It had been two months before a strange letter arrived at the New Cresent Pack, previously know as Bloodmoon. It only took a few days for the name change, thanks to Cynthia's connections. James was glad that all went well, and a lot of packs reached out to him, wanting to have talks, and secure connections. The name changed played a big part in showcasing the changes that he was making and so far most of the feedback was positive. There were a few of his father's allies who were not pleased, but that was music to his ear, as he wanted nothing to do with that ignorant way of doing things.
After the name change, Trishanna, Bradley and James had their offical bonding ceremony. It was a simple affair, the atmosphere one filled with joy, hope and the sounds of newborns floating on the air. Many of the wolves had their pups and there were others who were ready to pop. It was joyous, and Chip revelled in all the attention he got. He was passed around, the next Alpha of both packs, adored by all. He was able to crawl, and if you took your eyes off of him for more than a second, he would disappear. He had never shifted since that time and so far, he seemed quite content in his human form. The few older children ran around, and the area was one of happiness.
The Alphas and Luna declined, leaving the pack for their 'honeymoon', instead choosing to work on building their bond with everyone. With their bonding ceremony complete, bonds between members of Goldmoon and New Crescent began being formed. It was something that would take a few days to solidify, according to the advice from Aunt Cynthia. Everyone was overjoyed, and any lingering resentment faded away. Even Candice made a few new friends, mainly from Goldmoon, and she was doing much better. Bruno was constantly by her side, and every male knew that she was basically claimed. Trixie was happy for her brother as she had feared that he might leave. Sam walked up to her as she stood next to the dessert table, placing a hand on her still flat stomach. He was concerned, but Lorenzo assured him that everything was well with mother and child. Bruno had been inducted into the pack a week ago in Bradley's office, now officially becoming a member, even having the position of Delta of New Crescent which he accepted. He found the new mind link incredible, those first few days, Bruno would interrupt her non-stop. Trixie knew that what he most desired was the ability to link with Candice. She smiled up at Sam, tiptoeing to kiss him on his cheek. His eyes lit up with a fire she knew too well, but she nudged him to behave, promising him that as soon as the threesome left their reception, they would sneak off as well. Sam's grin was lecherous, and he sauntered off, but not before giving her bottom a playful swat.
Bruno was glad that he had found his place. He didn't want to intrude, but knowing that he would be with his twin was a great relief to his big brother side. He smiled as he watched Candice bloom under the care of the girls from Goldmoon. Even a few of her previous friends had apologised and weren't as cold to her. She stopped holding on to resentment, accepting the role she played in her own life. Bruno was proud of the growth she was making, and was excited to see who she would become, for no matter who that was, he was going to make her his. As if sensing his gaze, Candice turned to look at him, her smile still a bit shy, a blush on her cheeks. Bruno's grin widened, and he thanked the lucky stars that he and his sister followed their charge through that portal or else, they would have grown up in that dismal place.
As if the thought of their home realm sensed them, his powers began to prickle under his skin. He didn't need his new mind link to know that his sister felt it too. A quick glance showed that she felt it, and by the way Sam stopped and spun around, his eyes scanning the forest around them, he felt it as well, so it must be something big. With a slight tilt of her head, she indicated the direction of the portal. Bruno nodded, and with one last glance to ensure that Candice was surrounded by friends, he jogged in that direction, soon meeting up with Sam and Trixie a few feet beyond the clearing. None of them knew what to expect, but they needed to find out what was happening. Sam wanted to inform Bradley, but his mate stopped him. "Let them enjoy the party. It's taken them so long to do it. If it's something that they need to know, we'll let them know." Sam sighed but went along with her suggestion; however, they were all on high alert.
They made it to the portal, but there was nothing there. Trixie did pick up a remnant of magical energy, not like the dark ones from before. This trace was light, clean, almost healing. They examined the area, finding nothing strange or out of place. Sam made a note to increase patrols in the area. Bruno went scouting, widening the search, but returned in fifteen minutes, with nothing strange or unusual to report. Sam linked the guys who were scheduled to patrol today, but they said they saw or felt nothing amiss. With no proof that anything had happened, they returned to the party, Sam mentally noting that he would still report it to Bradley at their next meeting.
The letter had appeared on James's desk. He found it after returning to his own pack, spending the past weeks in Bloodmoon with his mate. No return address, no name besides his own. The envelope was made from a paper he had never felt before, and he wondered who it could be from, as no one he knew still wrote in cursive. He broke the seal, like he was in some historical movie and pulled out the off-white parchment. He read the letter, "Dear Alpha, I hope this letter finds you well and in good health. Greetings to you and our Princess Annaliese and her other mate. I sensed your bonding and thought now would be a good time to invite you three and your trusted companions, Betas and the twin guardians, back to the Princess's home. I am sure you all may have questions, and we are ready to answer, for we have one important question of our own that must be addressed.
If you are ready to know all, then the portal will be opened on the night of the next new moon. I hope you can accept this invitation. Yours sincerely, "The Witch of Elysian."
That night at dinner, James showed the letter to Bradley and Trishanna, for he could not make this decision by himself. Trishanna's hand trembled as she read the name of her native land, El, confirming that it was true. They decided to have a meeting at breakfast, invited the twins, Sam and Michael, who were vetted and approved for the position of New Crescent's Beta, Lorenzo, Sammy and Aunt Cynthia, who had stayed back to spend time with her grandsons. There was the chance that it could be a trap, but the only way to find out was to go. There was no way to send confirmation, so they would just have to show up at the portal on the indicated night, which was three weeks away, giving them ample time to prepare.
Those weeks drifted by peacefully. Bradley and James began making plans to build their home at the meeting point between the two packs, keeping their original houses for work and guests. They had experienced their first full moon, where Trishanna shifted, not out of fear and danger, but because she wanted to. The three of them howled and led the pack on a run that night, Trishanna feeling the excitement of El as her wolf had full control. They ran for an hour, going around their territory before everyone drifted off to do their own thing. Some hunted, others played, and then there were those who drifted off to find privacy. Trishanna, James, and Bradley did, and mating as their wolves was an experience that Trishanna enjoyed more than she ever thought she would. Bradley was first, and his delight was palpable. He mounted her, knotting her, wishing that this joining would bring about another child. James was next, his joining filled with reverence, as this was something he thought they could never have, believing that Trishanna was an omega. After catching their breath, they went back to the house and made love the rest of the night.
Soon, the time came, and they all got ready for their trip to Elysian. Trishanna was nervous, wondering what question they had to ask of them, her mind creating a list of their own. She looked at Trixie and Bruno as they stood next to her, James and Bradley around them, surrounded by Sammy, Sam, Aunt Cynthia and Michael. She liked Michael as he seemed way more competent than that foolish Richard. She needed to ask about him whenever she went back to New Crescent, as he had been unusually quiet, not going around like some wannabe second in command. She closed her eyes and inhaled, bringing her mind back to focus on the here and now. Soon, a slight breeze flowed, and there were small lights, almost like fireflies, that appeared, drifting until they formed a doorway. The portal soon opened, and they all covered their eyes at the brightness, and when they looked, the witch stood there, two men next to her. She smiled at Trishanna and bowed. "We welcome Princess Annaliese, her mates and companions to our realm, the land of Elysian." The men next to her bowed, and soon they stepped back, clearing the path for them to enter. Trishanna looked at her mates, their slight nod giving her the strength to move forward, everyone maintaining their protective stance around her. The witch smiled at their protectiveness, and soon the portal closed behind them.
They were in a forest, but it only took them a few minutes before they had arrived at the huge home where the end of the last ruler took place. Trishanna looked up, memories that she didn't even know were buried, came to the surface. This was her childhood home. She recalled running through corridors, climbing on the bannisters and sliding down, much to the dismay of her caretakers and maids, sneaking into the kitchen for treats. The cook was a large man with kind eyes, who always had cookies or some sort of snack for her. He was often scolded by his wife, who was one of the head maids, berating him for spoiling her, but she was just a bad herself, hiding her when she didn't want to do her lessons. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at her home, her heart aching as the memories filled her. Almost like she had no control, Trishanna began walking towards the house, entering in, her hand drifting towards vases and paintings, fingers skimming over the intricate carvings along the wooden panels that covered the walls, the bannister. She walked through the house, a small smile on her lips as she saw herself as a child, sitting on her father's lap in the parlour, where a piano was. He would try to teach her how to play, his large, warm hands guiding her fingers, making her laugh as her mother sat in her favourite chair next to the windows, reading or sewing. Just the three of them. She stopped in the middle of that room, tears flowing freely at all that was and all that was lost.
James and Bradley stepped next to her, their arms the comfort that she needed. The witch stood, watching her, eyes filled with tears, understanding in her soft gaze. She gave them a minute, her nod at her men indicating that they should take their guests to the meeting room a few doors down. When Trishanna had a hold of herself, she wiped her eyes. Her men smiled at her, Bradley giving her a comforting kiss on her forehead. She knew they would like to know what she recalled, but later she would share with them. For now, she and El wanted to hold on to those precious memories just a bit longer. They all turned to the doorway, noticing that only the woman was there. She just smiled and waved a hand, asking them to follow. They did, and she led them to the meeting room where everyone else was seated. The two guards stood just on the inside of the door, their stance non-threatening. There was another man, the Second in Command, Malick, seated there as well. He stood when Trishanna and her mates stepped in, bowing slightly. With a nod, he indicated the three empty chairs next to the head of the table, which was still empty, but not for long as the witch walked over and took her seat. With a nod at the guards, they stepped out, and a few servants entered bearing trays of food and drinks. Nothing crazy, just tea, wine, rolls, slices of meat, cooked vegetables and on a small table under the window, a small assortment of cakes, cookies and pastries. She smiled at the servants who bowed, their curious eyes at Ttishanna and her companions, before they left, their twittering voices echoing down the hallway as they discussed which of the men was more handsome.
The guards closed the doors, standing outside. The witch stood. "I,, on behalf of everyone in Elysian, wish to thank you for accepting our invitation. I apologise that it took so long, but we wanted to restore the palace and as much of the realm as possible so you will have an enjoyable visit." She looked around the table her eyes landing on Trishanna with gently fondness. "I know you have heard me referred to as a witch, but my name if Lilian, Lilly for short. I am the younger sister of Rosalynn, or Rosie as you knew her in your world."