Children!” the Luna called, sweeping her hands wide. “Those of you who placed in the scavenger hunt–please “come forward!”
Alden bolted ahead so fast I didn’t even have time to call hi natne. His ribbon from the hunt was still in his hand, and he waved it in the air as he ran.
My mother stepped forward, her voice smooth and warm as it carried over the gathered crowd. “Tonight, as tradition dictates,” she began, “the children who placed first through fourth in our scavenger hunt will have the honor of lighting the corners of the Bodfire.”
Aiden visibly vibrated with excitement, practically bouncing on his toes.
“But b
before we begin,” the Luna added, raising her hand gently, “let me tell you why this matters.”
The children paused, wide–eyed
“The Bondfire is more than just a flame,” she said, turningslightly so her voice touched both the youngest pups and the watching adults. “It’s a symbol of unity. Of dreams. But for the children… it is a promise.”
The crowd quieted, listening now not just with their cars, but with reverence.
“This fire burns for the futures you imagine. For the hopes you carry. For the joy you create,” she continued, looking at the ring of small, solemn faces.
“When you light this fire, you are lighting the path to the world you want to build. And when you make your wish… the Moon Goddess listens.”
Four small torches were handed out, each one already flickering with a slow, steady flame.
The children were guided to each corner of the prepared woodpile, their excitement contained only by the weight of the moment.
The Luna smiled. “On three.”
The entire crowd joined in, voices rising with pride and warmth.
“One! Two! Three!”
The children pressed their torches to the wood. The bundle caught immediately–flames leapt up and danced along the dry edges, golden and crackling. Sparks soared into the darkening sky.
The children shrieked with joy, spinning in triumphant little circles as the fire came alive.
Aiden turned immediately, beaming as he scanned the crowd until he found us.
“Watch me!” he shouted.
“We’re watching!” I called back, grinning.
“Don’t blink!” he added, his voice full of giddy magic. “You might miss my wish!”
Derek chuckled beside me, arms crossed.
The Luna stepped up once more.
“Now that the fire is lit,” she said warmly, “those of you children who would like to offer a token–this is the
time.
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Asmall bowl of symbolic pieces sat nearby–smooth stone shaped wood, ribbons, and clay charms.
“In the adult ceremony,” the Luna said, “we burn tokens to pray for protection, strength, or fertilny. For the children…” she smiled, “you may make a wish.”
Gasps of excitement followed. Small hands reached into the bowl, each child taking one piece. They lined up at the edge of the fire like little acolytes, reverent and wriggly all once.
Aiden stepped forward list, holding a small silver coin with the Moonbinding symbol carved into it.
He looked at the fire for a long second.
Then whispered something I couldn’t hear.
He tossed the coin into the flames.
It disappeared with a small burst of spark.
And then he ran full–tilt back to us.
“Well?” I asked, kneeling as he skidded to a stop in front of us. “What did you wish for?”
He grinned, eyes gleaming.
“I’m not telling ”
Derek laughed. “A man of mystery.”
Aiden puffed up his chest. “The Moon Goddess knows. That’s enough.”
I looked between the two of them–my son, his father–and felt something twist in my chest. Not in pain. But in possibility,
What had he wished for?
And if the Moon Goddess was listening… would she grant it
Chapter 170,
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Chapter 170
