Rose stood rock steady on the top of the cliff, the sheer drop just inches from her paws. Blue eyes gazed across the ocean’s horizon as the sun began to set, the rich yellows and pinks filling the sky as she took a deep breath of the salty sea air.
A light breeze rustled her fur; the feather that was neatly braided into her hair swayed from side to side, the leaves stirred in the forest behind her. The she-wolf sighed, her ears faltering as she finally sat down in the lush grass, her eyes were filled with sorrow and fear as she watched the last remaining glimmers of sunlight sparkle on the water’s surface.
“You look troubled.” Came a voice from within the trees, Rose gasped and whipped her head around to see, but was relieved to see the black and red wolf stepped forward out of the darkness, his green eyes glinting in the low light.
Rose offered a soft smile, “Black. It’s nice to see you.” She watched as the large wolf came to sit down beside her, the older wolf had always looked out for her since she joined the back, he was truly a wonderful brother, figuratively speaking.
Black frowned at her; he knew when something was up. “The wind’s picked up, we all know it’s you. Ophelia was concerned, so I came to find you…”
The tan lycan lowered her head, “A year today.” She uttered, barely audible, but the larger wolf heard loud and clear as he shuffled closer to her, nuzzling her affectionately.
“I know.” Black rested his head on Roses. The sun had set now; his eyes and the shards on his back gave an oddly soothing glow. A chill ran down Roses spine, the familiar shiver of that switch in power within her, from the manipulation of the skies to the gentle touch of a healer. The older wolf heard a brief whimper from the female as she burrowed her head into Black’s thick mane, “I miss him Black.” She blubbered, her voice slightly muffled.
The black wolf moved back to look down at the younger wolf, lifting a paw to raise her chin so that she looked him in the eyes. “Rose… I feel your pain, I know you miss him, and the others, but you must look ahead. You’re a Beta now, the pack needs you.” His tone was stern, but filled with truth. Rose nodded, staring down at the beaded bracelet around her ankle.
“You’re right, I need to stay strong.” She answered quietly, wiping the tears from her eyes, looking out to the ocean once more. Black smiled, he knew that she would pull through, though he felt her sorrow. If it weren’t for the greed of the Alpha of her old pack, she could still be with the one she loved.
“Come; let’s get back to the den. The others will begin to worry.” Black rose to his feet, the Beta following suit as they turned to head back. Rose hesitated, taking one last look over the scene before her, the moon shone brightly against the cloudless sky – it was beautiful, she turned and let out a great howl. She gazed back into to the forest, Black was there waiting for her, she forced a smile and headed over. He gave her a nod and they both returned to the den, where Ophelia and the others sat in waiting around the fire, each greeting the pair as they returned. The pack was slowly beginning to grow now, this made Rose happy, their family was getting bigger, which meant she would have much more of a responsibility. Not that she was complaining though, it was a joy to have been able to have a second chance.