Stalking through the underbrush, my belly scrapes along the freshly fallen snow. I move in the deep snow; stalking. Everett is behind, playing in a tree hollow. He would be too loud for this. One wrong move and the herd is spooked. I slowly move around to the side of the gathering, my eyes lock onto a younger-looking male. He and a few others are a pure white, with a small patch of brown near the antlers. They haven't yet fallen off and would be a good material for tools.

Frayler is on the other side, probably picking out her own deer. The plan is to rush in from both sides. We decided to try and go for two separate kills.

Stalking along, my tail lashes, skimming the snow as I crouch.

I see the herd start to move. Rushing in to join the fray, diving into the herd trying to split my chosen prey up from the herd. Nipping at it heals it tries to kick me, but I race around first on one side then the other. Lily's instincts drive me to move it further away, where the others can't buck at us. She helps me move it to the edge, as it tries to circle back.

My teeth sink into its back leg. Dragging it backwards, it struggles in our hold.

I release it, only to pounce on the deer's side. My claws dig into the flesh as I try and get a hold on the neck. He throws his head up and down, his antler waving around. Don't want to get hit by those. Rearing up, he crashes down dislodging me. Tumbling back, I'm right back on my paws.

Going for the other back leg, I bit down until I hear the crack. A bright crimson liquid leaks down, turning the white fur red, splotching the snow, and turning my muzzle a deep shade of reddish-brown. The deer falls to the ground, both back legs injured, claw marks on his side.

Lily goes in goes the kill. Clamping down on the neck, she keeps the pressure until there is no movement. The prey goes limp.

Lifting my head I search for Frayler. She seems to have also made her kill.

'Everett, we are finished, do you want to come to the clearing? Just follow my scent.' I wait for Everett's response and when it doesn't come I lift my nose to the air. He is in the area with his mindlink is open. 'Everett?' And then I feel Everett bounding towards me—or well Crylle. Crylle drops something by me, rubbing himself against my sides. He growls constantly, as I paw what he dropped over.

'Well done, Crylle, Everett.' It's a good sign that Crylle's instincts are intact. Examining the kill it looks like the hare was previously injured.

Sitting down, Crylle moves closer. I clean off the blood from his ashy-brown coat, before doing the same for myself. My fur is covered in a mixture of things and soon I can see my light brown paws. I move my side, grooming the grey and brown fur, before moving onto my reddish-brown haunches. Red naturally, and redder still from the blood. Leaving my claws for last, I carefully clean the mud, dirt, and blood from around them.

Nothing will clean them from the permanent stains.

Shaking out my fur, I watch as Crylle copies me. I go to grab a hold of the kill as I see the fight in Crylle's eyes. Everett wants out, but Crylle doesn't want to go back yet. Barking, I brush my tail over their pelt.

I'll have to get them to do their shifting exercise when we get back.

Taking a leg in my pull I walk backwards. Across the clearing I see Frayler doing the same. For once the snow helps as it keeps the ground more level, without as many stones and twigs to trip on. It's heavy as I continuously pause to regain a better grip. I hold back a snot of amusement when Everett grabs the tail, trying to push the deer with his head.

Frayler, Everett, and I bring it to her cabin where we all go in and change quickly. Coming out we bring it around to the back, where she has a fence closing off the area.

Settling down on, we each take up a knife. "Everett, start your shifting. You know what the healers said. After you may go inside and look in my pack for the matching game and greens that I took from the hall. Frayler and I need to tend to these deer."

"Okay Red." He resignedly starts the slow process back and forth. With each transition, the change becomes more fluid. The fur sprouts faster or the ears grow fast, maybe the spine breaks quicker or the fangs appear all at once. Each time it's a bit different, but what matters is the after effect. Being able to shift quickly is crucial. Having that bond with your wolf, being able to trust them like that, not to mention it could be life-saving.

Taking the sharp knife I wipe it once on the long brown apron Frayler lent to me. I cut down the belly, between the rib cage creating a long slit. Using my hands, I reach it with one hand and knife in the other. Cutting the organs, I pull it out in a clump, dumping it into one of the large bowls Frayler set beside us. The two sets of organs lie in the bowl, red and dripping.

"What do you do with them Frayler?" I ask while eyeing the giant lump of innards.

"Give them to the pack members on kitchen duty. They'll probably prepare them somehow, maybe freeze them. In the summer we would just bury them, however, we never know how harsh the winters will be." That's true. My old pack only kept the innards for bait. Though we also didn't have as big of a pack to feed and as I think about it since my family was the Beta family we always got the better meats. The more I ponder the more I realize it's not unlikely the Omegas ate them, only I didn't realize it until now.

"Let's do your deer first Frayler and then we can skin mine." I help her cut along the back legs until the lines connect.

"There are actually, well they aren't rules, but everyone follows them. Whoever killed the animal gets a third of the meat and the pelt. It's only for big kills though. You don't have to..." She shifts uncomfortably as I break the legs at the joint.

"Sounds good to me. It will be nice to give back since the pack is helped me." She nods in agreement, as I pull the fur lower, tearing it away from the flesh.

Together we work at the pelt, tugging it towards, using our knives to coax it when needed. Overall, it's pretty smooth as we take the fur off. A few bumps when I reach her claw marks, but with the help of the knife, I manage to work with it. We have to flip the carcass over onto its stomach in order to detach it from the back. Frayler uses her knife to cut the tail, and I use my hands to get the pelt down to the head.

I completely sever the head from the body, and the pelt falls away.

'Red, can I go play now?' Nodding, I give him permission to head inside. It's cold for a pup to be out here in skin form. His shifting is really coming along, though if we want to keep the progress he has to keep doing it.

Frayler and I work on my deer next. The same process: cutting, breaking, cutting, pulling, and more cutting.

"I'll get the meats cleaned and salted. You clean up the pelts." She heads inside with Everett to gather the needed items.

I pick up the fur from the ground. Throwing the hide onto the stool, I bend over it. Using the knife I cut out the head, setting it down. With the blunt side of the knife, I push it down against the skin side of the pelt. The extra pieces fold together as I pull it off. I tediously go over each section carefully. My mother never let my sister or I leave the table until we had successfully done this. I tried getting away a few times, but it never ended well. Eventually, I learned how to inspect it so almost nothing was left to dirty the pelt.

"Follow Nya'dein, she knows how to do it. Remember, this is a present for your brother. I'm putting together to stew and once you're done you'll have to watch it for I'll have to get the hide ready." I remember being jealous of the beautiful pelt. Sitting in the kitchen as my mother tanned the hides. And how in the next few sunrises she sewed four deer furs together to create a lovely, giant, blanket.

Folding up the pelt, I set it down on Frayler's stool. She uses another knife to cut through the flesh. Taking the meat off the bones skillfully, she places the parts in bowls, covering them with salt. I call out, "What's going to happen with the skeleton?"

She turns, blood-covered hands, knife, and all. She goes to scratch her head but catches herself. "I'll send a message through the pack mindlink asking if anyone needs the bones. It will probably go to the carpenters. They have a knack with making these into something useful."

"Is there any water in the cabin?" I stand up, stretching out my back and wrists. I forget how long something like this can take.

"Yep. There should be some water on the stove. I just started the fire underneath when I went in not long ago."

Going inside, the warmth clings to my skin. Taking off the now very bloodied apron, I fold it up and toss it in the washbasin, replacing it with my own old one. I'd have to offer to help her with that later.

"Everett, are you having fun?" I watch as he makes and match, clapping in delight.

"Yah! Fun, fun."

Going over to the tinder pile, I pick up a twig. Opening the door to the stove, I set the wood alight. Walking around the room, I light up the candles letting them shed their glow along the walls. The darkness is starting to descend. Taking the pot, I pour some water into a small bowl.

As I face the cold again I set the hot water down. My fingertips are grateful as I scoop up snow, adding it to the bowl. Pouring some of the water out I turn to see Frayler working away at the pile of meat. "Frayler, do you want your hide tanned?"

Splitting open the skulls, I pluck out the brains, and mash them into the warm water solution. It becomes more of a paste, a think running liquid.

"Roll it up if you will. I'm going to shove it in my icebox for now."

"Where's your icebox? I'll put it there after." Dipping my hand into the gooey substance, I smear it onto the smooth side of the hide.

"Just on the side of the cabin." She motions with one hand to the left.

Applying the mixture, I then roll up the pelt. Digging into my apron with my clean hand, I pull out a fabric stripe. Wrapping it tightly around the roll, I tie it up. Holding it under my arm, I carry the other pelt to the side of the house. There is no clear defined path, just a bunch of food prints scattered here and there.

It's not hard to spot, for it's a literal square. Getting closer I set the furs down, using both hands to grasp the cloth that sticks out on the sides. Lifting it up, I also lift the sheet of ice that was on top. Peering in I see some wrapped up meats and plants, however, there is plenty of room. Dropping the folded skin in, I recover the icebox, and head back.

"Red, would you like to stay for dinner? I know you could go to the mess hall, but you did help catch that deer. I started on some stew and it should be ready soon. I've just mindlinked Warnel and his sister Jinka. They are going to come get the extra meat and bring it to the kitchen." She grabs my hands and drags me inside, chattering all the way. I give in, it isn't like Everett or I have anything better to do. We don't know anyone else either, so it might be a nice change.

Opening a drawer she takes out some cutlery and bowls. She hands them to Everett and whispers something to him. He grins, running into the room beside, and I can hear him placing them on the table with a clank. Frayler winks when I give her a questioning look. "I may have a treat after dinner for good pups."

The whole cabin has a cozy feel. The rooms we are now in, make the Seer's room down below feel like a separate place altogether. The scent of the stew spills into the other rooms, a spicy and herby aroma making me hungry. Lily licks her lips in the mindscape, she eyes the food readily. Both of us are ready to try the meat, I should ask her about getting the kitchen to smoke some meat for me.

"Frayler, is it possible to get the kitchen to smoke my portion of the meat for me?" Wandering around the kitchen I lean over the plants. They are all so green and healthy, perhaps it's a Seer blessing or she just has a knack with nature.

"Sure! I'll tell Jinka to tell the pack members that you'll pick it up when it's done." Right on cue, I scent two new shifters; a tree-like smell and smokey air lingers around them. The male stomps his feet, getting the snow off of his boots before stepping in, the female following suit. They seem very similar in appearance, both of them have light brown hair and darker eyes. The male is only a smidge taller, however, the female seems to be older. Her brown locks fall around her shoulders as she rubs her hands together. "Right on time!" Frayler exclaims.

"Hey, Frayler. You've got to stop by soon," the female says, her brother nodding in agreement. "You know you are always welcome to stop by."

The male takes notice of my presence and smiles, bowing his head in greeting. Everett comes up behind me and peers around my leg. "Nice to me you. I'm Warnel and that's my sister Jinka."

"Pleasure." I tilt my head down, before looking up again. "I'm Redaliya and the pup beside me is Everett."

Frayler is bouncing about, her energy seems to be ceaseless. It makes me dizzy and tired just to watch her. "I've got the meat packaged for you. Do you think the kitchen could smoke Redaliya's portion for her?"

"I don't think they would mind. I'll drop it off here when it's done." Before I can react to the female, Frayler jumps in agreeing.

"If you are sure it's not too much trouble." I agree, knowing it would be the easiest way. It is also nice to hang around another shifter who isn't a pup and who isn't trying to help you. Frayler is just so chirpy, there never seems to be a dull moment. She's on a constant stream of doing one thing or another.

I help her bring the meats and innards in and hand them over to Jinka and Warnel. I offer to help them carry it, but they insist they are fine. As they head out Everett tugs impatiently on my sleeve.

Sitting down at the table, I serve Everett first. Dishing him out a good portion of the stew I thank Frayler once again for the invite. Sipping on the stew, there is some spice to it. My tongue tingles from the unfamiliarity, but Everett seems to be thoroughly enjoying it as he has seconds. Sipping the water, I offer some to Everett.

Wiping Everett's face and hands I help Frayler clean the dishes. Using wet rags, we wipe the old food off and bring it out in the basin.

"Thank you for the food, Frayler."

"Your welcome! Your hide should be ready in a few sunrises, though I think it will need another layer of paste. The meat should be here in about three sunrises as well. Please do stop by!" She rubs her wrists together and she rocks on the soles of her feet.

"Bye-bye Frayler." Everett waves his left hand, fingers spread out widely. He grins as I pick him up, wrapping his hands around my neck. I can feel he waving as I make my way outside.

The night is clear and the air frosty cold. The only light comes from the moon and the stars as they shine brightly down. Their glow lights my path until the shadows of the trees rise up. Lily enhances my senses, allowing me to see in the dark, and scent what I couldn't before.

Twisting through the trees I see the stone structure come into view. Through the arch, up the stairs, and down the corridor I stop at our room. Fishing out the key from my apron I lend over so Everett can push the key in. He shoves it in and I help him turn it so the lock clicks open.

Giving Everett his nightclothes he goes to change. I shed the dress and replace it with the long nightgown. The sleeves reaching my elbows, and the hem goes down to my ankles.

I lift Everett onto the far side of the bed before collapsing beside him.

"Red, tell me a story?" He curls up against my side, burrowing down into the covers.

Placing one hand over my eyes, I say, "Tomorrow Everett. The Moon is reigning right now, it is time to sleep."

I feel curl into the fetal position, one hand clinging onto my nightgown.

My mind starts to work, just as I want to sleep. My mind decides it is the best time to think, while my body begs for rest. Sleep doesn't come, but the thoughts do.

Everett shouldn't be forced to travel with me. A pack is safer than anything I could ever offer. Pack members to always watch out for him, shifters to teach him all the skills he may need, a better chance at food in the winter, and not to mention the company his wolf will crave. Crylle may not think much of shifters at the moment, but as he grows the instinct for a pack will as well.

I can make out the small form beside me and a sinking feeling appears. What can I offer him? Sadness? A harsh reality? The twisted side of Lua Lupa?

What a cruel trick to play. To give me something to care for so deeply. Giving Lily and I a pup to get attached to, only for us to perhaps never see him again. Is this a part of my curse? Will he be the death of me? No, only immediate family.

The startings of a vision start to creep up, but I push it down forcefully. I'll pay for it tomorrow, but I'll deal with that when it comes.

How would Everett react to the fact of staying at a pack, being in the care of another? He wouldn't take it well, that's for sure, but he'd adjust. Pups adapt quickly, they learn what they need to in order to thrive. Crylle is with him too. Together they can push through anything, but that may also be a stumbling block. Crylle has memorized my scent, I'm his guardian and no other. That will make it harder for him to attach to another.

Lily whimpers at the thought. She doesn't want to believe we would have to leave Everett.

If the Axinla pack can help me I will do all I can to get better. Everett and I will settle down. I'll find a pack, work on my past, and start anew. I'll be better than ever for him. I'll learn all that I can so that he can have a better future, a better childhood than me.

If they can't... There isn't a hope. The third healing pack is somewhere very far away. Too far away.

My time is ticking, I can feel it.

The Axinla pack is my last hope. If I find out they cannot help, I'll find a pack for him. Find him a family, give him the best chance. I'll set out alone and if I stumble upon a cure maybe I'll revisit and settle down. And if not, well at least Everett will be okay. He won't have to see me struggle, see the life fade away. He won't see my curse at work and how my end comes. Everett will be cared for with a loving pack.

A tear makes its way down my tear ducts. I stifle a cry, taking deep breaths. My airway feels like it's closing, but I force air through it anyways.

The salty drops splatter on the bedsheets as I dab them up quickly. Lily tries to comfort me, but she is just as stressed as I am. Why is this our path? What did we do so wrong? I know exactly, but why... I don't want this. All I want is to be with my pup.

Everett turns over still asleep; oblivious to what is going on.

The Moon isn't nice. She is twisted and dark, but truthful. She doesn't give second chances, the world doesn't let mistakes go. Everything comes with a price. I'm gifted with something I never wanted, yet one can never quite give a gift back; I'm stuck with it. These horrid visions plague me all because I am a Luna, marked by the Moon and blessed to do 'something great'.

My sadness soon turns to anger. It bubbles within but quickly fades. I'm not mad about the visions, I'm mad that I can't stay with Everett. Before I was just searching for a cure already accepting my fate, but now I have a reason to live.

My will burns strongly within my veins, my heart pumping strongly.

It's like the Moon is mocking me—having a splendid time watching my pain. If I die, I don't even know if I'll go to Lua Lupa. I feel like I won't, but my wolf will. Lily will always have a place with Lua Lupa. It takes a lot for her to reject a wolf spirit.

Lily will walk with the stars, lay within the Moon's embrace, and be at peace. I don't know what happens to shifters like me. Lua won't accept me as I am now. My mistake is too big to fix with one prayer or two, three, four, any number. What use is it? None.

Whatever happens, all I need is for Everett to be looked after.