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

the table, sipping tea, but she

basket down with deliberate care. "They were talking about

together. "What

barely above a whisper.

secret, Aurora. Everyone here knows about it-even Cassian himself. But it

yet they still talk about it. What if they talk

has already proven himself, and he's more than capable of handling a little

***

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

herbs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Cassian

he greeted, stopping a few feet away.

what to say as he crouched

of leaves and the distant chirping of

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

mint leaf. "I've just had a lot

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

her throat tightening.