- A Mark Remains.

"In front of the mirror, I look at my dark hazel eyes. At the same time, I feel the presence of my inner wolf, Shamra, reflected beside me. In my hand, I hold one of the last pregnancy tests. Negative, again.

Although Ubaldo — my husband, my soulmate, my life partner, and the moon of the Klein pack — is no longer in this world, we never managed to conceive a child. Not even in our best attempts. His loss is still an open wound.

But by the blessing of the moon goddess, Ubaldo's mark still remains on me, strong and unbreakable. I don’t understand why. The Sage elders told me that I am still the moon of the Klein pack, and that comes with great responsibilities. Possibly, even the role of alpha.

Although, of course... I shouldn’t rush. Ubaldo had a twin brother: Ariel. By right, he will be the new alpha. If he has already found and marked his life mate, it’s likely that I will simply become a widow.

I take the last sip of juice and leave the room. I sling my backpack over my shoulder and head toward the training room. I need to clear my mind, calm down, and leave behind the anxiety of a new destiny that seems to be approaching too soon.

As I walk through the halls, the members of the pack greet me with respect. I only nod and return a polite smile. I don’t want to talk, I just want to reach the place where I can be alone with Shamra. I’ve put on comfortable sportswear. It’s time to train.

A strange feeling overwhelms me: imagining myself simply as a widow. Tears fall down my cheeks as I think about Ubaldo’s loss. Would it be risky to long for an ordinary and simple life in the cities, far from all of this? To break away from the Kleins if I am not chosen again as the moon?

When Ubaldo became alpha, his brother Ariel was free to live a human life, study, travel, and see the world. But now, with Ubaldo's death, everything has changed.

The Sage told me of two possible destinies. If Ubaldo’s mark still lives in me, if I’m still recognized as the moon of the pack, many things could change. Is it selfish of me to wish to simply be a widow?

I remember those days before I met Ubaldo. In high school and then in college. I was that rebellious girl who skipped class, who trained to be a guardian of the Poesy pack. It was then that I met him. Always together, laughing, training, and we even went to the Valentine's Day dance.

He was my first love. Though I knew he would never see me that way, I kept that feeling to myself. I never confessed it. And now, somehow, fate has put him in front of me again. Is he still the same? Or has he changed?

The ticking of an imaginary clock hammers in my mind. The moment is approaching when fate’s decision will be revealed. And I have been loyal, I’ve loved, supported, and obeyed. I’ve given my word to accept whatever comes: to be marked again... or to become Ubaldo’s widow.

—Tasya, good morning — says a voice.

I’m hitting the punching bag when I hear that rough, familiar voice: Hector, a good friend.

I turn for a moment to greet him, without stopping my punches.

—Good morning, Hector. How are you? — I ask, without stopping.

—Good. But... I need to tell you something.

I lower the intensity of the punches, curious.

—Okay. Tell me.

—But look at me — he insists.

—Why? I’m listening — I reply, still moving.

—Tasya, it’s important — he says, seriously.

I fall silent. I don’t want to stop. This rhythm relaxes me. But when I see his face, I finally take off the gloves, one by one.

—I’m listening — I tell him, lowering my gaze.

—Today... Ariel arrives.

I feel something catch in my throat. I stop, surprised. Ariel’s name brings with it a wave of emotions and a certain involuntary shyness. I stare at Hector.

Hector is tall, with honey-colored eyes. He wears glasses, fair skin, and casual clothes. Like someone who keeps impossible dreams between the lines.

I’m about to speak, but Shamra’s voice rises within me:

"We could see mom and Paula again. No more video calls... we could really hug them."

—Really? — I ask, trying to hide the hope of simply being a widow.

—Yes. Udolfo will come with him. They shouldn’t take long.

I nod with a forced smile.

—I better take a shower and prepare for the visit. Does anyone else know?

—I don’t know. But... try to keep it secret before the whole pack knows. Though you should know something — he says, pausing.

—What’s that?

—It’s believed that... he won’t come alone.

"Is it believed?" Or is it true? I wonder. But Shamra responds within me:

"We would be independent of the pack."

A crimson flash shines in my eyes. Few can see it. Maybe only my true mate.

—Is it believed... or is it not certain? — I insist.

—I don’t know, really, precious.

That word, "precious," spoken so naturally, disarms me. Something in his look tells me that I don’t want to keep asking. Maybe what he’s afraid to tell me is what I most want to know.

—Let’s suppose it’s possible — I murmur.

—The meeting will be in the great hall, with the elders.

—Let them decide. If Ariel already has his moon, or if he will be my husband... only time will tell. Thanks, Hector, for telling me.

We say goodbye at the entrance of the house. I climb the stairs. It’s a modest, beautiful home, with light tones. I lived happy moments here with Ubaldo. I know well that if things change, I will have to leave this house for a new couple to inhabit it. And stop being the moon of the Kleins.

In the bathroom, as I fill the tub, I undress and sink into the hot water. Memories flood my mind. The times Ubaldo and I shared tender baths, laughter, kisses, caresses.

I rest my head, close my eyes... until one word hits my thoughts: funeral.

Both Shamra and I remember that day. Ariel was there. He was by my side.

I open my eyes. I bite my lip, a gesture I make when I’m convinced of something. Ariel and I didn’t greet each other, but our gazes crossed. And in that instant, the connection was always present."