The next morning dawned in a flurry of warmth and excitement. Eila's home, once shrouded in silence and worry, now echoed with joy and anticipation. Today marked a monumental day — Michael's coming-of-age birthday. And, by the grace of the full moon, it was also the night he might awaken to his wolf and perhaps even find his fated mate. The entire household buzzed with energy, their hearts full of hope for the young boy stepping into the world of werewolves.
Eila was the first to rise, slipping out of bed while the stars were still fading from the sky. The chill in the morning air brushed her cheeks, but she didn't mind. Today was about family. About celebration. About Michael.
She moved to the kitchen and pulled out the items Meera had so carefully gathered yesterday, each one bought using the small stash of coins Eila had saved for Moonshine University. It wasn't an easy decision — sacrificing her college fund — but her family came first. Always.
She worked with care, her hands moving rhythmically as she prepared a feast: crispy cream potato salad, fluffy pancakes stacked high with melting butter, soft cupcakes with whipped vanilla topping, stir-fried chicken seasoned to perfection, and warm mugs of hot chocolate rich with spices. By the time golden light spilled through the windows, the entire house smelled of comfort and celebration.
She set the table with care, arranging the dishes with small decorative touches, then went to gather her family.
The moment Michael stepped into the dining room, his face broke into a wide, beaming smile. His brown eyes sparkled with joy as he took in the festive decorations and the mouthwatering aroma that filled the space. The dining room table glowed under the morning light, and off to the side, a smaller table proudly displayed a hand-made cake crafted lovingly by the triplets and Meera.
Each sibling had a special gift for him:
— Emma and Erik shyly presented a hand-drawn card, decorated with little wolf paws and glowing moons.
— Jean and Jake offered a colorful bouquet of wildflowers they had picked the day before.
— Meera handed him a soft, charcoal-grey muffler, woven with delicate care — a true labor of love.
Then came their parents. Their father, tall and still recovering but proud, stepped forward with his old sword, polished and wrapped in worn leather. "This blade protected our family for many years. It's yours now, son."
Their mother followed, her gentle smile hiding tears of pride. She gave him her old silver-edged shield, etched with the sigil of her lost pack. "May it shield your heart and protect your path."
Michael's hands trembled slightly as he took the heirlooms. He bowed to his parents, overwhelmed with emotion. "I'll make you proud," he said softly.
Lastly, Eila stepped forward. She handed him the small wooden box she'd kept hidden — inside was a handcrafted protective charm, a pouch of herbs and stones tied together with wolf-hide string, a token to keep him safe on every journey ahead.
He hugged her tightly. "Thank you, sis. For everything."
With the entire family gathered around, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Michael stood tall, shoulders squared, pride radiating from his frame. "Last night," he said, his voice steady and full of promise, "I met my wolf. His name is Sam."
Cheers broke out around the table, and a few of the younger kids even howled in celebration. Their laughter filled the house like music.
Michael continued, glowing with excitement, "I've been gifted with brute strength… and I have fire as my elemental magic."
Gasps of amazement rippled through the family. Eila felt her chest tighten with pride. Fire was a powerful attribute to have and brute strength paired with it made Michael a warrior to be reckoned with.
They cheered and hugged him again before he cut the cake, his hands steady and sure. The rest of the morning was spent in laughter and love as they shared the delicious food Eila had prepared. The leftovers were carefully packed away for the evening meal — not that anyone thought they'd be hungry again soon.
As the day wore on, Eila finally rose from her chair, kissed her parents on the cheeks, and hugged Michael one last time. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.
He grinned at her. "Don't be late for the full moon ceremony tonight."
"I won't," she promised.
Then she turned and stepped out of the house, her heart full as she made her way to the infirmary. There, her other purpose waited — a new path as a healer, a student of magic, and a guardian of her people's wellbeing. She had a job to do… and magic to master.