Their words, simple yet profound, stirred a tempest within me. A Luna's heart knows both the burden of command and the pang of farewell. My hand instinctively sought Jason's, our fingers entwining-a fortress against the tide of emotions threatening to breach my composure.

"Your journey may lead you beyond our borders, but never beyond our reach," Jason said, his grip firm against mine. "You will always be part of our pack, part of our family."

I nodded, the silver strands of my hair catching ...