Chapter 4: Whispers of the Full Moon

The days leading up to the full moon were a blur of ceaseless tasks and the hushed murmurs of the household staff. The tension in the air was nearly palpable, a thick blanket that seemed to settle over the Brannon estate as the moon's influence grew stronger. My mind was perpetually occupied with the strange occurrences from the forest—the glowing red eyes, Damien's harsh demeanor, and Nate's unexpected concern. It was as if the estate was a pressure cooker, and I was on the verge of discovering what was brewing within. The evening shadows lengthened, and I found myself in the kitchen, preparing dinner. The warm, comforting aroma of roasting meat and fresh bread filled the space, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me. Lydia, the Brannons' daughter, was conversing with Maria, the house keeper and her former nanny, in low, anxious tones. My hands moved automatically as I chopped vegetables, my ears straining to catch snippets of their conversation. “Have you heard the latest?” Lydia’s voice was tinged with urgency. Maria leaned closer, her face pale. “Yes, the rumors about the rogues. They say they’ve been seen closer to our territory. Your father is increasing security at every corner.” I pretended to focus on my task, but my mind was racing. The mention of rogues made my heart pound with a mix of fear and curiosity. I had overheard fragments of discussions about the rogue wolves- dangerous faction known for their unpredictability and aggression. If they were encroaching on the Brannons' territory, it meant the estate and its inhabitants were in grave danger. “Do you think Alpha Brannon’s preparations are enough?” Lydia’s voice trembled slightly. Maria did her best to sooth Lydia. “He’s been meeting with other alphas. They’re fortifying the defenses, setting up patrols, and preparing for an all-out attack if necessary. We need to be ready for anything.” A knot tightened in my stomach. The stakes were higher than I had imagined. I wanted to ask about the rogue wolves- Who are they? Why are they rogue? And more importantly, why do they attack us at full moon? I was getting the sense of impending danger was becoming more real with each passing day. As night fell, my restlessness was too great to ignore, and I decided to take a walk to clear my mind. I slipped out of the servants' quarters, the cool night air providing a salve for heat of the kitchen. The forest loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, yet I felt walked into it. During times like this, even I question my own boldness. I approached the clearing where I had seen Damien the night before. The moonlight illuminated the forest in an otherworldly way, creating long, twisting shadows that danced across the ground. My heart raced as I made my way to the spot, hoping for answers, yet fearing what I might find. As I entered the clearing, I saw a figure standing in the moonlight. It was Luke, his back to me as he gazed upward. The sight of him was both comforting and disconcerting. I took a step closer, and a twig snapped under my foot. Luke turned, his eyes meeting mine with a look of surprise. “Ella?” he said, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and concern. “What are you doing out here?” “I couldn’t sleep,” I admitted, my voice tinged with embarrassment. “I needed some fresh air.” His expression softened, and he offered a reassuring smile. “The full moon affects us all in strange ways. Join me, if you like.” I walked over to him, feeling a sense of relief at his presence. We stood in silence for a few moments, both lost in our thoughts as the moon’s light bathed us in its ethereal glow. “Do you ever think about destiny, Ella?” Luke asked suddenly, breaking the silence. I looked at him, puzzled by the unexpected question. “I suppose I do. Why?” He sighed; his gaze still fixed on the moon. “I’ve been contemplating the future of our pack.” He looked at me. “ I know it's so unlike me, but recently, I just feel as though I have been a disappointment. With everything happening so far, I just like utterly useless and sometimes wonder if I’m truly the alpha’s son” “ Don't talk like that, Luke. You may not become the alpha, but believe me, you are just as important. Every one has a role to play. No matter how small” I said, trying to offer reassurance. “You’ll do just fine. Hell, you already are” He turned to face me, his eyes searching mine. “Thank you, Ella. Your words mean more to me than you can imagine.” He tickled my side. I laughed, trying not to be loud. “You're always welcome” “And you should take your own advice too” Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps approaching interrupted us. Damien emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable and his eyes flicking between Luke and me. “What are you two doing out here?” Damien’s voice was sharp, cutting through the night air. “We were just talking,” Luke replied calmly, his demeanor unruffled. “Is there something you need, Damien?” Damien’s gaze shifted to me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. “There’s a meeting in the main hall. Alpha Brannon wants to discuss our strategy for dealing with the rogues. Your presence is needed, Luke.” Luke nodded, then turned to me. “Ella, it’s best if you head back to the house. It’s not safe to be out here.” I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. “Alright. Be careful.”