fore Mahala came to

e'd counsel my Mother, t

ince passed

t crowned Luna, but with

a week after my 16th b

they were traveling to

ff tilt. I remember I wa

n I got the news. Artimu

heart died right along with them. I was crowned

the ceremony. I was co

the palace was quickly

pack and the passing o

r was how I felt. How e

uneral versus my indict

also great loss. They mourned the loss of their Alpha King and Luna Queen as deeply as I did.

and grateful to my pa

n faith was a

timus and Lady Selene

erociously as they had. My pack was my family. With all the grace I

nted to do. I would do them. I would lay my life

my biggest advisor. Lad

Amina, will be the greatest light. Shine upon the lost and wary. Tru

honored h

sleep deprived mind whe

zing on how to up our defense when none other than Mahala herself was led in

child again. Excitemen

s soon throwing myself

She ran her hand down my cheek as she smiled brightly. "All grown up, but way too soon. I'm sorry Amina. You have stood through so much." Her words instantly awoke the ghosts in my mind. I was reliv

g. I had to fight tooth

ked. She truly completed me. Nobody would ever understand how she has saved the Nightingale Pack. She has made me stronger, and in turn the p

tall and rebuked those who thought

on the veranda of my r

rest below us hummed. All creatures of the night began their slow cres

gs to come. Your parents were always open with you and the role you would have to serve. But,

by Lady Selene with

nerations. My gift is very vivid. And unlike many others, I can channel Selene herself. She s

my head as her words play on repeat most days. They were so si

counsel you Amina. Lad

ures. But unlike any other before you, the burden on your shoulders i

thus, their pack's backs on her. Traditions are no longer upheld. P

hen you met her, she didn't appear wearing her

blue, transl

tience for her petulant children. She will no longer stand idle as they become a scourge on this earth. Acting as if they're ignorant l

process her words. "The

isely. You, Amina, have

f yourself as Selene's

y." Mahala smiled. Her w

rtimus immediately came

is far. She had to be wha

. I couldn't form a reply as my head spun. I was Lady Selene's General? My father's lessons sp

r came

wisely. You are exactly the right person for what's to come. Your

de and yet instead of shaking in the wake of my words, yo

dy stepped into your place, Amina. All is as it should be and events will fall into place naturally. Just know th

yourself. So much to em

re I found the right words. "Well, that's

knows this. I know this. Your parents knew this. And you must have faith in this." A thought su

m of what was to come the night you got Artimus. They left

o be leaving me and never said a word. If I

yourself. Don't." Mahala chi

in turn, altered yours. They loved you and cherished every moment they shared with you. Don't think they sold you sho

soothed the wounds o

Mahala." I

you were given Artimus?"

know of Artimus?" I thought for a moment. "The Moon Goddess told me she was special to her. That she sp

us herself. I didn't get the chance to ask anymore questions as the Mahala I ha

ve gone and become Quee

but pick it up and investigate. We sat there long into the early morning hours. Our hushed whispers flooded the night as I simply enjoyed Mahala's presence. I liste

my problems, past, present and future. For a