Excitement was buzzing in the air as people moved about the festival grounds. The entire Ashwood Pack had gathered, preparing for a nightly celebration that evening. One that was only celebrated on the nights of a blue moon, a moon all packs called 'The Wolf's Moon." It was their celebration to honor those that have long since passed away and were no longer with them on the living plane. A celebration of music, dancing and endless food that was said to bring them closer to the deceased, allowing for a single night when the spirits of both living and dead could mingle once more together. 

It was a connection like no other. 

As depressing as the celebration sounded, the excitement continued to blossom around the festival grounds. Members of the Ashwood Pack were raising decorations, streaming them from tall wooden posts lining the festival perimeter. Streamers and Banners that mimicked the night sky dangled between the posts. Blacks, blues, silvers and soft golds filled the festival grounds leaving it in a sparkling nightly array. At its center, large logs had been placed, ready to be lit and rage with the dancing flames that would become the nightly bonfire. It would light and warm the festival grounds around them, giving them that extra glow to their celebrated evening. 

Giggling came from every direction as children chased one another around while their parents worked on preparing for the long evening ahead. The older generations conversed, talking about the celebration that was only a few short hours away from beginning. Others had already spoken about those they would be celebrating and honoring that evening, making their plans on how to do so along with everyone else. 

Everything was in full swing, hopefully everyone didn't lose the energy that they already had. 

Soft laughter came from nearby at the buffet tables, not far from where food was being prepared in a nearby pit. Two young women were walking to the tables, plates of food carried delicately within their hands. 

"You know, your grandmother would have your head for even thinking something like that. Tonight is not the night for that." 

The shorter of the two said, her silver eyed gaze drifting towards her brunette friend beside her. She set down the plate of crackers and pushed her golden blonde hair over her shoulders. 

Ivory Ashwood was her name and she was the only daughter -only child- to the alpha of the Ashwood Pack. She had long golden blonde hair that ended in gentle waves below her chest. Her silver eyes had been compared to that of starlight, especially when the light was caught within them. She looked like her friend's complete opposite when standing beside her. 

Maki had long wavy brown hair that reminded Ivory of smooth chocolate. They were close in height with Maki standing an inch taller than her at five foot six inches. Her eyes were large and almond shaped, a beautiful emerald color that could catch anyone's attention with a single glance. Ivory felt so dull and basic compared to Maki, but no matter how many times she would admit that, her friend would shoot her down and disagree wholeheartedly. 

"What!? It could happen and we are at that age." 

"Yes we are, but I'm not looking for a mate tonight at the celebration, it would be disrespectful." 

Ivory reached forward, flicking Maki on the forehead. While her friend flinched, she gave a gentle smile and turned to go finish helping, knowing that night was quickly rushing upon them. 

"Hey, why did you flick me?" 

Rolling her silver eyes, Ivory shook her head at Maki's whining. She really only wanted to finish the preparations and return home to get ready for the evening. She had no plans of wearing what she had on that evening, especially when she was taking over her mother's role in the ceremony to call forth the spirits of the deceased. She didn't want to make a fool of herself or her father when doing so.

With that thought in mind, Ivory turned her attention back to Maki. 

"Don't worry about the why, lets worry about finishing up so we can get back to the mansion and get ready." 

"Fine, but you never know what could happen on a night like this." 

Ivory allowed her amusement to bubble out of her with a tiny laugh while grabbing for another plate of food. 

Barely managing to get ahold of it, something brilliant had caught her attention in the distance. So brilliant it had caused her to freeze in place, stunned by the magnificents that rested within her vision. Her sudden state of awe had not gone unnoticed, however. 

"Ivory, are you alright? You're starting to drool." 

"Who are they?

"Who are. . . oh~" 

Maki turned her gaze towards the men that had captured her friend's attention. They had ultimately captured her own attention as well, but she had no idea who they were and could not answer Ivory's question. 

It was obvious to see that they were identical, even with the subtle differences in their appearance. One had short raven colored hair and crystal blue eyes, while the other had chin length raven hair and ice blue eyes. Both males were fit, the way their shirts fit tight against their bodies, showing every muscular field they had to offer proving that quite well. They were both tall, far taller than Ivory and Maki were, making them stand out against the crowd of people around them. Despite how intimidating they appeared, both males were still absolutely stunning in their own perfect ways. 

"I see you've caught sight of the Stormbrook boys?"

"Yeah, I. . . wait, Stormbrook?" 

Ivory whipped around quicker than anyone could blink, a surprised gasp leaving her lips when she realized exactly who was speaking to her. 

"Father!" 

Her silver gaze locked with the stern dark brown orbs that were watching the twins walk through the festival grounds. Her father eyed both males with absolute distrust. It was a distrust that Ivory understood quite well and why her father was feeling it at such heightened levels. 

For the past hundred years, the Ashwood and Stormbrook packs had been at odds with one another. However, there was a delicately strained peace between them, so long as the packs kept their distance from one another and no harm came to either side. 

If the packs were to leave one another be and stay at a distance, then why were the Stormbrook twins there?

"Hello to you too, my daughter. Yes, the Stormbrook boys are here. I am urging you girls to keep your distance from them. I don't want anything happening to the two of you if they plan on sabotaging this festival." 

Ivory's father's gaze had finally shifted to meet with her's and Maki's curiously surprised ones.  Though, worry did fill Ivory's silver orbs, especially since her father -the Alpha- was being extremely serious and just as cautious around the Stormbrook twins. 

"Yes father, but-" 

"Why are they here?" 

Maki never failed to amaze her, even when asking the very question she was two seconds from asking herself. 

Both girls quickly silenced themselves as a gentle sigh left Ivory's Father's lips. They could tell that he was quite reluctant to explain any further as to why they were there. It only caused Ivory's curiosity to grow and Maki to become far more anxious than she had suddenly become with this new knowledge. 

"Reassurance-" 

"Reassurance? To what?" 

The questions escaped from Ivory faster than she could hold her tongue. Her natural curiosity was a huge part in her having a quick tongue and speaking before thinking things through. Her mother had been the same way until it had gotten her into trouble, or so she had been told in the past by her father. 

"For reassurance, that is all you girls need to know. Now, why don't you two return to the mansion until the celebration tonight. We have more than enough people here to help us get set up." 

Nineteen years old and daughter to the Alpha, Ivory would of that that by now she was old enough to be trusted with such information. 

"But father-" 

"No, go rest and relax until the celebration. I will not repeat myself." 

Ivory was left with her mouth hanging open and her words stuck within her throat. With a single pointed look, Ivory had been silenced by her father. 

"Maki, take my daughter home until this evening. I urge you two to stay inside until then." 

Like the good little girl Maki was, she bowed her head to her Alpha. That was the one big difference between Ivory and the rest of the Ashwood Pack. She was willing to defy and question her Alpha when others would simply. . . submit. Whether it be because she was the Alpha's daughter or some other rebellious reasoning, Ivory always spoke her mind around her father, pushing the boundaries with him. 

"But. . . wai. . . don't I get a say in this?" 

While Ivory was complaining and protesting her rights to voice her opinion, Maki took the plate she had been holding and set it back down where it had once sat. Her hands moved to rest gently upon her blonde friend's shoulders, turning her away from the festival grounds and leading her back to the Ashwood Mansion. Maki could only imagine the complaining and whining she would be listening to as they returned to the pack home with Ivory in tow.