Beneath the summer stars

After filling their bellies with an array of delicious snacks, playing games with the other teenagers, and enjoying the lively atmosphere crackling all around them, Clove was ready to spend some alone time with Akito. Seasons ago, she’d expressed wanting to show him her balcony at nighttime, so he could experience the celestial marvel just outside her towering windows. He seemed interested, maybe a little shy as she grabbed him by the paw, leading him away from the buzzing crowd and towards the castle. The bonfire was blazing in the distance now, stretching out into the surrounding fields of the starlit plains but Clove and Akito were out of earshot now. They weren’t aware of the events occurring in their absence.

The castle had an eerie silence, having been empty for most of the night. A few of her pack mates went back to their rooms, but for the most part, Clove and Akito wandered the halls unseen. She led him through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, moonlight filtering through the windows, illuminating the corridors, and helping guide their way. They entered the Great Hall first, passing the long table and burning hearth before reaching the Grand Foyer that led to the upper floors. Motioning for him to follow, Clove leads Akito up to the fourth floor, tiptoeing down the hallway until they reach her door. “We’re here.” She whispers, bringing her muzzle near his ear. It felt like she was sneaking him into the castle in the middle of the night! And it was exhilarating.

As she opens her door, it creaks a bit, and she looks at Akito with a sheepish smile. Thankfully her Raven cleaned up the mess she left behind- she would have been so embarrassed if he saw her messy vanity! “Come on, you’ve got to see this!” She says, motioning him inside and shutting the door behind him. Across the room are ceiling-high glass windows, double doors built into the glass which led out onto her balcony. They were already open, a gentle breeze swaying the tapestries that curtained the corners of the windows. Stepping out onto the balcony, they are met with the scent of sea salt and pine, the breeze ruffling her fur as she turns around to face Akito. “Well, what do you think?” Behind her, a beautiful backdrop of celestial colors unfolds, illuminating her silhouette, stars sparkling in the reflection of her eyes as she looks up at him. Hoping he thought it was beautiful too.

"Clove Carpathius"