Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter

352

Elyra stood at the edge of the forest, staring into the misty expanse ahead. The air was thick, laden with the scent of damp earth and an unshakable feeling of foreboding. This was the border of Selene's territory, a place steeped in mystery and guarded by stories of a

Luna whose power rivaled the oldest legends.

Cassian stepped up beside her, his expression uneasy. "Are you sure about this?" he asked, scanning the treeline. "They say Luna Selene is as dangerous as the shadows themselves."

"We don't have a choice," Elyra replied firmly, though doubt gnawed at her. "If anyone knows how to counter the shadow magic, it's her."

Fenrir let out a low growl from behind them. "Or she could be another trap. Dain isn't the only one who can manipulate power."

Elyra didn't respond. She knew the risks, but she also knew they couldn't face Dain without understanding the full extent of his growing strength. If Selene could offer insight, they had to take the chance.

As they stepped into the forest, the mist thickened, curling around their legs like living tendrils. Every step felt heavier, as though the ground itself resisted their presence. Fenrir's hand instinctively hovered near his weapon, his senses on high alert. "Stay close," Elyra instructed, her voice cutting through the eerie silence.

Minutes turned into what felt like hours as they navigated the dense woods. Just when Elyra began to wonder if they'd been led astray, a soft glow appeared in the distance. It pulsed gently, like a heartbeat, drawing them closer.

They emerged into a clearing, where a figure stood bathed in silver light. Luna Selene.

Her presence was mesmerizing. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back like liquid moonlight, and her piercing violet eyes seemed to see straight through Elyra. She exuded an aura of both grace and danger, a perfect balance of light and shadow. "I've been expecting you," Selene said, her voice calm yet commanding.

Elyra stepped forward, her heart pounding. "You know why I'm here."

Selene's gaze shifted to Cassian and Fenrir, who stood protectively behind Elyra. "Your allies don't trust easily. That's good. Trust is a dangerous thing in times like these."

"We've heard the stories," Fenrir said bluntly. "And not all of them are flattering."

A small smile played on Selene's lips. "Good. Fear is a powerful tool, but it is not the same as respect. You'll need to learn the difference if you hope to stand against what's coming."

Elyra didn't flinch under Selene's scrutiny. "I didn't come here for lessons in leadership. I came because you understand shadow magic-and how to stop it."

Selene tilted her head, studying Elyra as though weighing her words. "You speak as though the shadow itself is the enemy," she said slowly. "But you're wrong. The shadow is not your enemy-it's the one who wields it."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Elyra opened her mouth to respond, but Selene raised a hand to stop her.

"Your brother," Selene continued, her tone softer now. "He's walking a dangerous path, but he is not beyond saving. Not yet." Elyra's breath caught. "You believe he can be saved?"

"That depends," Selene said, her violet eyes locking onto Elyra's. "Do you?"

For a moment, Elyra felt exposed, as though Selene could see every doubt and fear she'd buried deep within herself. ". I want to believe it," she admitted. "But every choice he makes pulls him further away. I don't know if he's still the brother knew."

Selene stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "The bond you share with him is strong, but bonds can break under the

of power. The shard he

s ancient and insidiol

wields

doesn't just grant strength consumes, corrupts, andnoveldrama

It

nd twists."

Cassian frowned. "Then how do we stop it? How do we sever its hold on him?"

Selene's expression darkened. "Severing the shard's influence is possible, but the price is steep. And even then, Dain must choose to let it go. If he doesn't..." She let the

sentence trail off, the implication clear.

Fenrir crossed his arms, his voice sharp. "So we're supposed to sit back and hope he makes the right choice? That doesn't sound like much of a plan."

Selene turned to him, her gaze unyielding. "This isn't a battle you can win with brute force. If you face him now, you'll lose and you'll lose more than your lives."

Elyra felt the weight of Selene's words pressing down on her. "Then what do we do?"

Selene walked past them, gesturing for them to follow. "Come. There is much you need to learn if you hope to stand against the shadow."

They followed her deeper into the clearing, where a circle of ancient stones stood like silent sentinels. The air within the circle felt charged, humming with an energy Elyra couldn't quite place.

"This place," Selene said, gesturing to the stones, "is a sanctuary of balance. Light and shadow coexist here, neither overpowering the other. If you wish to save your brother, you must first understand this balance." Elyra nodded, though her heart was heavy with uncertainty. "And if I can't?"

Selene turned to her, her violet eyes piercing. "Then the shadow will consume him—and you may have to destroy him to save the rest."

-: Elyra's breath hitched as Selene added, "But beware-saving him may come at a cost you're not ready to pay."