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 .

way to strengthen it

everything went

had started to shift

, almost frantic , to gain

of the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility

supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had

, we need

nodded

rigid .

, his movements sloppy in a bid

plunged forward

, not speed

quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his

out the supplies for the feast

he began , his voice faltering

? I turned

I just .

to do

said in

smiled and laid a reassuring

are doing

oneself ;

face still showed

, Rowan had been stewing in

settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the

a low

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

do you mean ? he asked

smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting

, Rowan , but you block

right moment flipped might show them just

his arms , a

what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side ,

can define for you

,

Youll know .

frustration rising to

an

speaking in riddles

laughter was low

truths can only

, waiting for someone to give you

,

you want

something in him ,

gnawing unease

? he returned , his tone

231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her

you will finally find your

that you have no need of anyones approval

jaw clenched

him as he wasnt so sure

between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight

brushing

she said over her shoulder , and would

, in his brain , one whispered the phrase

clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange

where the sounds of laughter

, his

, a little more musical and clear against the chill

, this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache he felt

within him

, Rowan threw himself into training

movements were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to

231 Easy , Dane called , his

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

an eyebrow but didnt press

, their playful banter cutting through the morning air

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