Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 17

The clearing was alive with music, laughter, and the hum of conversation as Aurora stood on its edge, watching the pack's celebration unfold. Lanterns hung from the low-hanging branches of ancient oaks, their soft glow casting a golden light over the gathered wolves. Long tables were laden with food and drink, and the air carried the mingled scents of roasting meat and blooming flowers.

Aurora adjusted the shawl over her shoulders, hoping to ward off the cool evening breeze, though her unease had little to do with the weather. The celebration marked the end of a bountiful harvest, and nearly every member of the pack was in attendance, mingling freely in a way that felt alien to her. She had spent the past days avoiding too much attention, but now, standing on the sidelines, she felt as though every smile and laugh drew her further into their world.

"Enjoying yourself?"

The voice startled her, and she turned to find Cassian approaching. He wasn't dressed in the formal attire of an Alpha but wore simple, well-fitted clothes that made him seem more approachable. Yet his presence still carried an undeniable authority. Aurora offered a small smile. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice soft. "The way everyone comes together-it's... different."

Cassian nodded, his gaze following hers to the dancing wolves at the center of the clearing. "It hasn't always been this way," he admitted. "But after everything we've been through, we've learned to find joy where we can. It keeps us strong."

Aurora watched him carefully. He spoke with a quiet conviction that she found both comforting and disarming. There was none of the coldness or detachment she had come to associate with leaders like Fenrir. "You've built something remarkable," she said, the words escaping before she could stop them.

to her, his expression softening. "It's not just me," he replied. "A pack is only as strong

to respond. Before she could think of anything to say, a group of wolves called out to Cassian, waving him over

gave her a small smile. "Excuse me," he said. "But don't spend the entire evening on the sidelines.

walked away, Aurora felt a strange tug in her chest. Cassian's

the music growing livelier as the hours passed. Aurora found herself drawn into conversations despite her best efforts to stay in the background. The pack's warmth and openness chipped away at her walls, and by the time she returned to the cottage, her exhaustion was matched only by

waiting for her, a cup of tea in hand

into a chair. "Not intentionally,"

are drawn to you. And it's not just the pack-it's Cassian, too." Aurora looked away, her cheeks warming again. "He's

used when she knew more than she let on. "Cassian doesn't strike me as someone who offers kindness without reason," she

nodded slowly, her fingers curling around the warm tea cup. She had felt Cassian's gaze lingering on her more often in recent days, his questions unspoken but ever-present.