Fen
Dark Moon Manor hummed with activity. “Let’s get this painting down and see if we can’t get it into the nearest dumpster before sunset,” directed as Nik and Rolf carefully grabbed the oil painting of Luna from the wall. “Oh, but, uh, let’s keep the frame, shall we, boys? We can certainly repurpose it.”
Nik and Rolf nodded before shuffling the painting down the hallway and out of sight.
“Great idea, love,” Magnus said, sneaking up from behind and wrapping his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. “The sooner we get rid of any sign of that terrible werewolf, the better.”
“ rir, Magnus. ”
The two turned to see Alo standing before them, an embarrassed look on his face. “I just wanted to apologize for my actions while I was under the influence of Dr. Dark Moon.”
“Apology accepted,” said with a smile.
“Th-thanks,” Alo said with a shrug.
“Uh, hey, guys, sorry to interrupt.” The group’s attention focused now on Rolf, back from his chore of removing the old painting. In his hands, he held an oversized gift bag. “This was out on the front doorstep.”
and Magnus shot each other an inquisitive look as Rolf placed it on the table across from them before stepping out of the room. “Hm,” said, stepping forward and reading a small card attached to the bag. “Well wishes from Mystic Hollow. We hope we can find a better future together as allies. Until next year’s Crescent Mystic Match-up, the Mystic Mischief.”
Magnus pulled out a blackened and dulled trophy that the group quickly recognized as the Crescent Mystic Cup, the award gifted to the winning team at the end of each year’s rival game. “Huh,” he smiled, holding it up. “I like those guys.”
“Me, too. Um, anyway,” began again, his attention turned back to Alo. “How are you holding up after everything?”
“Me? Oh, I’m—I’m good.” Alo shifted his weight from foot to foot. “Listen, I’m actually still helping the boys with cleaning up after that Bundt cake disaster in the great hall. Any suggestions on what gets that out of the carpet?”
“Look in the maintenance closet for some stain remover.” It surprised the trio to see their house father, Strix, stepping out of his office. He looked very much the same—dressed in his usual button-up and fitted corduroy pants—except for now, he wore a patch over his right eye.
“Uh, thanks,” Alo nodded, moving quickly to get out of the room.
“Alo— brother —wait,” Strix called after him. Alo stopped, looking down, his face a flurry of emotions. Strix bit his lip. “I never meant for any of this to happen. I hope you know that. I failed you, Alo—all of you—all because I was weak. And I used my powers of memory manipulation to help Dr. Dark Moon when I shouldn’t have.”
“Hm,” spoke up, his hand cuffing his chin. “That makes a lot of sense.”
Alo’s clenched fists were his only response.
“Alo,” Magnus let go of and put his hand on his fraternity brother’s shoulder. “You have to remember that none of you were in control. This was all Luna’s bidding.”
Alo’s eyes became watery, but still he wouldn’t turn to face his sibling. “Memory manipulation, huh? How come you never told any of us about your power?”
Strix took a deep breath before speaking again. “Regardless of the circumstances, I believe it’s in the best interest of the Dark Moon Boys, the clan, and all of our werewolves that I take a leave of absence from my role as house father, effective immediately,” he said through gritted teeth, a sorrowful look on his face.
“ What?! ” asked, shock evident in his voice.
“I kept my powers hidden from you all, and in the end it came back to haunt us. We have five—excuse me— four werewolves dead at last count, and someone has to answer to Moonhaven University’s administration, and more importantly to the Canid Council. I will travel to meet with the latter at once.”
“ Fine ,” Alo turned to face Strix. “And what is it you ask of me now, brother?”
“Gaius Edwards was the elected president of the fraternity,” Strix acknowledged with a pained face, pulling a book from his pocket. “Due to his untimely death, and through my power as house father, I ask you to take the presidential pledge of Dark Moon Manor.”
and Magnus watched in awe as Strix held out an old text with the Dark Moon Clan seal on its cover.
“I nominate Haven Hemming to serve in my place,” Alo said without hesitation.
Strix cleared his throat. “Mr. Hemming has announced a temporary withdrawal from the university, effective immediately, and as such he is ineligible to take such a role.” The group had hardly any time to process this new information. “Your left hand, please, Alo.”
Reluctantly, Alo put his hand on the book.
“Until time comes for a proper fraternity-wide election, and with Dark Moon Manor under duress from an internal attack that threatens the very fabric of our institution, I, Strix Amarok Dark Moon, do unduly nominate and confirm Alo Amarok as the president of Dark Moon fraternity. Alo Amarok, do you accept these duties with full understanding that you will lead this great house of brothers in my undefined period of absence?”
Alo looked from Magnus to , both of whom quickly gave nods of approval. “I do.”
“Then it is done,” Strix said with a nod. “I will take my leave before the moon rises. In my absence, I have already contacted Professor Dark Moon in hopes he might return as interim house father.”
Both of the brothers looked as though they wanted to say more to each other, to console one another, to forgive and forget, but neither spoke. At least that’s how it looked to . His lips curling over his teeth, Alo stormed out of the parlor.
“Um, uh, Strix,” Magnus spoke softly, raising a finger. “If I may ask...”
Strix let out a long sigh, his eyes trained on the spot Alo last stood. “ You may, Magnus .”
“Now, I understand that those whose bodies were destroyed in the fire before the doctor’s resurrection spell are gone,” began Magnus. “But the number of dead… You hesitated, but I believe you mentioned four total. However, by my count?—”
“Excuse my slip-up,” Strix interrupted. “One of this year’s pledges, Dachre Dark Moon, will be released from Mystic General Hospital in the coming days. He is shaken and battered, but alive. ”
“But Strix,” followed up. “How can that be? A vampire attacked and bit him while he was under Luna’s possession.”
“rir, I am well aware that you see a great many things. We all know that no magic in the world could save a werewolf from the bite of a vampire. However, we are in unprecedented times.” The elder werewolf turned to return to his office, but stopped just short of disappearing inside of it. “Will you two tend to Mr. Dark Moon to make sure he is properly watched over and cared for, and that his situation is handled with the utmost discretion?”
gave Magnus a concerning look.
“Of course we will,” Magnus nodded.
“And Alo?” asked.
“ Please .” Strix turned back to face them, his eyes watery. “Keep an eye over him, too. He will need you. Both of you. ”
“Always,” nodded, putting a consoling hand on Strix’s shoulder.