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?"

I’m sure of it,” I look up to see Ashley tap her watch, "Okay everyone, it looks like your parents need

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

find their parents, who all look grateful I could

everything okay,

what to say. I slide off my bean bag and sit on the cushion next

d-didn't kill that man in the basement. B-but I-I saw ..." her eyes

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,

hands in her lap and her voice is lower, "Luna, I-I'm sorry I

have a question though,” I tilt my head and lean down to get her to look at me, ‘What were you doing

watery eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told me if I gave him information about the new Luna, he would give me money so my

that promised you money?” I try not to sound suspicious or accusing, but I can feel anger boiling inside of me. Lex is pacing and growling as Hannah provides more

with strangers, but I just wanted Mommy and Daddy to be happy again,” she cries,

can I give you a hug? A lot of people say my hugs make them feel better. Do

turn my head and see them nod to her before she slides into my lap. I wrap

knowing first, okay? No one will ever touch you without your permission, even if it's just to hold your hand. That is

nod against my chest

more question, darling. It is a scary question, but it is very important. I heard you are going to speak to the Council about what happened in the dungeon and I want you to make sure you tell the truth but I need to know. Did that man touched you,” I speak softly so she knows the conversation is between

I close my eyes and brace myself for whatever it is she is about to say. Lex is already

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

to," Lex snarls as she and I breathe a collective sigh of relief. I smell Bronx and Milo's scents getting

Did you have any information to give him?" I

you were pretty, and that you were going to let US go to school," she admits between hiccups. I can't help but giggle,

girl's parents are right behind him. Milo has a worried expression on his face and Hannah's parents look concerned for their little girl.

it looks like there are some people here who would also like to give you a hug,” I jostle her gently so she will look up.She smiles when she sees her parents. I can she is missing her front teeth. It

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