Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 30

Fenrir crouched beside the smoldering remains of an abandoned campfire, the scent of Cassian's wolves faint but unmistakable. His trackers stood nearby, their postures tense as they awaited his command. "Close," Fenrir muttered, brushing a finger over the ashes. The faint warmth told him it wasn't long since this site had been used.

Nathan approached cautiously, his tone measured. "The border is just beyond those hills. Cassian's wolves are guarding it well. If we push too far without care, it'll provoke an outright conflict."

Fenrir stood, his eyes fixed on the forest ahead. "Then we move carefully. I'm not leaving without her."

Nathan hesitated, his expression conflicted. "Are you sure she wants to return, Alpha? Aurora made her choice when she left. Bringing her back by force might only-"

Fenrir's glare cut him off. "Aurora is my Luna. She belongs with me. Whatever choices she made were under duress, manipulated by fear. I'll remind her where her loyalty lies."

Nathan nodded, though doubt flickered in his eyes.

As they moved deeper into the forest, Fenrir's thoughts churned. Images of Aurora's soft smile and steady presence haunted him, contrasting sharply with the chaos Arianna had brought into his life. He had let his pride guide his actions before, but now, jealousy and guilt spurred him forward.

Meanwhile, Arianna sat in the holding room beneath Cassian's main hall, her smirk fading as the hours stretched on. The cold stone walls seemed to close in around her, and the distant hum of voices from above grated on her nerves.

The young wolf she had bribed stood guard just outside the door. She could hear his shuffling footsteps and the occasional nervous cough, a sign of his unease.

time," she called out,

keep quiet. If Cassian hears

icy. "I am. And if you don't want to regret your choices,

guard didn't respond, but Arianna could sense

She moved with quiet efficiency, her focus on the task

clearing, his presence drawing the attention of everyone nearby. He nodded to the group before gesturing for Aurora to join

she asked, her voice low

"Fenrir's wolves are moving closer. We've spotted fresh tracks near the eastern

twisted. "Do you

Cassian replied. "But we're ready for

her hands trembling. "Maybe I should leave. If I'm not here, he won't have a reason to attack your

but his tone was firm. "You're part of this pack now, Aurora. Running won't solve anything-it'll only make you more vulnerable. And I won't

sent a rush of conflicting emotions through her gratitude, fear, and something deeper she couldn't

central grounds with purpose, their eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of

the fire, her thoughts racing. Lila was quiet, her knitting needles clicking softly as she

take me

he still believes

over her abdomen, the faint movements of the twins grounding her in the moment. "I