Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 79

"Here come the Alpha and Luna now," Ashley motions to US as we enter the great room. I hold up the books and look at the children who all still look pretty tentative about their new environment, "Who wants to hear a story? Follow me!"

I walk backward slowly, with a big smile, as children look up to their parents for permission. Moms and dads gratefully set toddlers down and let go of their children’s hands, encouraging them to follow me, so they can have a few minutes of peace.

I lead the children over to the corner with all the comfortable cushions and bean bags. Once we are all settled in, I give the kids a choice, a book or a story about the Moon Goddess. They all agree they want to hear about the Moon Goddess, so I tell them the story of how the Moon Goddess and Endymion fell in love and had fifty daughters together. I leave out the parts about factions, abilities, and that I am one of those daughters. I let Lex help by using her voice for the male characters in the story.

As I tell the story, I see Ashley out of the corner of my eye give me a thumbs up with a big grin. Even some parents are listening in. I glance over to see some of them smiling and whispering happily to each other.

"Is that it?" One of the girls cries out desperately as I finish the story.

I feel myself chuckle, "Yes, darling. For now, that's it, but guess what. Every Thursday afternoon, I go to the pack library and we have story time. Ask your parents to get the information from Gamma Ashley.”

The girl's eyes brighten when she hears she will get to hear more stories from me.

"Now, who here is going to school on Monday?" I look around at the group. More of the children raise their hands, "Oh! So exciting! I bet your teachers are going to be thrilled to meet you.”

A little girl sitting near the back looks up at me with a worried face, "Is school scary, Luna? I've never been before.”

"Well, school can be scary at first, but a lot of new things are scary. Once you see that there is nothing to fear, then it's fun. What's your name, darling? What grade are you going to be in?” I reassure the girl.

"I'm Hannah Fisher. I'm going to be in first grade," she says, a little more confidently. As I look more closely at her, I realize it's the little girl from the basement.

"Well, you are in luck, Hannah Fisher. The first grade teachers are the best,” I emphasize the word best, making my eyes big, "And the first graders are learning a play for Winter Solstice. I bet they can find a role for you.”

Hannah smiles and her eyes get glossy, "Really?"

really. I’m sure of it,” I look up to see Ashley tap her watch, "Okay everyone, it looks like your parents need you back so we can get lunch.

their hands excitedly, "Great. Go find your Moms and Dads. I will meet you in the

all look grateful I could provide a quiet moment for them. Hannah is still sitting

okay, Hannah?" I

off my bean bag and sit on the cushion next to her, "You

basement.

she’s older than me. That’s who you saw in the dungeon. She, well, she’s influenced by

speaks again, she looks at her hands in her lap and her voice is lower, "Luna, I-I'm sorry I

you. No one is. I have a question though,” I tilt my head and lean down to get her to look at me, ‘What were you doing

is so complicated. Her watery eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told

or accusing, but I can feel anger

go with strangers, but I just wanted Mommy and Daddy

my hands out to her, "Hannah, can I give you a hug? A lot of people say my hugs make them feel

little girl nods and stands up. She looks over at her parents tentatively. I turn my head and see them nod to her before she slides into my lap. I wrap my arms around her and rock her back and forth, releasing a

Blood River, no one will ever ask you to go anywhere without your parents knowing first, okay? No one will ever touch you without your permission,

against my chest as

in the dungeon and I want you to make sure you tell the truth but I need to

my eyes and brace myself for whatever it is she is about to say. Lex is already growling, prepared for the

helping him and thanked me for going into the dungeon with him. And he held my hand to go down the stairs since it was dark, but after that, he didn't touch me. He just wanted information about you, I swear," her sobs are bigger now. Somehow, I can sense she is telling me the truth. I tighten my arms around

snarls as she and I breathe a collective sigh of relief. I smell Bronx and

Hannah. Did you have any information to give him?" I ask,

only that you were pretty, and that you were going to let US go to school," she admits between hiccups. I can't help but giggle, "Well, Hannah, it sounds like you are a very brave and smart young lady. We are lucky to have you as

Milo has a worried expression on his face and Hannah's parents look concerned for their little girl. I give them

it looks like there are some people here who would also like to give you a hug,” I jostle her gently so she will

I just want you to promise me two things," I put my finger