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

was sitting at the table, sipping tea, but she immediately set her cup down when she saw Aurora's pale face. "What happened?" Lila

with deliberate care. "They were

brows knit together. "What did they

her, her voice barely above

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

it. What if

what people say, but you can decide who you trust. Cassian has already proven himself,

***

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

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

a few feet away.

unsure of what to

worked in silence, the soft rustle of leaves

"I've noticed you've been keeping to yourself

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

need, you can come

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