The moon hung high above Silverpine Village, its pale light casting an ethereal glow across the dense pines. Kael sat on the edge of a cliff overlooking the valley, his gray fur ruffled by the evening breeze. Though the world seemed peaceful, his heart churned with a quiet ache. For years, he had watched other wolves pair off, building lives and families together. Yet, here he was, alone—unmated and uncertain if he would ever find someone to share his life with. "It's not like I haven't tried," he muttered to himself, his claws digging absentmindedly into the soil. He had ventured to gatherings, exchanged awkward words with potential mates, but something always felt... off. Either they were looking for something he couldn't offer, or he felt no spark at all. As the wind carried the faint sound of music from the village below, Kael's ears perked up. He had forgotten that tonight marked the start of the Moonlit Festival, a three-day celebration of life, love, and unity. It was said that many wolves found their destined mates beneath the light of the full moon. "Maybe this is my chance," Kael thought, his heart quickening. But a small voice in the back of his mind reminded him of his failures, of how he'd frozen in the past when faced with others' expectations. Still, something about tonight felt different. Gathering his courage, Kael stood and brushed the dirt from his fur. If he stayed here, nothing would change. But if he went... perhaps he’d finally find the connection he so desperately craved.