Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 18

The sunlight spilled through the window, catching the edge of the cup in Aurora's hands as she sat at the table, staring at the swirling tea leaves. Her mother bustled quietly around the small cottage, moving with the ease of someone who had long since learned to make a home out of temporary spaces. Aurora lifted the cup to her lips, but the warm liquid did little to ease the roiling in her stomach. She had woken early, already lightheaded and queasy, and the nausea only seemed to grow worse as the day progressed.

"You're running on fumes, Aurora," Lila said, setting down a small plate of bread and cheese. "It's not just morning sickness. You're wearing yourself thin."

Aurora placed the cup down carefully, her trembling hands betraying her. "I can't stop now. The moment I pull back, someone will notice."

Her mother sighed, sitting across from her. "And what happens when they do? You're not just carrying children, Aurora. You're carrying the weight of an entire history. One mistake, and all the work you've done to blend in will come undone."

Aurora's fingers tightened around the edge of the table. She hated that her mother was right. Every interaction, every conversation felt like walking a tightrope. Cassian's kindness only made it worse. His watchful gaze, the way he seemed to sense her fatigue without prying-it all made her feel as though he could see the secret she fought to keep hidden.

"They're strong," Lila continued, her voice softer now. "Your children. They're drawing from you, even now. It's a sign of their power. But you need to protect yourself if you're going to protect them."

Aurora let out a shaky breath, her hand unconsciously moving to her abdomen. "What if I can't?"

"You will," Lila said firmly. "But only if you stop trying to do everything yourself."

***

air, but Aurora

a boy named Elias, noticed her pause and called

forced a smile. "I'm

hard, though," he said, tossing a grin

stomach flipped at his words, though not from her nausea this time. She turned

as the group dispersed to their next tasks, she felt a shadow fall over her. She turned to find Cassian standing nearby, his

yourself too hard," he said, his voice

her apron. "I'm fine, Alpha. I can

he said nothing. "You've been pale for days," he finally said. "And you're not as steady as you think

"I'm just adjusting to the

unkind. "If you need lighter duties, you only have to ask. This pack isn't built on pushing

forcing a small smile. "Thank you, Alpha. I'll keep

for another moment

"Yes?"

you can come to me directly. My

and a burden, making her more aware of