Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter

41

Later, in the war room, Cassian stood with Nathan and Gideon, his mind already focused on the next steps.

"They'll be back soon," Nathan said, gesturing to the map spread across the table. "And they won't come alone. Fenrir's gathering allies-packs that have lost faith in their leaders, rogues looking for power."

Cassian's jaw clenched. "We can't wait for them to make the first move. If Fenrir consolidates his forces, we'll be outnumbered before we can call for reinforcements."

Gideon leaned against the table, his sharp features shadowed in the dim light. "If you're thinking of striking first, you'd better think twice. Fenrir's not stupid. He'll be expecting it."

Nathan frowned. "We don't have the numbers for a prolonged fight, Alpha. Even with the defenses, we're vulnerable."

nodded, his expression grim. "Then we need to hit him where it hurts-quickly and decisively. A preemptive

it fails?" Gideon asked, his

met his

by the river again, the quiet rush of the water doing little to calm her nerves. She had seen the exhaustion in Cassian's eyes, the weight of the decisions he

to see him approaching, his movements slower than usual. The moonlight cast a soft glow on his features, highlighting the faint lines of worry

them stretching comfortably. Finally, he spoke.

like it's a certainty," Aurora

is," he replied. "Because I won't

wanted to believe him, but the weight of the past and the uncertainty

she said, her voice

looked at her,