I met Elder Elara's gaze with one of humility. "Thank you for allowing me to speak with you. I've come here seeking answers about my parents, and I'll approach this with utmost honesty and respect."Elder Elara nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Very well, Layla Quinn. Tell us your story."I took a deep breath, summoning the strength to recount the life I had known. "I was born into the Safe Water pack, or at least that's what I've been told. I never knew my parents, and I grew up as a servant in the pack. It was a difficult life, marked by mistreatment and hardship."The elders listened attentively, their eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and concern."Recently," I continued, "I discovered the truth about my parents. They were rogues who had gone rogue many years ago. They were involved in attacks on pack members, and it's said that they were killed during a purge. My world was shattered when I learned this."Elder Elara leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "And how did you

The next morning, as the golden rays of the sun painted the sky, I found myself standing at the threshold of a new adventure. Elder Elara's son, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a warm smile named Cedric, had offered to take me on a tour of the Black Creek pack's territory.As we ventured beyond the boundaries of the elder's residence, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking beauty of the land. The Black Creek pack's territory was a place of enchantment, a sprawling wilderness that seemed untouched by time.Cedric led me through a forest that was dense with towering trees, their branches forming a verdant canopy high above us. Sunlight filtered through the leaves in dappled patterns, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. The air was filled with the earthy scent of moss and damp soil, and the melodic symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves surrounded us."Welcome to our home, Layla," Cedric said, his voice filled with pride. "This land has been in our

The words hung in the air, and I felt a wave of astonishment wash over me. Elder Elara's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. It was a revelation that seemed to transcend time itself.Alda continued, her voice gentle and filled with sincerity. "We lost touch with you when you were just a child, Layla. Your parents faced difficult circumstances, and we were separated. We've spent years searching for you, and it was only recently that we learned you were here."My hands trembled slightly as I absorbed the enormity of the revelation. Tears welled up in my eyes as I extended my arms toward them. "Alda, Eamon, I never thought I had any living relatives.”With joyful tears, we embraced, a reunion decades in the making. It was a poignant reminder that even in the midst of our individual journeys and the complexities of life, family bonds could endure.As Elder Elara watched us, a sense of warmth and unity washed over me. The Black Creek pack had become my new family, and wi

P.S; Dear readers, please leave a comment in the comments section and your vote rating matters too. Thank you.*****In front of me was illness like I had never witnessed before. In pools of their own vomit, little children lay face down, forgotten meals perched with flies. There were mini fire piles with ashes that looked like clothing remnants, and I assumed that those had come from the pile of clothes that sat beside the fire, waiting to be burnt. I looked around for the shelter that was supposed to keep these people safe from the elements, and in place of anything solid, all I saw was the makeshift overhead raffia roofs. “Is this how they live?” I asked Erin, my disapproval heavy on my face. “This can’t be comfortable for them, or anyone. Why haven’t provisions for homes been made for them?”“We cannot afford to,” came Erin’s solemn response, her serious face convincing me that was the truth. “The only men able bodied enough to build are the warriors of the pack, and if they fal

Walking into the living room, Erin was shocked to see that I was already awake and going at it. “Layla? Is everything okay? Did you sleep at all?” she asked, and with a wave, I brushed it off, calling her attention elsewhere. “None of that matters. I think I've come up with a plan to help us solve this problem. Come, take a seat,” I urged, tapping at the seat beside me. Curious, she took a seat and raised a brow at me in concern. “Hey, this is pretty early. You can take a quick nap and I'll just-”“No, this is urgent. We have to talk about this now.” With a sigh, she nodded, and I filled her in on the details of the plans I had made in the frenzy of the night, letting her know that I would be sending she and Remy to the packs whose help we needed. “In a few days, they can find their way here after gathering the people they select to make the journey. You can come right back. It's perfect, if you ask me. What do you think? Are you okay with that?”She nodded, and I sighed in relief