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."

on the basket tightened, her pulse quickening. She

time she returned to the cottage, her hands were trembling. Lila was sitting at the table, sipping tea, but she immediately set her

the basket down with deliberate care.

brows knit together. "What did

into the chair across from her, her voice barely above a whisper. "That his mate betrayed him. That it ruined

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

it. What if they talk about me that way when

but you can decide who you trust. Cassian has already proven himself, and he's more

***

Aurora 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

crouched beside a bed of herbs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Cassian approaching, his expression calm but

few feet away. "May I join

to say as he crouched

rustle of leaves and the

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

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

need, you can come to

throat tightening. "Thank you," she