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."

voice trembling. "What if I tell him the truth, and

in every decision he's made.

mother's words settled over her.

***

and the comforting scent of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air. Yet she couldn't shake the

her worked in pairs, their movements efficient and coordinated. They laughed and teased one another, their camaraderie evident. Aurora envied how

stacking plates when one of the younger wolves, a girl named Mara, approached her with a curious expression. "You're really graceful, Aurora," she said, her tone admiring. "Like

stiffened, forcing a smile. "I'm just doing my part,"

head. "Do you ever think about staying here?

presence was immediate, commanding attention without demanding it. Mara quickly excused herself, and Aurora busied herself with the plates, hoping to avoid his gaze. "Aurora," Cassian said, his

him,

to a quieter corner of the room. His expression

been distant,"

quickly.

apology I'm looking for," he interrupted gently. "I just want to understand what's going on. You've been