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."

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

the table, sipping

hesitated, setting the basket down with deliberate care. "They were talking about

together. "What

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

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

pressed a hand to her abdomen. "And yet they still talk about it. What if they talk about me that way when they

you can decide who you trust. Cassian has

***

seek clarity. She wandered to the far side of the pack grounds, where a small garden lay nestled between two cottages. It was quieter

was crouched beside a bed of herbs when she heard footsteps behind her.

greeted, stopping a few feet away.

to say as he crouched beside

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

you've been keeping

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

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

throat tightening. "Thank you," she said