---- pool whose water reflected moonlight, creating peculiar light patterns. The pack members surrounded the pool, holding moonglow crystals - special minerals that could store moonlight energy. Orion and I stood on a platform in the center of the pool. I wore the Luna's silver ceremonial robe, and Orion was dressed in a tiny Alpha ritual outfit. "Tonight," I announced loudly, "we hold the Moon Trace Ritual to commemorate Alpha Kaelen Nightfang, who sacrificed himself a year ago to protect our pack. His courage and sacrifice will forever be etched in the history of our pack." The pack members murmured in agreement, the crystals shimmering in the moonlight. "At the same time, this is a ritual of hope," I continued. "Hope that his soul is still somewhere watching over us, hope that his will is with us." The ritual began. Pack members raised their ---- crystals, and moonlight refracted through them into the pool, the surface of which began to glow with a silver light. I held Orion's hand, and together we recited the ancient prayer: "Moon Goddess, guardian of the night sky, please guide our voices across the veil of life and death, to reach the other side. Let the departed hear our call, even if only for a moment..." The light from the pool grew brighter, forming a silver vortex. "Now," I whispered to Orion, "think of your father, call his name." Orion nodded, closed his eyes, his small face showing a concentration beyond his years. "Daddy .. Daddy..." All pack members held their breath, waiting for some sign. At first, nothing happened. ---- Then, the vortex in the pool suddenly grew larger, the light becoming blinding. A strange energy wave swept through, making everyone tremble. In the center of the pool, a blurry figure began to form - tall, majestic, with the outline of a wolf. "Kaelen!" I exclaimed, unable to believe my eyes. The image wasn't clear, more like a phantasm. made of water and light. But the silhouette, the stance, it was undoubtedly Kaelen. "Daddy!" Orion shouted excitedly, taking a step forward. The figure in the water seemed to respond to his call, turning towards us. Though I couldn't see his face, I could feel his gaze. "Can you hear us?" I asked, my voice trembling. The phantom didn't answer, but ripples spread across the water, creating a peculiar resonance - like a response. ---- "He's on the other side," an elderly female elder whispered. "Not death, but... another dimension. The Shadow Fissure." "Can we bring him back?" I asked urgently. The elder shook her head. "There's a strong barrier between the Fissure and our world. The ritual can only create a brief channel of perception, not true passage." Inodded in disappointment, but a flicker of hope ignited within me. At least, this proved Kaelen's soul still existed; he hadn't completely vanished.