166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day … Miriam My heart swelled with pride as I stood near the edge of the training arena , watching L read the itinerary .


    Her poise and confidence reminded me so much of the life I once had .


    The youth I thought would never end .


    Now watching L my child , grow into a better version of everything I was , made my eyes red with unshed tears .


    I had thought having the baby would ruin my life forever , but now Im d I did and listened to keep my baby .


    She was the best decision I ever made .


    Today was the first day of the Harvest Moon Festival .


    Not only were packs arriving in their pairs : and numbers , but every hand was on deck to ensure the festival went well .


    Mother Liora had entrusted L with the significant task of managing all the young apprentices that hade to the pack .


    Their job was to ensure the festival arena remained free from dark energy .


    L finished reading .


    Her voice was firm but kind .


    Make sure to double check every corner of the arena , she instructed .


    We cant afford even a hint of negativity seeping into this celebration and Ferals .


    The apprentices nodded earnestly , some already dispersing to their assigned areas .


    L then turned to me , practically bouncing on her toes as her eyes sparkled with excitement .


    Nan … Im going to the gates , she said .


    Nathan should be here any minute now , and I want to be the first person to wee him .


    Without waiting for more than my acknowledging nod , she darted away , leaving me to handle the rest of the delegation .


    I watched her disappearing back , a fond smile on my face when suddenly , a voice came to me from behind .


    What is that girl doing wearing the white pearl ? the voice asked .


    It was Terra .


    They selected Terra , like the other priestesses , to attend the Harvest Moon Festival , representing the current ailing Wisewoman .


    Her presence here should fill me with joy but more than anyone , Ive been dreading this confrontation .


    Also , as I have stopped talking with Mother Liora , this was her doing .


    She must have briefed everything on Terra .


    What were you thinking , Miriam ? she followed up without waiting for me to answer her first question .


    We need to talk about that white pearl around the Moonsingers neck The smile on my face faded as I sighed heavily .


    Not now , Terra , I said in a low voice , ncing around to ensure no one was listening .


    Im not in the best of mood to talk about anything right now .


    I turned to leave when Terra grabbed my arm , forcing me to stop .


    That pearl is sacred to Sigma , Miriam ! You know this .


    It was designed specifically for Sigma females when they first get their wolves .


    Its meant to help them control their extraordinary power .


    Its not somemon trinket to be used as a wolf taming essory , so why do you have it on her ? Youve gone too far this time The uestion in Tarrae union irritated me .


    You think I dont know what that nearl C 106 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day The usation in Terras voice irritated me .


    You think I dont know what that pearl represents ? I snapped , yanking my arm free .


    Im doing whats best for her .


    L doesnt know the truth about herself yet , and I intend to keep it that way until shes ready Terra scoffed .


    Open your eyes , Miriam .


    Shes no longer a two year old .


    Shes an adult .


    Why are you still keeping things from her ? Because shes not ready yet ! I said through gritted teeth , fighting the urge to scream .


    Why do you all think adulthood is a gateway to everything ? Do you know what she has been through ? What she had to suffer for the longest time and now that she can finally put her legs up … you want me to tell her that she stands at risk of being punished killed for who she is ? And you think having her wear the pearl would help her ? Do you know what it means to suppress a wolf that doesnt have a Sigma host ? Its a training tool , Miriam , a crutch for young Sigma wolves to learn control .


    By doing this to her , youre holding her back denying her wolf the freedom to express itself .


    Ill find a way to regte it , I said quietly .


    And for the love of the gods , tell Mother Liora to stop meddling .


    This is my daughter , my decision .


    And Im your friend , Miriam , and as a friend , Im giving you a wise council .


    This would not end well .


    Fine , we all agree shes your daughter , but you cant shield her forever , Miriam .


    If this continues , you might put her at a greater risk so , Im begging you as a friend to s stop .


    Youre going to have to face her and Mother Liora eventually .


    Im not interested in talking to Mother Liora again .


    Cmon , Miriam , Terra sighed .


    The other priestesses have noticed that theres a friction .


    Stop avoiding her .


    Maybe another time , I continued quietly .


    Right now , I want to deal with one thing at the same time .


    I turned on my heel , walking away before Terra could respond , leaving her standing alone in the courtyard .


    Everything she had said was true .


    However , if I regted the pearl , like giving Ls wolf freedom once every two or three weeks , everything would be fine , and that was the only way I could stop everyone from knowing she had a wolf .


    As I made my way back toward the pack house , I saw L .


    My heart softened at the sight of her walking next to Nathan .


    A genuine smile lit up her face , and she linked hands with Nathan as they walked and talked .


    asionally , she wouldugh or grin at something he said .


    The scene brought a sad smile to my face .


    My daughters happiness was worth any price I might have to pay .


    L more than anyone deserved to be free , but that freedom woulde with truths I wasnt ready to share .


    My attention shifted to the delegate from Blue Ridge , walking at a distance behind Nathan .


    My body tensed as I scanned the group , bracing myself and dreading to see Luna Vanessa after all these years , but she was nowhere to be found .


    166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ..


    Was she stilling ? Or did she stop to do something beforeing to the pack house ? It was unlike her to miss such an important event , especially not the Harvest Moon Festival .


    Something must have happened .


    Looking for someone ? A deep voice rumbled behind me .


    I felt my wolf stir at the familiar scent even before I turned .


    I tried to look startled when I saw Beta Jeremy standing behind me , his broad shoulders blocking out the mid evening sun .


    His presence was asmanding as ever , but there was something in his eyes a softness that made my wolf want to lean closer .


    The same softness that had gotten me into trouble all those years ago .


    My heart thundered in my chest as memories threatened to surface memories of stolen moments and whispered promises , of choices made and paths not taken .


    The secrets I have carried seemed to grow heavier under his neutral , knowing gaze .


    Jeremy , I managed ,posing myself and hating how my voice wavered slightly .


    I didnt hear youe .


    I didnt expect to see you here .


    I thought with Logan gone , youd … Im still Alpha Nathans Beta , he answered me before Ipleted the question , Until he finds the perfect recement and why am I here ? his lips curved into a small smile , but his eyes shed with an intense coldness that frightened me .


    The Harvest Moon Festival is a time for reunions , isnt it ? For facing the past months and celebrating surviving them all .


    I understood the double meaning in his words .


    My fingers unconsciously clutched at the side of my dress , trying to match his gaze .


    Sure , I nodded .


    Wee We stood there in silence for what felt like a century until I sneaked a look at him , realizing he was staring at me .


    She didnte , he said , averting his gaze .


    Shes pregnant and the baby would be here soon , so she couldnte .


    Oh … I wasnt … I mean , I swallowed hard , trying to organize my thoughts .


    I wasnt worried about that , I tried to say cheerily , while I celebrated in my heart .


    I didnt even notice .


    You can lie to anyone else but me , Miriam .


    I know you were looking for her just now .


    I thought .


    you were going to be brazen ande to his funeral .


    But I guess the more one ages , the more logical they be .


    If you had applied the same amount of logic back then , maybe … I just remembered now ! I cut him short , backing away .


    I was abou High Priestess .


    Can we continue this conversationter on ? to go do something for the His eyes narrowed as he studied me for a moment before speaking again .


    And L ? How is she handling everything ? My face softened .


    Shes doing well .


    Better than I expected , honestly ! Youve been avoiding me , Miriam ! he took in a deep breath .


    And I have no patience for that .


    I am not Logan Dont bring him into this , I said sharply .


    Ive been busy C 166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ….


    He wanted to say something but decided against it .


    Whatever you say but , the reason I wanted to see you is for you to ask your daughter , to stay away from my son .


    Can you do that for me ?