Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 21

The forest was still and serene, but Aurora felt anything but calm. She moved through the gardens with careful precision, her basket in one hand as she picked herbs from the communal plots. Each pluck of leaves seemed to require more energy than the last. Her breaths

came slower now, her body feeling heavier with each passing day.

She paused to steady herself, glancing around to ensure no one had noticed her moment of weakness. The distant sound of wolves training in the central grounds carried on the wind, mingling with the rustle of leaves.

"You've been quieter than usual," Lila said as she approached, carrying her own basket of gathered vegetables. Her mother's sharp eyes studied her. "What's going on, Aurora?"

Aurora hesitated, her gaze dropping to the basket in her hand. "Nothing. Just tired."

Lila's lips pressed into a thin line. "You can't keep brushing me off. You've been hiding behind your chores, pushing yourself too hard, and it's obvious something is weighing on you."

Aurora set her basket down, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know what to do, Mom," she admitted softly. "Cassian keeps watching me like he's waiting for something, and every time I feel his kindness, it just makes it worse. I'm lying to everyone here."

Lila moved closer, her voice gentle. "You're protecting yourself and your children. That's not a lie it's survival. But you can't let fear keep you from trusting someone who clearly cares about you."

I tell him the truth, and it changes everything? What if

in every decision he's made. But if you wait too long, you might push him

as her mother's words settled over her. Deep down, she knew Lila

***

kitchen. The warmth of the firelight illuminated the space, and the comforting scent of roasted

efficient and coordinated. They laughed and teased one another, their camaraderie evident. Aurora envied how easily they seemed to belong here, unburdened by

of the younger wolves, a girl named Mara, approached her with

forcing a smile. "I'm just

ever think

Aurora could respond, Cassian entered the room. His presence was immediate, commanding attention without demanding it. Mara quickly excused herself, and Aurora busied herself with

to face him, her heart pounding.

for her to step aside, and she followed him to a quieter corner of

been distant,"

sorry," Aurora replied quickly. "I didn't mean

gently. "I just want to understand what's going on. You've been part of