MOONLIGHT: ORIGINAL EDITION

Rosa stretched as the morning sun streamed through her window. A sense of vitality filled her, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long while. The absence of her recurring dream left her curious, yet the tranquillity of her new routine was undeniable. With a spring in her step, she went about her morning rituals before gearing up for the day's adventure, her backpack stocked with chilled water and replenished energy bars.

As she removed the pink ribbons, her actions mirrored those of the yellow ones earlier. Meandering down a newfound path, she sensed a protective presence trailing her, warding off unseen dangers. An hour's journey brought her to a clearing, revealing an expansive outdoor haven with ample patios, built-in barbecues, and picnic setups for the entire pack. Amidst the area, medium-sized fire pits invited communal warmth. The place, poised for summer festivities, awaited rejuvenation with a thorough cleanse and fresh paint to restore its former glory.

If she wanted to extend her stay at her house, she would have to visit over the weekends, or she could consider purchasing the property. It would be advantageous for her to bring the grounds up to standard before they become operational. Rosa viewed this as a labour of love and was eager to begin her new endeavour. Observing the sun's position, she realized she had spent ample time realizedith one final glance at her discovery, Rosa turned and commenced her journey home, guided by the pink ribbons. By the time she arrived, exhaustion had set in.

Aware of her shadows, they followed her back to the house. It's almost like a protection detail, but why? Rosa thought to herself. Rosa showered to wash away the day's exploration and her sore muscles from her body and to change into more comfortable clothes that would double up as her pyjamas. She made herself a nice warm bowl of minestrone with a crusty bread roll. While eating, Rosa was thinking about what she had found today and was looking forward to fixing the areas up to have barbeques with her friends from work since she hadn't made any since coming here, unless you counted the wolves with her, but hidden from her. She didn't feel scared anymore but felt calmer since she arrived, which was strange and weird, she thought. Rosa couldn't have cared less. They were good company when she was walking around. She thought, "I wonder if they are used to people around here. Rosa finished her meal; she quickly washed and cleaned up after herself. She heads to the couch and sits down with a warm blanket around her to think about where to go tomorrow. Rosa turns to the right and sees where the track, if any, finds where she takes her. Realizing she is slowly drifting oRealizingep on the couch, she gets up and goes to bed. Slipping between the sheets and under the covers, she gets comfortable, and as soon as her head hits the pillow like last night, she's out like a light again. Rosa can't wait for tomorrow to come.

Friday morning came, and Rosa woke up feeling like yesterday again. She got dressed, had breakfast, and took her tablet like clockwork. She washed up and started to get ready to go out. Rosa gets her bottles of water from the fridge, which she put in there last night, and replaces the energy bars again. She had chosen to use the blue ribbons today. Putting the backpack on her back like yesterday, she left the same way but turned right this time. Repeating yesterday with the blue ribbons as the previous day's activities, she marked her way around to get there and back again after finding the track. Knowing they were following her, she reached the end of the track and ended up in a small clearing, where she saw them.

What Rosa had found in the clearing looked like four graves. She slowly approached what appeared to be graves. She was correct; there were four graves when she could properly look at them. She was shocked to see the names on the four gravestones because she knew who they were when they were alive. Two of the graves belonged to her parents, Antonio and Nicoletta Romanetti, and the other two belonged to her grandparents, Mario and Marina Romanetti. "This can't be them. They are all supposed to be buried in Italy," she says. "Unless there are two sites for them, one in Italy, and maybe these could be memorials for them here? But why here of all the places?" she wondered as she was unaware she was crying. Rosa stayed with the graves for a few hours and found some wildflowers nearby. She picked some and then placed bunches of the wildflowers on each of the four graves, said goodbye to them, and left to return home.

Hidden in the bushes, Giovanni links his Alpha back and reports that Luna had just left to go home and tell him what she had found in the clearing. Giovanni links to his Alpha and reports in. "Alpha, it's Giovanni reporting in, Sir", he replied. Luca answered, "Yes, Giovanni, what have you got to report?" he asked. Giovanni reports, We followed Luna down a path where she adorned the tree trunks with blue ribbons, as she had done before, and arrived at a clearing containing four graves. Luca turned to Stefano, who was in the office with him, and relayed Giovanni's account. 'Who is buried there?' he asked. 'The Romanetti family, Alpha. Both parents and grandparents,' Giovanni responded to the Alpha. 'What is my mate doing?' Luca pressed. 'She stands before them, weeping, Sir,' Giovanni reported. Luca briefed Stefano on the situation and instructed Giovanni and the others to guard his mate while he devised a plan. 'Understood, Alpha,' Giovanni affirmed, and they severed the connection.

Luca turned to Stefano and inquired, "What's happening? How does she know them?" His Beta responded, "I'm not certain, but we need to investigate, don't you agree?" "Indeed, we must. But how is she aware of our kind?" he questioned. Stefano suggested, "Then we should consult one of the Elders. Perhaps they might have some insights or answers?" Pondering aloud, he mused, "Could she be one of us?" Stefano asked Luca, "Could you detect her scent the other night?" To which Luca reflected, "Now that I think about it, no, I didn't. What does that imply, I wonder? Merely gazing into her blue eyes allowed me to recognize her as my mate." Stefano recognizes, "That's precisely why we need to delve deeper into understanding your mate." Luca concurred, "Certainly, but which Elder should we approach regarding this matter?" He sought Stefano's opinion. Stefano proposed to his Alpha, "I'm unsure, but perhaps Elder Gabriel Lombardi would be the most knowledgeable to inquire. He likely possesses more understanding about our kind than anyone else." Luca agreed, "Yes, I concur. Elder Gabriel Lombardi seems to be the most appropriate choice for this inquiry. I'll contact him now." He dialled the Elder's number and activated the loudspeaker so both could listen to his response. Elder Gabriel Lombardi himself answered the call. "Greetings, this is Elder Gabriel Lombardi," he announced on his end of the line.

Luca responds, "Greetings, Elder Gabriel. This is Alpha Luca of the Ferrara Pack. I am reaching out for your guidance and assistance on a personal issue," he elaborates. The Elder replies, "Certainly, Alpha Luca, and you may address me as Gabriel. How may I assist you?" Luca inquires, "I was curious if you possess any knowledge regarding the Romanetti family?" To which Gabriel responds, "Do you hold information about the Romanettis? For what reason?" Luca explains, "A young lady named Rosa Romano recently leased their former estate and discovered a trail leading to their presumed burial site. She was found weeping over four graves. This woman is also my mate, yet I detect no scent from her, which is peculiar. You can call me Luca," Gabriel responds. "Understood, Luca. Firstly, congratulations on finding your mate. Secondly, I am unaware of their demise or any details surrounding it; there are no records of their passing that I can provide." Luca queries, "Do you know if the parents had offspring?" Gabriel offers, "Not to my knowledge, but I will investigate further for you." Luca expresses gratitude, "I would appreciate that. What puzzles me is that the property should not have been available for rent since it lies within our pack's territory." Gabriel acknowledges, "Indeed, that is a mystery on its own. I will handle this matter and contact you once I have gathered some information, agreed?" Luca concurs, "That is acceptable to me. Is there any action I should take in the meantime?" Gabriel questions, "Are you ensuring your Luna's safety?" Luca affirms, "Absolutely. She is under constant surveillance by a protection detail throughout the day and even during her outings.

Additionally, I inspect the house to ensure its security by ensuring all doors and windows are locked and fortified from the outside." Gabriel answered him, “That’s good. Keep doing that and wait until we have the information for now, and l will get back to you as soon as possible with the information that l could find out.” Luca replies, “Alright, we will wait. Thank you so much for being so helpful, Gabriel. Bye,” Gabriel says. “You’re welcome, and l will speak to you soon. Bye Luca,” he said before hanging up the phone.

Luca and Stefano exchanged glances. Luca said, "Well, that went better than I expected." Stefano responded, "Indeed, you should inform Giovanni about the developments." Luca nodded, "I will do that now," and promptly connected with Giovanni to relay Elder Gabriel's insights regarding his mate and the current situation. He also instructed Giovanni to continue safeguarding his mate until they gathered more information. Giovanni acknowledged, "Understood, Alpha. We will remain vigilant."

Glancing at his watch, Luca noted it was nearly dinner time. They both rose and made their way to the dining room, taking their places at the table. The rest of the pack had already assembled, awaiting their Alpha and Beta's arrival. Once seated, the meal was served, and everyone began to eat after Luca, Stefano, and Constantino had filled their plates. As dinner drew to a close, Luca briefed the entire pack on the day's events involving his mate and the conversation with Elder Gabriel Lombardi. He relayed Gabriel's request for the pack to continue supporting their Luna as they awaited further details before taking any further action. In unison, the pack affirmed, "Yes, Alpha!" Luca regarded his pack with pride for their solidarity before excusing them.

By day's end, exhaustion had set in for Luca. He bid his brother and best friend goodnight before conducting his nightly security check around his mate's house perimeter. However, tonight felt different; an impending change seemed to loom over him, leaving him unsettled. After finishing his rounds, he left his mate's residence and headed home. Following a brisk shower, he dressed for bed. Settling under the covers, he pondered the day's occurrences. "What will we discover about the Romanettis and my mate?" he mused as sleep began to overtake him. Yet before succumbing to slumber, he heard a voice whispering, "All will be revealed soon."