Howl of Destiny: Alpha Lira's Legend novel Chapter 3

Lira's POV:

The pressure from the fast fall was too much. I blacked out...

Lira!

Lira! Wake up!

I didn't know how long passed. It was only after Victoria called my name again and again that I slowly came to.

I opened my eyes. I was lying on a stone slab bed. The walls around me were made of natural rock. A set of deer antlers hung on the wall opposite. The whole room felt simple and solid.

We're safe. Victoria said softly in my mind. I sense no danger here.

I pushed myself up to sit. I realized with a shock—all the wounds from my torture were gone. Completely healed. Not even a scar.

As we merge, healing your body is easy for my power. Victoria explained.

A wave of relief washed over me. Curious, I quietly got up and went to the door. I pushed it open a crack to look outside.

The sight stunned me.

Outside the stone hut was a wide-open training ground. Dozens of werewolves were training, spread out across the dirt.

Some were half-shifted. Their sharp claws and fangs flashed as they sparred and grappled with each other.

Others fought in human form. The "thud" of fists and feet hitting flesh was clear in the air.

The males were strong, moving with raw power and speed. The females were just as fierce—agile and tough.

Their scents are so mixed. Victoria's voice held surprise. Plains wolf. Mountain wolf. City stray wolf. They don't smell like one pack at all.

I focused, feeling the energy around them. She was right. Every wolf spirit felt different. Yet they all shared the same... peace.

There was no fighting here. No anger. It felt strangely warm and safe.

I was still watching when one of the training soldiers suddenly turned his head. He looked right at me.

He froze for a second. Then he stopped moving and pointed in my direction.

In a heartbeat, every werewolf on the field stopped. They all turned. Dozens of pairs of eyes looked straight at me.

They didn't look hostile. Just... curious.

Then, light flashed around the yard. The half-shifted werewolves returned to human form. The men were shirtless, muscles smooth with sweat. The women wore simple tunics, their eyes bright and clear.

"We have lived here in secret for generations. We don't serve any great pack. Our only purpose is to heal the sick, help the hurt, and shelter those cast out by their own."

Hidmoon Pack?

I looked around. We were in a valley, ringed by high cliffs—a perfect natural wall. It was very hidden indeed.

So this was a sanctuary for strays.

Ironically, compared to my original pack—Brookstone Pack—this place made me feel more at home and safe.

I gave a small, sad smile and looked down. "My name is Lira. I have no pack now. No family."

She sighed, her eyes full of pity. "I know you have suffered. Everyone here has been cast out before. But here, there is no ranking. No fighting. Only mutual aid."

She paused. Her gaze on me grew serious. "Lira, when I found you, you were still holding a wolf pup in your arms, even in your sleep. That kindness... it is the most valued quality of the Hidmoon Pack."

Then I remembered. During the fall, a small, furry shape had tumbled down near me. I'd grabbed it with my last bit of strength before everything went dark. It must be safe now...

Enid's voice brought me back. "Also, your wolf spirit is special. Two spirits, sharing one life. Your talent and potential are far beyond any high-ranking werewolf I've seen. You are the most qualified young one I have ever met to lead the Hidmoon Pack."

My head shot up. I stared at her, stunned. "What... what do you mean?"