Getting close to the second phase…

The stars graced the sky with their presence, bringing a calming luminance to the dark forest along. The only sounds that could be heard were the sounds of the night creatures, the soft breaths that Auria and Ulrik took, and the soft breeze that passed through the large trees. Nothing more.

The red glow that had surrounded the moon had begun to fade as well Auria's fear. Lumina's words had left her nervous and unsure of what she had gotten herself into. Now she lay by Ulrik's side, both awake yet not saying a word. They both knew that though they were together now, it would take time for them to get used to the idea. Yet, she had to admit to herself that deep inside, she had always loved Ulrik. She had waited for him all those years and he would be the first and only man to ever have her.

Together they lay on the forest floor that had been used long ago for the consummation of many unions such as theirs. It was an ancient rite where only the most sacred of unions could ever use it. They lay on the ground, protected by the forest around them and guarded by the light of the moon. Large stones that had been placed there centuries ago to form a large circle were surrounded by fresh garlands. The elders had blessed them before sending them on to run under the moon together and then to finally consummate the union. Everything had flowed together like a dream and now she lay there as her mind ran with thoughts and an apprehension of what was to come.

"They are beautiful are they not?" Auria sighed as she looked at the stars. Ulrik only chuckled. "And you laugh?"

Ulrik smiled as he looked at her but Auria caught the slightest hint of sadness in his silver grey eyes. "I would have never expected for you to ever be amused by stars."

Auria laughed and then the smile was replaced by an overwhelming feeling of melancholy. "I have never truly taken the time to look at them until now. Now that I have the time to look at them I can appreciate their beauty." She looked down at her hands, for a moment memories of past deeds coming to her mind. "Too much time was spent worrying about others that now I am afraid I have no other purpose to serve for…"

Ulrik shook his head. "No." He took her hands in his as he propped himself up on one elbow to look down at her. "You placed me where I am, your love for the pack, and your loyalty to me gives me a purpose to be here. Now you have the chance to rule the pack you so love alongside me…" He raised her hands to his lips and gave them a gentle kiss. "No other woman has ever made for a perfect queen as you have."

Auria smiled. "And I thank you for that." She pulled her hand away from his lips and then rose up from the ground. She gathered her knees close to her body and placed her chin on them and breathed out in relief.

A flutter of wings and then the rustle of the trees nearby shook Auria from her peaceful state and quickly she turned her gaze to the trees. There was something there; not the presence of an animal, it was something more.

"Did you hear that?" she turned to look at Ulrik and found the same look of wonder in his face. He too had heard the flutter of wings.

Ulrik cleared his throat and then shook his head. "Don't worry, it is nothing."

Auria laughed. She had been far too strained and the flutter of wings had most likely been an owl or some other night creature flying about. Whatever it had been, she was sure it was just her heightened senses from the night that put her on edge.

She lay back, this time only to be gathered in Ulrik's arms. With him, she felt secure. He would never bring her pain as Lumina had foreseen.