Giovanni's Perspective
My heart skipped a beat when I heard Tobias' report, and my expression became complicated.
Daylight was rising, spilling through the window onto my strong frame. The wind blew from afar, bringing with it a hint of grass and trees, as well as a long-lost memory.
My thoughts were instantly drawn back to that war-torn day many years ago.
It was a cold winter; the war raged across the land, and blood stained every inch of it. I was leading my werewolf army in a fierce battle with the enemy. In the ruins, I found a little girl. She was covered in blood but stood tenaciously amidst the rubble, with fearlessness and determination in her eyes. That girl was none other than Vivian.
"What's your name?" I asked.
"Vivian," the girl's voice trembled, but there was a hint of resilience.
From that day on, Vivian became my "sister" and lived among the wolves.
She quickly adapted to life here and showed exceptional intelligence and courage. Over the years, Vivian has grown from a tiny girl into a beautiful, strong young woman and the Gamma of our pack.
I remember a full moon night when Vivian and I were walking in the forest. The moonlight was pouring through the leaves onto us, making us look especially peaceful.
"Vivian, do you remember the day I rescued you from the woods?" I suddenly asked.
Vivian froze slightly and stopped, looking up at the moon. Her eyes became deep, as if she had traveled through time and space, back to that tragic night.
"Of course. How could I not," she said softly.
"You never told me what really happened that day." I gazed at her, concern in my eyes.
Vivian took a deep breath and seemed to make up her mind. She slowly recounted the events of that day.
"That night, my home was attacked. I hid in the house and witnessed my parents being killed. Flames were spreading everywhere, and I thought I was going to die in that fire as well." Her voice began to tremble but quickly regained its composure. "It was then that you appeared and saved me from the fire."
I listened in silence, knowing the memory was overwhelming for Vivian.
"Why did you adopt me?" Vivian asked suddenly, her eyes fixed on me, filled with doubt and searching.
I smiled gently, my expression tinged with endless tenderness and nostalgia.
Vivian wasn't my biological sister, but in my heart, she had long become family. No one knew Vivian's true origins, nor why I had adopted her all those years ago, except myself.
My mind flashed back to that tragic battle years ago. In the heart of the devastation, Vivian's slender figure cowered amidst the flames. Her eyes shone like stars in the night sky, emanating strength and resilience.
My heart trembled; those eyes reminded me of someone...
But my memories abruptly halted.
Damn it! Who was that person?
A sudden headache gripped me, and I cradled my head in my hands.
"Alpha?" Tobias called softly, pulling me back from my pain.
I took a deep breath, attempting to steady myself, and nodded. "Continue, Tobias."
Tobias nodded. "This time, Vivian seems to have new plans upon her return. She's been striving to prevent tragedies like her own, where her origin pack suffered losses due to Rogue attacks. Over the years, she's worked tirelessly to maintain peace and stability, driven by clear goals and unwavering determination."
I frowned slightly, concern flickering in my eyes. "What exactly does she have in mind?"
Tobias sighed. "She seems increasingly unconcerned with her own safety, focusing solely on conflict prevention. Her single-minded determination sometimes places her in perilous situations. I wonder if her return will bring new adventures."
I glanced at Tobias teasingly. "Tobias, are you worried about Vivian or yourself?"
Tobias blushed faintly and defended, "I'm concerned about the pack's safety. Vivian is our Gamma; her well-being directly impacts the pack's stability."
I smiled, "You're still so concerned about her."
Tobias coughed to hide his embarrassment, "She's a skilled fighter and a good person. None of us want anything to happen to her."
I nodded, relief and pride evident in my eyes, "Yes, she is indeed a skilled fighter. We are all very proud of her."
Tobias walked over to the window and gazed at the distant forest, lost in thought for a moment. "You know, Giovanni, Vivian's persistence and courage remind me of you when you were younger."
I smiled, "Yes, when we were young, we were both full of fight and passion. I hope she'll be able to go far along her path."
Tobias looked back at me, "How are you planning to greet her?"
My expression softened, "Welcome her properly, of course. She's always been family to us, and no matter where she's been or what she's done, her return is significant to us."
Tobias nodded, a faint smile on his face, "I'll go make the arrangements then and inform everyone about the good news."
I nodded, "Okay, Tobias. Thank you."
With that, Tobias left the office, and I stood before the window, silently praying in my heart for Vivian's safe return.
The following day at noon, under the bright sun, Tobias and I stood at the pack headquarters' entrance, awaiting Vivian's return.
In the distance, a group of werewolf guards slowly escorted Vivian.
"Giovanni!" Vivian's voice rang out from afar, filled with joy and excitement.
I smiled and opened my arms as Vivian hurried towards me, embracing me tightly.
"Vivian, welcome home," I said softly, a touch of tenderness in my voice.
"I'm home, Giovanni," Vivian's voice quivered slightly, "I'm finally home."
I patted her back, "It's been a long journey. Come in and rest."
Vivian nodded and followed Tobias and me into the pack headquarters. As she walked through the hall, Vivian glanced around at the familiar surroundings, her eyes brimming with emotion. "Nothing has changed here."
"Yeah, this place has been waiting for your return," I said with a smile. "Where have you been all these years? What have you been up to?"
Vivian settled into a seat, took a sip of water, and began recounting her experiences. "I've been working to reduce conflicts between communities and explore the possibility of peace. I've traveled to many places and met countless people. Some endeavors have succeeded, but there have been many challenges."
I interrupted, "Aren't you afraid of the risks involved in such intense work?"
Vivian smiled faintly. "I'm not afraid. I simply don't want other children to experience the pain I went through."
I looked at Vivian, feeling relieved and proud. "You've done an incredible job, Vivian. We're all immensely proud of you."
A glint of determination flickered in Vivian's eyes. "I'll continue working hard. No matter how tough it gets, I won't give up."
"We'll always be here for you," I reassured her, squeezing her hand firmly.
Tobias nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, we're all behind you."
Vivian's eyes welled with emotion. "Thank you, guys. Your presence gives me strength."
I smiled, patting her shoulder gently. "For now, rest up. Tomorrow, we'll discuss your plans in detail."
"Okay, I will," Vivian nodded.