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?"

"Okay everyone, it looks like your parents need you back so we can get

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

and run to find their parents, who all look grateful I could

everything okay,

lap, not sure what to say. I slide off my bean bag and sit on the cushion next to her,

kill that man in the basement. B-but I-I saw ..." her

to tell you a little secret. I have a lot of sisters. One of my sisters looks like she could be my twin, but she’s older than me. That’s who you saw in the dungeon. She, well, she’s influenced by dark magic. She doesn't realize what she did is wrong, but I’m trying to help her understand it was,”

in her lap and her voice is lower, "Luna, I-I'm sorry I blamed you. I was

lean down to get her

eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told

a man that promised you money?” I try not to sound suspicious or accusing, but I can feel anger boiling inside of me. Lex

I just wanted Mommy and Daddy

to her, "Hannah, can I give you a hug? A lot of people say my hugs

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 little

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

nod against my chest as she

you are going to speak to the Council about what happened in the dungeon and I want you to make sure you tell the

breath. I close my eyes and brace

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

time if I needed to," Lex snarls as she and I breathe

to give him?" I ask,

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

shoulder. I look to see him kneeling behind me, looking very serious. Milo and the girl's parents are right behind him. Milo has a worried expression on

her gently so she will look up.She smiles when she sees her parents. I can she is missing her front teeth. It

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