Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

As dusk approached, the wolves gathered at the edge of the forest, their forms shifting as they prepared for the fight ahead. Cassian moved among them, his presence commanding as he gave final instructions. Aurora stood nearby, her hands clenched at her sides. "You don't have to do this," she said, her voice quiet but firm.

Cassian turned to her, his gaze steady. "I do. If we don't act now, Fenrir will only get stronger. This is the only way to protect the pack."

Aurora stepped closer, her voice trembling. "Promise me you'll come back."

Cassian hesitated for a moment, then reached out to cup her cheek. "I'll come back," he said softly. "I promise."

The vulnerability in his voice sent a shiver through Aurora, but before she could respond, Nathan called out. "It's time, Alpha."

Cassian gave her one last look before shifting into his wolf form and disappearing into the forest with his warriors.

The hours that followed were unbearable. Aurora paced the length of the healer's quarters, her nerves fraying with every passing moment. Lila stayed close, her presence a steadying force even as the tension in the air grew. "They'll be okay," Lila said, though her voice lacked its usual certainty.noveldrama

Aurora nodded, but her stomach churned with dread.

The first scout returned just before midnight, his wolf form limping as he shifted back. "It was an ambush," he said, his voice strained. "They were waiting for us."

Aurora's heart stopped.

"Where's Cassian?" Lila asked urgently.

"He's still fighting," the scout replied. "But we lost several wolves. Nathan's leading the retreat."

Aurora's knees buckled, and Lila caught her before she could fall. "He'll come back," Lila said firmly. "He promised you."

Aurora clung to her mother's words, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of her mind.

When Cassian finally returned, his body was battered, and his steps were slow. Blood streaked his fur, and his movements were labored as he shifted back to human form. Aurora rushed to him, her hands trembling as she reached for his face. "You're hurt," she said, her voice breaking.

"I'm fine," he replied, though his voice was hoarse. "But Fenrir's forces are stronger than we thought."

Lila stepped forward, her tone sharp. "You shouldn't have gone. This pack can't afford losses like this."

Cassian's gaze hardened, but he didn't argue. "We learned what we needed to. Fenrir's building an army, and Magnus's influence is spreading. We have to be ready for what's coming."

Aurora wanted to press him, to make him promise never to take such a risk again, but the exhaustion in his eyes silenced her.

As Cassian moved to address the pack, Aurora and Lila shared a worried glance. The storm was far from over, and they both knew it.