Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 57

The northern patrols returned at dawn, their arrival punctuated by the sharp sound of howling wolves announcing their presence. Aurora woke to the commotion, quickly throwing on her cloak and stepping outside. The air was crisp, the sunlight pale against the camp's

fortified barriers.

She found Cassian near the central grounds, speaking with Nathan and Gideon. The patrol leader, a grizzled wolf named Rylan, stood before them, his expression grim.

"We caught movement near the western ridge," Rylan reported, his voice low but steady. "It wasn't Magnus's wolves at least not the regular ones."

Cassian frowned. "Lycans?"

Rylan nodded. "A small group. They were scouting, but they didn't cross into our territory."

Nathan crossed his arms. "They're testing us. Looking for weaknesses."

Gideon's jaw tightened. "If Lycans are in play, we're going to need a lot more than reinforcements to survive this."

Cassian's expression remained unreadable as he turned to Rylan. "Did they see you?"

downwind," Rylan replied. "But they'll know

know. I want Magnus to understand we're ready for

patrols disbanded, Aurora approached Cassian, her heart heavy with worry. "Lycans,"

softening. "It's not the first time I've faced

it's the first time they've worked

a weapon. Lycans are more than just muscle-they're a symbol of what he's willing to do to win." Aurora's

"We fight. We don't let

fortifying their defenses. Wolves moved in teams, reinforcing barriers and setting traps along the forest's edge. Aurora worked alongside Iris in the healer's quarters, preparing supplies for the inevitable injuries. "Do you

brow furrowing. "We've survived worse, Aurora.

to draw strength from the

in the central

over the crowd. "He wants to see how far he can push before we break. But

their gazes

is stronger than anything

their voices rising in a powerful

the crowd, her chest tightening as she watched Cassian rally his pack. His strength was undeniable, his presence commanding. For the first time, she felt a flicker of hope that they might survive this.

were incredible tonight,"