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."

tightened, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to move

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

care. "They were talking about

knit together. "What did

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

Everyone here knows about it-even Cassian himself. But it doesn't define him. If anything, it made him a

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

***

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

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

stopping a few feet

to

moments, they worked in silence, the soft rustle of

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

of a mint leaf. "I've just had

nodded, his dark eyes steady. "If there's anything you need, you can come to me. I hope you

looked down, her throat tightening. "Thank you," she