My pulse hummed. Marcus was on the road. My suppressed emotions returned as a storm of longing, fear, and bitterness. I didn't know whether I could see him, confront the man who had broken but also save me.

"Why is he looking for me?" I inquired, speaking softly and shaking.

Collins let out a cough. "He is ashamed of what he did. He is trying to fix things. Victor's staff, though, are also tracking you. You definitely ought to be ready.

I acknowledged and my thoughts soared. Safety of the children first worried me. But the thought of seeing Marcus again and hearing his defense made me nervous and hopeful at the same time.

That evening I seem to go to sleep. Looking out the window, I saw the starry forest and realized my ideas were disorganized. The children slept peacefully, unaware of the storm developing all around them.

When daylight approached, I felt a resolution come down. I had survived, but I had faced numerous challenges. Whatever the price, I would protect my children. And should Marcus turn there, I would also confront him.

The jungle was silent; expectation charged the air. I was ready even though I knew where I would be headed. With my children at my side and a fresh strength in my heart, I would negotiate the shadows of my past and create a loving future.

When the first light of morning peeped through the forest, I had a flicker of hope. This was my

trip, my fight. And I would approach anything presented with will and fearlessness.