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 mind

to 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 face. "What happened?" Lila

the basket down with deliberate care. "They were

brows knit together. "What

the chair across from her, her voice barely above a whisper. "That his mate

secret, Aurora. Everyone here knows about it-even Cassian himself. But it doesn't define him. If

"And yet they still talk about it. What if they talk about me

but you can decide who you trust. Cassian has already proven

***

the pack grounds, where a small garden lay nestled between two cottages. It

she heard footsteps behind her. Turning,

a few

to

rustle of leaves and

been keeping to yourself more lately. Is

fingers brushing the edge of a mint leaf. "I've just had a lot on my mind," she

steady. "If there's anything you need, you

her throat tightening. "Thank you," she said