Chapter 8
The Full Moon and the Farewell Howl
Finally, the longhouse was sold. A wave of relief washed over me. The pressure, the suffocating weight of expectation and unspoken resentments, had lifted. While signing the paperwork, I noticed the closing date was the same day as my departure for the Blood Moon pack. ‘Perfect,’ I thought. No need for awkward explanations to Benjamin and Adam. Signing my name felt liberating. It was almost over. Only one thing remained.
I went shopping, carefully selecting a massage tool and a pair of jade bracelets-gifts for my aunt. Then I went to my aunt’s home. She enveloped me in a hug the moment I walked in.
“Lanie, sweetheart, I’m going to miss you so much. You’ve lived here for so many years, and you’re like a daughter to me. This is going to feel so strange without you.” Wiping away tears, she held my hand tightly. A lump formed in my throat. I forced a smile.
“Aunt, I’m going to miss you too. But we’re family.
Travel is easy; we can see each other at the next Harvest Moon.”
She understood. She managed a smile, pulling me onto the sofa.”Sit tight, honey. I took a few days off knowing you were leaving. You’re staying with me for a few days, and I’m making all your favorite dishes!” She didn’t give me a chance to refuse, heading to the kitchen to prepare a feast. Watching her busy herself, I couldn’t help but smile. I couldn’t say no to her, so I agreed to stay a few more days.
When the time came to leave, I said goodbye reluctantly.”Aunt, I really have to go. I’m flying back to the Blood Moon pack for the wedding in three days.”
Fighting back tears, she nodded, pressing a substantial amount of silver into my hand. “I have three surgeries that day; I can’t come. This is a small gift. Lanie, be happy.” My eyes welled up. I accepted the money respectfully.”I will, Aunt. Grandpa chose him; you should have no
worries.”
The elevator doors opened, revealing Benjamin and Adam flanking Qiana. They saw me tearfully bidding my aunt farewell, their hearts sinking.
“Lanie, Aunt… what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”
I wiped my eyes, remaining calm.”Nothing. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Aunt. I’ll miss her when I’m gone.”
Benjamin and Adam visibly relaxed. “Well, you’re both in the Silver River territory. You can see her anytime you want,” Benjamin said.
My aunt knew they were still in the dark. She looked like she was about to reveal the truth, but I quickly changed the subject, turning to Qiana.”What are you guys doing here?”
Benjamin and Adam, clearly flustered, started to explain. “It’s the Harvest Moon Festival. Qiana was alone, so we brought her here to celebrate
with us.”
“Yeah, don’t get the wrong idea. We called you, but you didn’t answer,” Adam added. Their panic was understandable. Every Harvest Moon Festival, they’d fought over who got to escort *me* home. The one who did so implied they’d chosen their mate. I’d always ended up going to Benjamin’s family’s home, and then to Adam’s. This year, they’d brought Qiana. The meaning was clear.
I didn’t call them out on it.”Okay, that’s nice. Enjoy yourselves. I’m going to finish packing.” I started to leave.
Benjamin and Adam called out to me.”Lanie!””Lanie!”
Their voices held a desperate undercurrent, a plea lost in the rising howl of the full moon.
My wolf, sensing their unspoken sorrow, felt a pang of guilt, swiftly replaced by a hard resolve.
The time for goodbyes had come.
