Chapter 231 AURORA Golden morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled delicately over the room .

I stretched the ache of my muscles , having danced way too much the night before registered within my brain .

Beside me , Dane shifted , and his arm slid over my waist .

Good morning , he said , his voice husky from sleep .

Morning , I replied , turning toward him .

His smile was soft , his eyes full of warmth .

I think weve officially earned this .

I giggled , moving a wayward strand of hair off his face .

Earned what? A lazy morning ? Exactly , he replied , tugging me closer to him .

After all we have endured , he pinched my nose , After how you screamed my name last night … you definitely deserve rest .

I giggled and as he tried to reach for me , I jumped out of bed and entered the bathroom .

Oh common , its still early , he groaned .

Chapter 231 2/9 The village was slow to awaken that morning , the celebration of the wedding evident in sprinkled flower petals and the soft hum of laughter hanging in the air .

As it approached mid morning , wolves began gathering in the clearing for the first story circle .

I arrived hand in hand with Dane , the cheerful buzz of conversation greeting us .

All right , all , I called , stepping to the center .

Lets hear some stories .

The elders took turns and spoke of successes and failures .

Joclyns voice assumed quiet authority as she led a story through a harsh winter , her words painting vivid scenes of survival and kinship .

Piper and Warrick sat with them , but their playing at banter seemed weird .

Think theyll tell the story of your burnt stew ? Piper teased , nudging Warrick .

That wasnt my fault ! he protested , though the grin on his face betrayed his amusement .

Later that day , Trajan approached Dane and me with an idea in his head .

Ive been thinking , he said , and his voice was contemplative .

We should have a feast .

Not just for celebrations , but to honor the packs history .

Bring everyone together to remember where Chapter 231 we came from .

3/9 Dane just nodded ; his face spoke approval .

Thats a good idea .

Lets make it happen .

Trajan proved contagious about the feast .

He got everybody into its preparation fetched ingredients , made decorations .

I found him seated with Joclyn .

Their heads were bent together as they talked over the finishing touches of the party .

Youre really doing this , I said , dropping into a seat beside them .

Trajan looked up , a rare smile on his face .

It feels … important .

Like something we need .

Joclyn nodded , her gaze steady .

The pack thrives on connection .

is a way to strengthen it

everything went so

had started

, almost frantic , to

celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging

, he interrupted , when another

, I said softly , we need to hear from

reddened then , nodded

rigid .

training , he overexerted himself , his

Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too

, not

didnt hide

when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw him

began , his

Rowan ? I turned

I just .

to do more

myself , he finally said in a

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his

doing enough

not about proving oneself

face still showed

Rowan had

the edge of the

be seen , a low , hushed voice

231 In turning to find Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an

do you mean ? he asked

, when Alina smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting

potential , Rowan ,

flipped might show them just who

arms , a defensive

leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the

not something I can define for

, youll feel

Youll know .

frustration rising to the surface

an

speaking in riddles

low

clearest truths can only be

for someone to give

waiting ,

what you

words flared something in him , a fire of rebellion and

gnawing unease that made his skin tingle

? he returned , his tone soft

Alina leaned in , her voice a

will finally

have no need of

clenched

chest threatened to choke him as he

silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began to

Alina straightened , brushing imaginary

and would have turned

fade out , while still , in his brain

hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim ,

where the sounds of laughter drifted

one moment ,

little more musical

and

the echo of Alinas words within

Rowan threw himself

as if trying to carve out his place

, his voice calm

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth , adjusting

Im fine .

eyebrow but

, Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the morning air

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