Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter

22

The morning was unusually still, the crisp air carrying none of the lively chatter that usually filled the pack grounds. Aurora walked the perimeter of the central square, her basket slung over one arm, her thoughts swirling as heavily as the low clouds above. The silence felt

like an omen, pressing against her chest.

She passed by a group of wolves stacking firewood near the main hall and caught snippets of their conversation.

"...Cassian will handle it," one of them said.

"Sure, but it's not like he's immune," the other replied. "Not after what happened last time."

Aurora slowed her steps, feigning interest in a flower bed nearby.

The first wolf lowered his voice. "You mean with her?"

"Who else?" the second wolf muttered. "She ruined him. And now everyone's talking about how he's spending time with that rogue."

basket tightened, her pulse quickening. She forced herself

trembling. Lila was sitting at the table, sipping tea, but she immediately set

care.

knit together. "What did

voice barely above a

her chair. "It's no secret, Aurora. Everyone here knows about it-even Cassian himself. But it doesn't define him. If anything, it made him a stronger

it. What if they talk about me that way when they

you trust. Cassian has already proven himself, and he's more

***

the pack grounds, where a small garden

of herbs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Cassian approaching, his expression calm

a few feet

of what to say as he crouched

soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping

noticed you've been keeping to yourself

of a mint leaf. "I've

dark eyes steady. "If there's anything you need, you can come

throat tightening.