Seeing off Micheal

Eila woke just as the first blush of dawn painted the sky. She moved through her morning routine swiftly—washing up, brushing her hair, and dressing in a soft, practical dress suited for healer training. She was about to head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast when a soft knock echoed against her door.

She blinked, surprised. It was early, far too early for visitors. When she opened it, she was startled to find Michael standing there, fully dressed in his freshly issued Gamma Academy uniform.

He looked taller, stronger, more… resolute. The uniform fit him perfectly, its crisp lines accentuating the shoulders that had broadened since his awakening. He wasn't just her little brother anymore. He was a warrior in the making.

"Good morning, sister," Michael greeted, his voice steady but carrying an unfamiliar seriousness.

Eila smiled, momentarily thrown off by his formal greeting. "Morning, Michael. Is everything alright with you?"

Michael rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, glancing away. "I'm leaving for the Gamma training camp today. Thought I'd walk with you to the Pack House before we leave… you know, in case I don't get to see you properly for a while."

Her heart pinched warmly at his thoughtfulness. She blinked away the sudden prick of tears as she looked at the proud young man before her.

"I'd be happy to walk with you," she replied, voice gentle. "But first, let's eat. You can't leave on an empty stomach."

Michael grinned sheepishly, the serious mask slipping just a little, revealing the boyishness that still lingered within.

In the kitchen, Eila quickly whipped together a hearty breakfast: fluffy omelettes, toasted sourdough bread, fresh fruit salad, and a pot of her best herbal tea. The scent of the food soon woke the rest of the household, and within minutes, their cramped dining space was filled with cheerful chatter.

Their parents beamed with pride. The younger siblings, though reluctant to let Michael go, fussed over him, offering teasing advice and big hugs. Meera had even packed him a small leather pouch with dried fruits and nuts, while their mother had prepared other long-lasting provisions tucked into his lighter satchel.

When it was time to leave, Eila took charge of his lighter bag, insisting on carrying it while Michael slung the heavier one on his back. Side by side, they made their way toward the Pack House. The air was brisk, the roads lively as other candidates and their families converged on the same destination.

At the training assembly point, a sea of candidates in their dark uniforms stood in clusters. Some stood proudly with their families; others waited alone, their eyes betraying nervousness and longing. Eila watched them all, imagining her own departure for Moonshine University. Would she look like that? Brave on the outside, but quietly yearning for the comforts of home?

Finally, the signal came: time to say goodbye.

Eila pulled Michael into a tight hug, tears stinging the corners of her eyes despite her best efforts. "Remember," she said, tapping his cheek lightly, "be careful, behave, and always do your best. And if anything feels wrong, mind-link me. I mean it. You're not alone."

Michael hugged her back with equal strength, his voice gruff with restrained emotion. "I will, Eila. Thank you—for everything."

As he turned to leave with the others, his mate, Stella, came running. She threw her arms around him, laughing and whispering something that made him smile in that goofy way Eila hadn't seen since he was a child.

Eila stood back and watched, heart swelling with a bittersweet pride. He would be fine. He had a mate, a goal, a place to belong. She turned away, her steps taking her toward the infirmary—her own path of duty.

The morning sun was fully up now, bathing the pack grounds in gold. She was only a few steps away from the infirmary gates when a familiar scent drifted on the breeze.

A warm, deep cedarwood and musk that made her pulse jump.

Zois.

She turned sharply, her heart already knowing before her eyes confirmed it.

There he stood, leaning against the stone wall near the infirmary entrance, arms crossed, eyes glittering with mischief and something darker.

"Morning, little mate," Zois said, his voice low and teasing. "Skipping out on saying hello to your mate? That's cold."

Eila chuckled, her fatigue forgotten in an instant. "I wasn't skipping. Just had to say goodbye to my brother first."

Zois pushed off the wall and closed the distance between them in two easy strides. His eyes softened when he looked down at her.

"Then I'll forgive you," he murmured. "But only if you let me walk you the rest of the way."

Eila laughed and shook her head, but she didn't refuse. As they walked together toward the infirmary door, she caught the subtle way his hand brushed against hers—like he was itching to hold her but restraining himself.

It made her cheeks warm, and her heart beat a little faster.