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?"

replied. "But they'll know we're

know. I want Magnus to understand we're ready

Cassian, her heart heavy with worry. "Lycans," she said, her voice

her, his expression softening. "It's not the

frowned. "But it's the first time they've

just muscle-they're a symbol of what he's willing to

"We fight. We don't let him break

day 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

furrowing. "We've survived worse, Aurora. And we've

strength

the central grounds, their tension palpable

crowd. "He wants to see how far he can push

wolves listened intently, their gazes fixed on

this pack is stronger than anything Magnus can throw at

rising in a powerful chorus that

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. Later that night, Aurora found Cassian by the river, his shoulders tense as he stared out at the water. She

were incredible tonight,"