The very night before Ryder's Birthday.

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"I don't know what to do."

The voice came out small and defeated, almost as if all hope had been sucked out previously.

"What do you mean?" Cora asked the dark haired girl, and long time friend.

Worry etched in her fair, blonde features. Clear concern for her friend that sat in front of her.

"I've always felt this way... you knew that," Dahlia said, looking up at her friend.

"I don't know what I'd do if he doesn't feel anything tomorrow morning."

The blonde haired girl sighed, deciding to choose her next words carefully.

"Only the Moon Goddess can decide if he and this pack is your fate, Dahlia. Only the Goddess herself can choose where your destiny lies."

There was silence again once more before Cora finished the last words that were on the tip of her tongue.

"You once told me yourself, however, that leading this pack did not feel like a call from destiny. Remember that?"

Dahlia frowned, "I do, but that isn't the point," she began before being abruptly cut off by her persistent friend.

"Uh, but I think that is the exact point. Your wolf denies being next in line for Luna, it does not feel earned, so why fight it?"

"Because my human heart loves him, Cora," she said as tears fell freely from her eyes.

"An incomparable love to one that awaits you. Imagine the instant soul bond connection," Cora said, eyes alight with hope and belief in such things.

"But I don't want an instant connection. I fell for a prolonged, over-time one. A friendship one."

"And that is what will get you killed," the last girl in the room finally spoke up.

"You don't feel right by his side yet you long for his love anyway. Seems stupid to me. I don't see the point in any of that mess until the Goddess grants me my eternal love. You should think to do the same."

"Always so quick to burn any last shred of hope for her," Cora muttered, nudging Maya's shoulder with a roll of her eyes.

"It's time to live in reality, Dahlia. While the Alpha may want you as the next Luna; it doesn't mean Ryder agrees," Maya continued, ignoring the other two.

"He has dreamed of the Luna the Moon Goddess picks out for him, for years. While our pack believes it should be you, if you disagree with that then clearly I don't think fate will be inclined to take your subtle desires."

"Are you saying I should make my love known?"

"No, oh, Moon Goddess, no. That would be a mistake," Maya said, clicking her tongue.

Always the pessimistic one of the group.

"I say bury these childish feelings of yours and walk into that hall with your head held high. Whether you'll be his Luna or not; you need to be prepared for both outcomes."

Cora frowned, "I think you're being too harsh on her, Maya."

"No. If I don't, who will? You? Don't make me laugh," chuckled the girl, remote of any humour at all.

There was a knock on the door but each girl ignored it, for their discussion seemed far too important in comparison.

"I give great advice," Cora stuttered, attempting to defend herself slightly.

"Don't flatter yourself, Princess," scoffed Maya in return.

Cora's eyes widened, glassing over for a moment before being replaced with a burning fire.

The girl continued to splutter, not sure what words to say. Maya had always intimidated her at times and often left her lost for actual words.

Nobody noticed the redhead boy in the doorway, mouth agape, almost unsure of what he had walked into.

"Love before you turn eighteen is silly and pointless - just a sure way to get yourself heartbroken," Maya icily retorted, unaware of how it would affect the boy in the doorway.

A slight crack of his heart, unnoticeable to the bystanders.

"I don't know anymore then," Dahlia suddenly exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation.

"I'm so damn confused."

"Trust me. All will be clear tomorrow. If you feel sad, then I guess it was real but if you feel relief, your true feelings will become known."

"You talk as if you think he won't see me at all?" Dahlia asked Maya, eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Honey, always prepare for the worst. That's what my father always used to say."

¥¥

"What's so special about tomorrow anyway?" Alisa commented casually as she picked herbs with Parker and Cora.

"The Alpha to be is about to pick our new Luna. Nothing is more special than tomorrow. Blessed by the Moon Goddess herself," Parker answered, eyes alight like twinkling stars as he puffed his chest with hope.

"He's right, you know. Ryder's bride will be special, especially with a looming war at hand," added Cora with a thoughtful frown.

"I told you that in confidence," hissed Alisa with a roll of her eyes but more nervous than angry.

"It's fine. She told me already," Parker piped up with a shrug.

"I'm the pack medic, I have to know these things. Grave days are ahead, Alisa."

"So the Luna is supposed to bring hope?"

"And prosperity to the land. She is the bringer of love, hope and light in the darkest of times. She is what stabilises the Alpha in such times. Without her, some great battles become far more difficult."

Cora didn't know how to quite explain just how important a Luna was going to be, especially when they hadn't had one in years.

"What happened to the last Luna?" Alisa finally asked the question everyone feared.

"She died," they both answered in unison after a moment of grave silence.

"It was on the very day of a Great Battle that she fell too. One we lost to our great foes," Cora continued, pulling out the book with such a tale on it.

"We haven't had one since," he said, picking up where she left off.

"None of us know who the future Luna will be."

Cora shook her head, however, disagreeing,

"We all know our next Luna will be Dahlia. It is in her blood."

"Blood isn't everything. You should know that of all people," Parker said with a quirked eyebrow, causing Cora to flinch back.

A secret Alisa had yet to be aquatinted with it seemed.