- New Forgotten One -
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After several hours of walking, the pack reaches a snowy forest, characteristic of the southern region. Samuel notices that Alex is exhausted and, with a careful gesture, decides to carry him in his arms. Feeling the weight of the pup, Samuel grows concerned about the rest of the group and approaches the Alpha.
— Is it much further? — Samuel asks, his tone filled with concern. — I think the others must be tired from all the walking.
— We're almost there — the Alpha replies, with a reassuring look. — Don't worry, us wolves are used to long journeys. But if you're tired, we can take a break.
— I'm fine — Samuel says, adjusting Alex in his arms and forcing a smile, though the concern in his eyes is evident.
As they continue their walk, Samuel feels an odd sensation of being watched. He looks around, but all he sees are the other wolves in the pack. Looking discreetly, he notices something peculiar: a wolf with strange markings on its back, moving silently among the others. Before Samuel can get a closer look, a sound ahead diverts his attention. When he looks back, the wolf is already gone. "This feeling... it's the same one I had when I encountered that shadow on the day of the attack," he reflects, a cloud of unease hovering over him.
Samuel looks at the pup in his arms and decides to set the thought aside for now. I won't worry about it now, especially with Alex here. They continue following the Alpha through the snow-covered forest, the sound of the wolves' steps creating a soft rhythm in the quiet night.
After some time, the pack finally reaches the entrance to their new home. They are greeted by a few warrior wolves, whose firm and watchful stance is comforting.
— Welcome! We've been expecting your arrival. I'm Felix, and I'll guide you. Please, come in — says a wolf, his voice resonating with authority.
The group follows Felix into the heart of the new pack. The place is vast, with several dens, a cold and snow-covered environment, but also full of life. A large river runs through the area, and near it stands a statue of the Moon Goddess, towering and serene, like a silent guardian.
As Felix presents the place, Samuel notices someone coming toward him. Focusing his gaze, he recognizes who it is.
— Samuel? — a familiar voice calls, bringing a smile to his face.
— Samuel! I can't believe it's you! — says Kuwabara, surprised. — You disappeared that night. How are you? I see you've recovered well from your injuries, my friend.
— I'm fine, I left a little gift of thanks before I left that night. I hope you liked it — Samuel replies, relieved to find a familiar face.
— Of course I liked it! Though it wasn't necessary, those chocolates were delicious — says Kuwabara, laughing, and the joy in his voice eases some of the tension building in Samuel.
— And Lumaris? How is she? — Samuel asks, eager.
— She's fine. She should be resting in our new den. She can't exert herself too much right now — Kuwabara answers.
— She's alright? — Samuel asks, his concern evident in his tone.
— Nothing serious. She's pregnant, so she needs rest. It's almost time for the pup to be born — Kuwabara reveals, a gleam in his eyes.
— Does she still hold any resentment toward me? — Samuel asks, hesitantly, fearing the answer.
— Don't worry, she knows you weren't at fault. By the way, why don't you visit her later? She'd be really happy — suggests Kuwabara, with an encouraging smile.
Samuel nods in agreement.
— Great! — exclaims Kuwabara, then notices Alex beside Samuel. — And who's this?
— This is Alex — Samuel replies, proudly.
— Wow! He's incredible! Oh, now I remember, you said he was the pup of the Moon. Does that mean he's my nephew? — says Kuwabara, excited, his enthusiasm contagious, making Alex watch with curiosity.
— Maybe? — Samuel replies, chuckling softly.
— How fantastic! Nice to meet you, Alex! — says Kuwabara, animated, while Alex smiles shyly.
— I think you'd better go back to Lumaris. The others must be waiting for us too — suggests Samuel, recalling the urgency of the situation.
— Don't worry about that. I'll show you where you'll stay. Lumaris is resting, so it's all good — says Kuwabara, confidently taking the lead.
Samuel, Alex, and Kuwabara join the Alpha and the pack. As they approach, Kuwabara says goodbye to Felix, who obeys dutifully. The Alpha, observing Kuwabara, asks Samuel:
— Who is that wolf?
— He's the one who saved me the day of the attack — Samuel replies, feeling a wave of gratitude.
— He seems familiar to me — the Alpha says, thoughtful.
Kuwabara, hearing the conversation, steps in.
— My name is Kuwabara. Pleasure to meet you — he says, offering a subtle bow.
— Hmm... Pleasure. Alpha — the Alpha responds cautiously, yet maintaining politeness.
— Alpha? I thought you'd introduce yourself by your name — comments Kuwabara with a slight smile.
— No formalities. What are you doing here? — the Alpha asks, curious.
— My Alpha is unable to guide you, so I'm taking on that responsibility. I hope you don't mind — Kuwabara explains, his posture respectful.
The Alpha hesitates for a moment but then remembers the help Kuwabara gave Samuel. They continue to the place where the pack will stay, and Kuwabara announces:
— This will be where you stay. The place has everything you need and is quite cozy. Once you're settled and rested, come find us for the celebration of our new pack!
After bidding Kuwabara farewell, the pack members begin choosing their dens, leaving only a few options. The Alpha, noticing the situation, approaches Samuel and Alex.
— Don't worry, I've already picked an ideal den for us — says the Alpha, with a determined look.
They follow him to the den, and upon entering, they realize it is indeed comfortable and welcoming, a perfect refuge to rest.
— I knew this would be perfect as soon as I saw it — says the Alpha, satisfied, as he observes the surroundings.
The Alpha then turns to Samuel and asks:
— That wolf, Kuwabara... He seems familiar to me. I think I saw him in a meeting with other alphas. Do you know who he is?
— He's the husband of the Alpha, and also Alex's uncle — Samuel reveals, a proud gleam in his eye.
— Really? — the Alpha asks, surprised, his expression lighting up.
— Yes. The Alpha was Lua's sister, so he's his uncle — Samuel explains, feeling the connection between the wolves grow.
— They were so different... Not really sisters, to be honest. Thanks for telling me, Samuel — says the Alpha, thoughtful, a shadow of nostalgia crossing his gaze.
— You must be tired. It's better to rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day. If you need anything, call me, I'll be out for a few minutes. Good rest — the Alpha says, leaving the den.
Samuel looks at Alex, who is exhausted, and quickly prepares a comfortable spot for the pup to rest. As soon as he lays down, Alex falls asleep instantly, his small body relaxing in peace.
I shouldn't have let him walk so much... Look how tired he is, Samuel thinks, watching the little wolf with tenderness. He remembers the strange figure he saw earlier, the unease growing once again in his chest. That shadow... it looked like a wolf camouflaged among us. I have to stay more alert, it couldn't have been just my imagination... He reflects, his mind wandering between fears and hopes.
"Better I go to sleep like Alex. Tomorrow, as the Alpha said, will be a very tiring day. With a soft sigh", Samuel lies down beside Alex, closing his eyes. Despite the concerns, exhaustion takes over, and slowly, he falls asleep, feeling safe in the company of the new pack and the little wolf by his side.
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