The first rays of the lunar eclipse began to streak across the sky. The moon slowly dimmed as a shadow crept over its surface. I stood patiently. Around me, the werewolves lifted their heads and howled, their voices echoing into the night.
Magnus, Damien, and Xavier's massive wolf forms also stood close. Even in their primal states, they stayed near me, forming a barrier between me and the rest of the gathering.
A figure dressed in silvery robes stepped forward. He raised his arms, and his soft voice resonated through the area.
"Tonight, we gather under the Red Moon," the ceremonial leader began. "A night of unity, when the Moon Goddess herself watches over us. As her light dims, so too does the bond with our wolves. During the eclipse, our wolves slumber, leaving only our human forms. We are at our most vulnerable… but also at our most connected. This is why we celebrate. Not to mourn weakness, but to honor our strength…"
The crowd murmured in agreement.
