CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX.

(MELIORA'S POV)

With my heart pounding in nervousness, I finally reached the Alpha's chamber and knocked softly on the heavy wooden door.

After a moment's pause, I steeled myself and slowly pulled it open, stepping across the threshold with my head dipped in a show of respect.

"You require my presence, Luna?" I called out in a measured tone, striving to keep any waiver of fear from creeping into my voice.

"Ah, yes...Liora, isn't it?" the regal she-wolf's voice rang out from somewhere deeper within the dimly lit interior. "Do come in, girl. I've been expecting you."

Swallowing hard, I approached further inside until the imposing female came into view where she was seated upon an intricately carved wooden chair.

Casually lounging there with an air of unhurried grace, the pack's ruling female still boastfully exuded an undeniable aura of command and power.

"So I've heard from hunter Brian that you've expressed an interest in joining our hunting crew?" the Luna began without preamble, her piercing emerald eyes studying me keenly.

I blinked in surprise, the unexpected query catching me off-guard. "Oh, yes Luna. That is correct," I replied, feeling a small knot of tension in my stomach begin to uncoil with relief that this didn't appear to be a serious offense.

"And what has sparked such an unusual interest in you?" she pressed, one delicately arched brow lifting inquisitively.

I drew in a steadying breath before answering. "To be honest, Luna, my primary aim is simply to learn some basic self-defense and survival skills. I'm...a rather weak wolf, you see, and I wish to boost my chances out in the wilds should I ever find myself out there alone." I told her a fraction of the truth, finding no reason to hide it.

The alpha female regarded me silently for a long moment, seeming to weigh the sincerity of my words. At last, she gave a slight nod of assent.

"Very well then. We shall have you begin training with some of our more skilled youngbloods to teach you simple fighting techniques and defense disciplines."

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth, both relief and gratitude swelling in my breast. "That is the most generous of you, Luna. You have my utmost thanks."

But the regal she-wolf wasn't finished yet. "However, in exchange for this privilege, you will be reassigned from your current duties helping in the kitchens."

My smile faltered somewhat at this caveat, wondering what new drudgery awaited me. But the Luna smoothly continued, allaying my momentary concern.

"Instead, you shall take up a position aiding in our community's nursery chambers, assisting the elder nannies with tending to our wounded and sick among the pack members. Because working in the kitchen doesn't allow time for anything else, lest training."

"O-Of course, Luna!" I stammered out in haste, giving a small dip of my head. "That reassignment would be more than satisfactory. Thank you again for such a generous opportunity."

"Excellent. Then you may begin your new post directly," the statuesque wolf stated with an air of finality. "I believe there are a few ailing pups who could certainly use another set of caring hands to help see to their recovery."

"I will head there straight away and serve my best," I assured her.

The Luna favored me with another slight dip of her chin in acknowledgment. "See that you do. You are dismissed."

Wasting no further time, I turned on my heel and hurried out of the dim packhouse, squinting against the bright spring sunlight that flooded my vision. My heart felt considerably lighter than it had upon first entering into the Luna's presence.

Not only would I now have access to special defense training to aid in my clandestine purposes, but I'd been entrusted with a coveted position caring for the wounded which I earlier wanted to be assigned to before even joining the pack.

Pampered by a renewed sense of determination and vigor, I made my way purposefully through the cluster of dens and homesteads until I finally located what appeared to be the nursery quarters - a series of interconnected, earthen dugouts partially submerged into the sheltering side of a grassy knoll...


A few elderly wolves lingered outside, likely serving as dedicated overseers and sentinels for the previous inhabitants within.

Approaching with what I hoped was an ingratiating smile, I politely cleared my throat to announce my presence.

"Good afternoon," I began carefully. "The Luna sent me to report here and assist with any duties involving the sick ones."

One particularly grizzled elder lifted her muzzle toward me quizzically. "Is that so? And just who might you be, missy?"

"My name is Liora," I replied evenly. "The Luna has reassigned me to serve within the nursery chambers from today onward."

The elder she-wolf studied me through narrowed, sun-squinted eyes for a beat before giving a slow nod. "Well, the name's Morris. I'm in charge of scheduling 'round here."

She jutted her whiskered chin toward the nearest dugout entrance behind her.

"Soon as Elder Emma's done with the sick little one she's got isolated in there, she'll be needing' a break. You can trade off with her directly - go introduce yourself and lend an extra set of hands while you're at it."

With a murmured word of thanks, I carefully skirted around Morris and ducked through the sheltered entrance she'd indicated.

When I entered the small chamber, my eyes immediately fell upon the young boy lying motionless in the modest cot, a damp cloth draped across his fevered brow.

An elderly woman I presumed to be Emma was seated beside him, grinding some leaves into a fine powder using a weathered mortar and pestle.

"Good afternoon, Elder Emma," I began respectfully with a slight dip of my head. "I am Liora. The Luna has assigned me to assist you in caring for the pack's ailing from now on."

The grizzled woman paused her work to turn an appraising look up at me, cobalt eyes sharp despite the web of deep creases etched into her leathery features. After a weighted pause, the faintest of smiles softened her severe countenance.

"Is that so?" she rasped in a reedy tone laced with mild surprise. "Well, isn't that a kindness from our esteemed Luna. We could certainly use an extra pair of capable hands around these parts." She attested.

I could only hope working here wouldn't be too demanding.