**He Knows the Door to My Soul and Who Forgot to Novel 119**
**Natalia**
As Damon and I stepped outside, the festival grounds behind the Ashmoor pack house were already alive with energy. The expansive meadow was transformed into a vibrant celebration, where colorful banners danced in the gentle evening breeze, and lanterns hung like stars, casting a warm golden glow on the grass below. The tantalizing aroma of roasting meat mingled with the sweet scent of desserts wafting through the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that promised joy and camaraderie. All around us, members from both the Ashmoor and Moonshadow packs mingled, laughter ringing out as they immersed themselves in the festivities.
“Looks like the alliance is paying off,” Damon remarked, his voice low, as we navigated through the throngs of people.
I nodded in agreement, my gaze drifting to an Ashmoor pup chasing a Moonshadow child. Their peals of laughter echoed in the air, cheeks dusted with powdered sugar, a delightful sight that brought a small smile to my lips. “It seems like it.”
For just a fleeting moment, the tension that had been hanging between us began to fade. Whatever personal grievances we carried, we had accomplished something meaningful here. The packs were blending, smiles were abundant, and for the first time in what felt like ages, there was a semblance of peace between our territories. Perhaps my decision to propose this alliance hadn’t been as misguided as I had feared.
A group of children dashed past us, their energy infectious as they played a spirited game of tag, nearly colliding with us in their excitement. My heart twisted painfully at the sight.
Max and Jane would have thrived in this environment—the games, the delectable food, the thrill of staying up late to watch the moon rise in all its glory. They should have been here, laughing and running with the other kids, their faces smeared with sweets, pleading with me to let them try everything.
But instead, they were miles away, probably still harboring resentment towards me. The guilt gnawed at my insides, a heavy weight that made me feel nauseous. Or perhaps it was just the contraceptive making my stomach churn.
As we strolled further into the festival, my eyes caught sight of Lilith near the games area. She was busy setting up the tug-of-war contest, and a small group had gathered around her, captivated by her enthusiasm. She radiated a kind of joy that was hard to miss, basking in the attention like a star on stage.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes and continued walking. Let her have her moment, as long as it kept her occupied and away from me.
But if she dared to pull any tricks tonight… I still had that audio recording of her confession tucked safely on my phone, ready to unleash at the opportune moment. I just hoped she wouldn’t be foolish enough to try anything tonight. Yet, considering her past antics at the hunt, I couldn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of her stirring up trouble at an event like this.
Suddenly, Damon halted, his demeanor shifting as a mindlink washed over him. I watched as his eyes flickered with a faint glow, a telltale sign that he was receiving a message. When he finally turned to me, a sigh escaped his lips, heavy with unspoken thoughts.
Inwardly, I reached out to my wolf, muttering, “Men,” hoping for a chuckle or a sarcastic quip. But all I received from Onyx was a yawn, as if she too was exhausted by the drama.
With a sigh, I decided to carve out a moment for myself. My eyes landed on a grand oak tree at the edge of the meadow, a familiar sight that held countless memories of picnics shared with the twins during the summers. I made my way toward it, craving the solace it offered.
The shade beneath the tree was cool and inviting, and I sank down onto the soft grass, leaning my back against the sturdy trunk. From this vantage point, I could take in the entire festival—the lively dance area, the enticing food stalls, and the game zones where competitions were already in full swing.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply, allowing the scents and sounds of the festival to wash over me. The contraceptive had drained my energy, and the ongoing tension with Damon wasn’t helping matters. Just a minute of rest was all I needed. Just a minute to close my eyes and breathe…
**Andrei**
The festival unfolded with an unexpected success that exceeded my expectations. Thus far, everything was running like clockwork. There were no signs of conflict; in fact, the atmosphere was one of genuine camaraderie. Witnessing our two packs enjoying the festival in harmony was a sight that filled my heart with warmth and relief.

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