Chapter 2

The dream from last night still lingered in my mind. I'd seen wolves running under moonlight, their howls seeming to call to something deep within me. When I woke, my heart was racing wildly, as if the rhythm of their pounding paws still echoed through my veins.

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains into my room. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with unfamiliar yet comforting scents—freshly baked goods, solid wooden furniture, and something else I couldn't quite name... a sense of safety.

The clinking of dishes drifted up from downstairs. Time to face the day.

Despite everyone's kindness last night, my palms still sweated with the anxiety of navigating this new environment. I smoothed my hair in the mirror, took another deep breath, and opened my door.

I'd barely reached the staircase landing when three distinct emotional waves hit me so hard I almost stumbled. Three different yet equally intense feelings of anticipation, mixed with something that felt suspiciously like... competitiveness?

When I stepped into the dining room, the scene before me made my eyes widen.

Lysander sat ramrod straight at the table, a stack of thick business textbooks piled in front of him. He looked like he was preparing to give me a serious lecture on corporate finance, but the nervous energy flickering in his eyes betrayed his actual feelings.

"Avalon," he cleared his throat, attempting to sound authoritative, "as a member of the Silvermoon family, you need to learn basic business principles. I've prepared—"

Before he could finish, Evander swooped in with a plate of mouthwatering blueberry muffins, strategically positioning himself between me and Lysander. His face wore a gentle smile, but I could sense the determination beneath it.

"Balanced nutrition comes first, Lysander," Evander's voice was soft but firm. "She's still growing. She needs a healthy breakfast, not constant studying."

I sensed Lysander's jealousy spike like a lit fuse.

"Evander, she needs education, not just sweets!" Lysander's tone carried obvious displeasure.

Just then, a furry head popped out from under the table. Zephyr had shifted into his wolf form! His amber eyes gleamed as he looked up at me, then gently nuzzled my leg with his nose.

"Woof," he whined softly, his desire for attention more direct than any words could be.

This sudden three-way battle for my attention made me laugh. As I covered my mouth to stifle my giggles, I clearly sensed the underlying motivation—each of them wanted to be my favorite.

"You guys..." I said, fighting back laughter, "what's this competition about? I'm sensing three distinct waves of 'please like me best.'"

Their reactions were perfectly synchronized as they all protested: "We are NOT competing!"

But the blush spreading across their faces told the real story. I gently patted wolf-Zephyr's head, then looked at the other two.

"I can study AND eat breakfast AND play with Zephyr. You don't need to compete because I already like each of you."

Those words worked like magic, instantly defusing their "war." I felt the warmth and satisfaction blooming in their hearts, and my own chest filled with a sweet sensation.

After breakfast ended in a much more harmonious atmosphere, the three brothers suggested taking me to the backyard to "learn some basic skills." Though they tried to sound casual, I could feel how important this was to them.

The backyard was even more beautiful than I'd imagined. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, and the scent of flowers danced on the gentle breeze. But what surprised me most was how, when I took a deep breath, countless different scents flooded my nostrils.

"First, let's practice scent recognition," Evander said gently. "It's one of the most fundamental werewolf abilities. Try to tell me what you smell."

I closed my eyes and concentrated. Instantly, the world transformed. I could smell not just the garden's flowers and herbs, but scents from much further away.

"I smell roses, mint, and... there's a rose garden about two miles away?" I opened my eyes to see Evander's shocked expression.

"You can smell a rose garden two miles away? That's incredible!" His voice brimmed with amazement. "Most werewolves can only scent a few hundred yards."

Lysander stepped forward, his expression turning serious. "Now try moon meditation. Even though it's daytime, you should be able to sense the moon's presence."

Following his instructions, I sat down and closed my eyes. Something remarkable happened—even in bright daylight, I could clearly sense the moon's position and energy. The connection felt so strong, like an invisible thread linking me directly to it.

"Your connection to the moon is powerful," Lysander's voice held genuine approval. "That's a sign of pure-blooded werewolf lineage."

"Avalon! Watch this move!" Zephyr's excited voice interrupted us. He'd shifted back to human form and was attempting a complex tumbling maneuver to capture my attention.

He put too much force into it and ended up flat on his back, limbs splayed.

I rushed over to help him up, asking worriedly, "Are you okay? I felt how much that hurt..."

Zephyr bit his lip, trying to look tough: "Real men don't feel pain! But a kiss on my boo-boo wouldn't hurt..."

Before he finished, Lysander and Evander both lunged forward: "ZEPHYR!"

Watching their protective reactions, I couldn't help but burst out laughing. This feeling of being protected and cared for was truly heartwarming.

So this is what having brothers feels like.

Time flew by, and before I knew it, night had fallen. As I lay in my soft bed, reflecting on the day's events, a strange feverish sensation suddenly washed over me. My body temperature began rising rapidly.

Something was wrong. My heartbeat accelerated, and my emotion-sensing ability started spiraling out of control. Every corner of the room seemed to echo with emotional residue, making my head pound mercilessly.

I struggled to control this overwhelming state, but my temperature continued climbing as my consciousness began to blur. Dimly, I sensed three distinct waves of concern emanating from downstairs.

Footsteps sounded in the hallway—light and cautious, as if afraid of disturbing something fragile.

"Her heartbeat's erratic. She must be in pain," came Lysander's voice, thick with worry.

"Should we check on her?" Evander's voice followed immediately.

"I want to stay with her... being sick alone is so lonely," Zephyr's voice trembled, on the verge of tears.

I could feel them just outside my door, like three wolf pups guarding their sister. This feeling of being cared for sent a wave of warmth through me, even as my body continued to burn.

Soon after, Marcus's voice resonated in the hallway: "You three, hovering like worried pups."

Then Cordelia's gentle tone: "Go ahead, but be quiet."

The door opened softly as the three brothers tiptoed in. In the moonlight, I could see the concern and love in their eyes.

"You're all... worried about me... I can feel it... it's so warm..." I managed to say, weak but touched.

Lysander sat on the edge of the bed, showing rare vulnerability: "You're family now. Of course we'll protect you."

Evander gently touched my forehead, checking my temperature: "Her fever's breaking. Good."

Zephyr carefully held my hand: "We'll take turns staying with you. You won't be alone."

In their presence, the burning sensation gradually subsided.

So this is what family feels like—having people who guard you at your weakest, who worry about you, who lose sleep for you.

"Thank you," I whispered, "for making me feel what home really means."

The three exchanged smiles, their pure affection melting my heart completely.

Under their watchful protection, I drifted into sleep. This time, I didn't dream of running wolves, but of a warm home bathed in moonlight.