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?"

Rylan replied. "But they'll know

Let them know. I want Magnus to understand we're

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

his expression softening. "It's not the first

they've worked with someone

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

gaze met hers, steady and unwavering. "We fight. We don't let him break

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 think we'll survive this?" Aurora asked, her voice trembling

Aurora. And we've done it because

to draw strength from the healer's quiet

pack gathered in the central

began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "He wants to see how far he can push before we break. But we won't give him that

intently, their gazes

rogues. We've faced betrayal. And now we face Lycans. But this pack is stronger than anything Magnus can throw at us. Together, we'll show him what it means

voices rising in a powerful chorus that echoed through the

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 approached quietly, her steps soft against the

were incredible tonight," she