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."

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

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

down with deliberate care. "They were talking

knit together.

her, her voice barely above a whisper. "That his mate betrayed him. That it ruined

it-even Cassian himself. But it doesn't

to her abdomen. "And yet they still talk about it. What if they talk

across the table, taking her 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 nodded, though the knot in her

***

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

footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Cassian approaching, his expression calm but

few feet away. "May I join

unsure of what to say as he

soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping

Cassian spoke. "I've noticed you've been keeping

of a mint leaf.

need, you

tightening. "Thank you," she