WELCOME HOME

ASTRID

 

As I stood there, surrounded by the backpack and as they bowed to me in unison, I wasn't sure how to feel, but it was a surreal moment, one that I had thought I'd ever experience.

 

And for the first time, I felt I truly belonged to Magnus's Pack.

 

As I scanned the crowd, I could tell that not every pack member was present, but those who were seemed genuinely happy to see me.

 

Some of them approached me cautiously with sincere happiness and relief.

 

So Magnus had been telling the truth when he said the backpack had missed me.

 

It was hard to believe, though, as I had done practically nothing for them.

 

The guards stopped some people from coming closer as Magnus was weary of the growing crowd.

 

So they screamed their gratitude over to her. "Luna, welcome back!"

 

It forced a smile to my lips as I enthusiastically waved back at them.