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."

basket tightened, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to

returned to the cottage, her hands were trembling. Lila was sitting at the table, sipping tea, but she immediately set her cup down when she saw Aurora's

the basket down with deliberate care. "They were talking

knit together. "What did they

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

back in her chair. "It's no secret, Aurora. Everyone here knows about it-even Cassian himself. But it

abdomen. "And yet they still talk about it. What if they talk about me that way when they

can't control what people say, but you can decide who you trust. Cassian has already

***

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

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

greeted, stopping a few feet away. "May I join

unsure of what to say as he crouched

rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds

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

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

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

throat tightening. "Thank