Cedar's pov:

It has been almost two weeks since Cedar and Jett haven't seen each other or the pack. Cedar is getting restless; he doesn't want to get used to the human way of life; he prefers his own pack and wolves. He longed to see the forest again, feel the grass under his paws, and breathe in the fresh scent of the trees. He couldn't wait to see Jett again and tell him how sorry he was for what happened to Lily. He knew that Jett didn't mean to hurt her; it was just one of those things that happened during his blackouts. He hoped that Jett wouldn't be angry with him for leaving so suddenly; he needed some time to himself to figure things out. He shuddered because of the fresh, woody smell; he hated it; it reeked of humans. He decided to take a walk outside, maybe get some fresh air, and clear his head.

He closed the door behind him, and the cool air licked his face as he stepped out of the house. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the scent of trees and grass. He missed being wild and free with his friends and family. He hoped Shadow was taking care of everybody; if anything happened to him or Jett, he'd be next to being beta. He started to walk, not really knowing where he was going, just following his nose and his heart. The forest seemed to close in around him, with the sounds of animals and birds filling his ears. He picked up his pace, eager to reach home and see his pack again. As he walked, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong; he could feel it in his bones.

He jumped as he heard a twig snap, his hackles rising. His senses heightened, and his ears perked up as he tried to figure out what made the sound. He took a step forward, his muscles tense and ready to spring into action. The forest seemed to be waiting, holding its breath, anticipating what was about to happen. His sun tattoo on his upper left arm began to tingle, a warning that something was wrong and that danger was near. "The tattoo never acted like this before; why now?" he muttered to himself worriedly. The tattoo is a reminder of who he was and who he belonged to; it was a symbol of his value, love, and history. He could feel it burning under his skin, urging him to be careful. He carefully scanned his surroundings, his eyes searching for any signs of movement or danger. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest and the adrenaline rushing through his veins. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he heard another twig snap, this time closer than before. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew that if he panicked, it would only make things worse. He needed to think clearly and act swiftly.

"Shit, someone's coming." Cedar whispered under his breath as he caught sight of a figure moving through the trees. His heart raced, and his muscles tensed as he prepared for a fight. He could only make out the figure as a wolf, but something about it felt wrong. It moved with a confidence that didn't seem natural. It was as if it was stalking him, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. "That wolf doesn't look right," he whispered. He carefully moved further into the forest, trying to keep the wolf in his sight. The trees seemed to close in around him, making it difficult to see more than a few feet in any direction. The air grew thick with tension, the scent of danger thickening with each breath. He could feel his hackles rising and his instincts screaming at him to get out of there. "This doesn't feel right at all." The scent is too strong, and the figure is too confident. "It's like it knows I'm here." He thought worriedly.

"I know you're scared of me," the wolf said, making him jump. It doesn't sound like any other wolf he's ever met before. "But I mean you no harm. I'm here to help you. You see, I've been watching you for a while now. I've seen the pain in your eyes and the struggle you go through every day. I know what it's like to feel lost and confused. My name is Talvi, and I'm part of a group called the Lunar Pact. We're different from most packs. We don't believe in the old ways of dominance and submission. We believe in balance and harmony. And we think you would be a perfect addition to our family." She explains happily, taking a step closer.

"Wait a second, I thought you were some male wolf that was going to kill me or something?" Cedar Joked, the smell of fear still lingering in the air. He didn't know why he said that; maybe it was just a way to cover up his own confusion and disbelief. The female wolf named Talvi laughed softly, a gentle sound that seemed to ease his tensed muscles. fading from his skin, his ears perked up at the mention of a new pack. still lingered around him. "And you're saying you're not part of the Dark Moon Pack or the Shadow Clan?" he asked, trying to confirm. He took a step back, still cautious but less defensive now.

"No, we are not part of those packs. The Dark Moon Pack and Shadow Clan are...old-fashioned, if you will. They follow the old ways of dominance and submission. We believe that those ways have led to the suffering and death of many wolves. We want to change that. We want to create a new order, one based on balance and harmony. One where all wolves can live together, free from the tyranny of those who think they know best," she offers. Cedar took a look at her. She was beyond beautiful. Her eyes held a wisdom that spoke of great experience and a deep understanding of the world around her. Her fur was pure white, save for the tips of her ears and tail, which were as black as night. Even her stance was confident and regal, unlike any wolf he had ever met. And yet, there was also an air of gentleness about her, a kindness that made him feel safe despite the danger they were in.

What bothered him the most about her was the golden heart-shaped necklace around her neck. It glowed with an ethereal light that seemed to come from within, bathing her in an aura of calm and serenity. He'd never seen anything like it before. "So, if you're not part of those packs, then where do you live?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. He wanted to know more about this female wolf and her pack. "I was taken in by a hunter when he found me in the forest. His wife always wanted a daughter; they showered me with love and care. I became their family, but I always felt something was missing. I never truly belonged. I was always different from the other Mortals around me. Then, one day, I met the members of the Lunar Pact. They showed me what it meant to be free—to be part of a pack where everyone was equal and valued. That's when I knew I had found my true home." Talvi explained, her voice filled with emotion.

"You were raised by Mortals?" Cedar asked, and his voice was shaking. "Yes, I was. But it doesn't matter where you come from. What matters is who you choose to be. And I choose to be a wolf, part of the Lunar Pact. We are different, Cedar. We are special. And we want you to join us. You are strong, resilient, and have a heart full of love and compassion. Those are the qualities we need in our pack. We can give you a home and a family. We can help you find your place in the world. All you have to do is trust us." Talvi's words echoed in his ears, reverberating with a truth that he couldn't ignore.

"take me,"

Cedar's voice was barely a whisper; his heart was already reaching out to Talvi and her pack. The golden light from her necklace seemed to dance before his eyes, drawing him in and promising a new life and a new family. He didn't know what it was about her—about the Lunar Pact—that made him feel so at peace and at home. But he knew that he couldn't go back to the life he had before, not now that he'd seen what else was out there.

"Come with me," she said softly, nudging him gently with her nose. "We have much to show you and much to teach you. But first, you must let go of your old life and of the fear and hatred that have been ingrained in you. You must embrace the change that is coming and be willing to fight for it. Are you ready to join us, Cedar?" Her amber eyes were filled with hope and expectation, and for the first time in a long time, he felt as though he truly belonged somewhere. "I already said yes; I'll join," he answered eagerly. Talvi smiled, her white fur shining in the moonlight. "Very well, then. Follow me." And with that, she turned and began to lead him through the forest. As they walked, he couldn't help but marvel at the way she moved so gracefully and confidently. He felt a strange mixture of awe and admiration for her.

"Should we get going?" Talvi asked him, her voice soft and gentle. "Or would you like to take a moment to gather your thoughts?" He shook his head and smiled at her. "Let's go," he says firmly, his voice stronger than he expected.