Chapter 23

***Trigger Warning - This chapter begins depictions of wartime Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This theme is depicted in multiple chapters throughout the rest of the book. Since the triggers for this subject are different for everyone, this will be the only warning related to it.***

“Lenora, what do you want your birthday celebration to look like?” Ashley and Carly sit across from me with huge grins on their faces. “We need to begin planning now, but you don’t have to do anything. Just show up for the party. We’ll take care of all the details and planning.”

“My birthday isn’t for three months and I don’t want a celebration.” I stuff the last of my sandwich in my mouth. “Honestly, I almost forgot about it.”

“Come on, nerd. It’s your eighteenth birthday and you’re Luna now.” Ashley tilts her head. “People want a reason to celebrate.”

“We’ll have our annual pack celebration on the summer solstice. That’s good enough. Everyone loves it. No one will know the wiser.” I wave my ha