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."

the basket tightened, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to move past them, her

the cottage, her hands were trembling. Lila was sitting at the table, sipping tea, but she immediately set her cup down when she saw Aurora's pale

basket down with deliberate care. "They were talking about

brows knit together. "What

voice barely above

chair. "It's no secret, Aurora. Everyone here knows about it-even

to her abdomen. "And yet they still talk about it. What if they talk about me that way when they find out

daughter's hand. "You can't control what people say, but you can decide who you trust. Cassian has already proven himself, and he's more than capable of handling a little gossip." Aurora

***

the far side of the pack grounds, where a small garden

herbs when she heard footsteps

he greeted, stopping a few

to say as

in silence, the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filling the space between

noticed you've been keeping to yourself

her fingers brushing the edge of a mint leaf. "I've just had

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

tightening. "Thank you," she said