Chapter 79

"Here come the Alpha and Luna now," Ashley motions to US as we enter the great room.

I hold up the books and look at the children who all still look pretty tentative about their new environment, "Who wants to hear a story? Follow me!"

I walk backward slowly, with a big smile, as children look up to their parents for permission. Moms and dads gratefully set toddlers down and let go of their children’s hands, encouraging them to follow me, so they can have a few minutes of peace.

I lead the children over to the corner with all the comfortable cushions and bean bags. Once we are all settled in, I give the kids a choice, a book or a story about the Moon Goddess. They all agree they want to hear about the Moon Goddess, so I tell them the story of how the Moon Goddess and Endymion fell in love and had fifty daughters together. I leave out the parts about factions, abilities, and that I am one of those daughters. I let Lex help by using her voice for the male characters in the story.

As I tell the story, I see Ashley out of the corner of my eye give me a thumbs up with a big grin. Even some parents are listening in. I glance over to see some of them smiling and whispering happily to each other.

"Is that it?" One of the girls cries out desperately as I finish the story.

I feel myself chuckle, "Yes, darling. For now, that's it, but guess what. Every Thursday afternoon, I go to the pack library and we have story time. Ask your parents to get the information from Gamma Ashley."

The girl's eyes brighten when she hears she will get to hear more stories from me.

"Now, who here is going to school on Monday?" I look around at the group. More of the children raise their hands, "Oh! So exciting! I bet your teachers are going to be thrilled to meet you."

A little girl sitting near the back looks up at me with a worried face, "Is school scary, Luna? I've never been before."

'Well, school can be scary at first, but a lot of new things are scary. Once you see that there is nothing to fear, then it's fun. What’s your name, darling? What grade are you going to be in?" I reassure the girl.

"I'm Hannah Fisher. I'm going to be in first grade," she says, a little more confidently. As I look more closely at her, I realize it’s the little girl from the basement.

'Well, you are in luck, Hannah Fisher. The first grade teachers are the best," I emphasize the word best, making my eyes big, "And the first graders are learning a play for Winter Solstice. I bet they can find a role for you.”

Hannah smiles and her eyes get glossy, "Really?"

I’m sure of it," I look up to see Ashley tap her watch, "Okay everyone, it looks like your parents need you back so we can get lunch. Who

your Moms and Dads. I will meet you in the

the children get up and run to find their parents, who all look grateful I

everything okay,

to say. I slide off my bean bag and sit on the cushion next to her, "You can tell me anything, Hannah. You don't

the basement. B-but l-l saw ..." her eyes get watery

be my twin, but she's older than me. That’s who you saw in the dungeon. She, well, she’s

she speaks again, she looks at her hands in her lap and her voice

head and lean down to get her to look at me, ’What were you doing

Her watery eyes spill tears, "Umm, he told

you went into a locked dungeon with a man that promised you money?" I try not to sound suspicious or accusing, but I can feel anger boiling inside of me. Lex is pacing and growling as Hannah

I just wanted Mommy and Daddy to be happy again," she

I give you a hug? A lot of people say my hugs make them feel better. Do you want a hug that will make

girl nods and stands up. She looks over at her parents tentatively. I turn my head and see them nod to her before she slides into my lap. I wrap my arms around her and rock her back and forth, releasing a little calming energy

No one will ever touch you without your permission,

her nod against my

dungeon and I want you to make sure you tell the truth but I need to know. Did that man touched you," I speak softly so she knows the conversation is

breath. I close my eyes and brace myself for whatever it is she

dark, but after

needed to," Lex snarls as she and I breathe

any information to give

that you were pretty, and that you were going to let US go to school," she admits

brave and

worried expression on his face and Hannah's parents look concerned for their little girl. I

also like to give you a hug," I jostle her gently so she will look up. She smiles when she sees her

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