COG
I had to start over. That’s what I kept telling myself every day as I settled into the small town, away from the noise. and chaos of my old life. The moment I arrived, I knew I was never going back. It was a new chapter, one that would be mine and mine alone.
I found a job as a librarian at a quiet, little library tucked away between rows of cottages. It was the perfect place for someone like me–peaceful, serene, with no one to judge or whisper behind my back. It was exactly what I needed to heal, to rebuild.
I threw myself into the books, immersing myself in stories that helped me forget. I would spend hours shelving books, reading, and organizing the dusty shelves.
Sometimes, I’d talk to the regulars who came in–just little chats about the weather, books they liked, or the latest, gossip in town. But mostly, I enjoyed being alone.
Then, one afternoon, everything changed.
I was heading home from the library when I saw a small group of children playing in the side streets near the park. They were laughing and chasing each other, running as fast as their little legs could go. I smiled, watching them from a distance. It reminded me of how carefree life could be–something I hadn’t felt in so long.
Then, in an instant, one of the little girls tripped, falling to the ground with a cry that sent a jolt through me. She was only about five years old, and the way she hit the pavement made me wince. She scrambled to get up, but the pain was too much. I saw her knees scrape raw, blood seeping through her tights.
Without thinking, I rushed over to her, kneeling beside her. The other children gathered around, their faces full of worry, but it was the little girl’s sobs that broke my heart.
“Shh, it’s okay,” I said softly, placing my hands gently on her scraped knees. A soft glow pulsed beneath my fingers as I healed her. The bruises faded, the cuts disappeared, and within seconds, she was perfectly fine.
She looked up at me, wide–eyed, her tears still fresh but now mixed with awe. “Thank you!” she said, her voice a whisper of amazement.
I smiled, ruffling her hair. “It’s nothing, sweetheart. Just be careful next time, okay?”
But just as I was about to stand, I noticed someone watching from across the street. A man.
His gaze was intense, his posture commanding, and the moment our eyes met, I felt a strange pull, like an invisible thread drawing me in. He was tall, broad–shouldered, with dark hair and piercing green eyes. A mysterious aura surrounded him, like he didn’t quite belong here but also had an undeniable power. He was… different.
The little girl, still holding my hand, smiled and waved at the man. “Daddy!” she called out happily, rushing toward him.
He knelt down, his face softening as he scooped her into his arms. “Are you alright, sweetheart?” His voice was deep and soothing.
I stayed still, watching them interact, an unfamiliar tightness forming in my chest. I felt… something. Maybe it was the bond of parent and child, or maybe it was something deeper.
He turned his gaze back to me, and for a moment, we just stared at each other. Then, as if sensing somethe smiled slightly and walked over, carrying his daughter in his arms.
“I didn’t catch your name,” he said, his voice smooth like honey. “I’m Zephyr.”
I looked at him, unsure what to say, still feeling the strange pull in the air. “Lyra,” I replied quietly.
“I’m sorry if I’m intruding,” he continued, his green eyes never leaving mine, “but I saw what you did for my daughter. I’m impressed.” He lowered his gaze to the little girl, who was still clinging to him. “I’m grateful, truly.”
“I–I just helped,” I said, trying to downplay it, though I could tell from his expression that he wasn’t fooled. Zephyr studied me for a moment, his gaze calculating. Then, with a hint of something like curiosity in his voice, he said, “You’re not from here, are you? There’s… something about you, something unique. I can sense it. Your
I froze. How could he know?
“Don’t worry,” he said, noticing my unease. “I’m not here to cause trouble. I just… I think you belong with us. You’re strong, Lyra. And I could offer you a place in my pack if you want it.”
I stared at him, unsure how to react. A pack?
“My pack has been without a Luna since my daughter’s mother passed away,” Zephyr continued. “I need someone who’s strong, who can lead. Someone like you.”
His words lingered in the air, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt something stirring inside me. Maybe it was the promise of belonging, or maybe the simple offer of a place where I wouldn’t have to hide my powers. But I was also scared.
Could I really go back to that world, after everything that had happened?
Zephyr didn’t push. Instead, he offered me a warm smile and a soft word. “Think about it. If you ever decide you want to join us… the offer is always open.”
He turned, carrying his daughter in his arms, and as they walked away, I found myself wondering if this was another beginning.
