Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 63

The battlefield's silence stretched into the next morning, broken only by the soft rustle of wind through the trees and the occasional distant howl of wolves patrolling the borders. The once-vibrant northern perimeter was now a grim sight, the ground stained with blood and the air heavy with loss.

Aurora awoke early, her body aching from the endless hours spent in the healer's quarters. Her mind replayed the chaotic events of the night before the faces of the injured, the steady hands of Iris, and the quiet determination in Cassian's eyes as he returned from the front.

She stepped outside, her breath visible in the cool morning air. Wolves moved through the camp, their steps slow and weary as they gathered the dead for burial. The weight of their loss hung over everyone like a shroud.

Cassian stood at the edge of the forest, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He hadn't slept, his mind racing with thoughts of Magnus and the battle that had pushed them all to their limits.

Nathan approached, his steps careful as he came to stand beside him.

"The scouts report that Magnus's forces have retreated beyond the mountain pass," Nathan said. "For now, at least."

Cassian's jaw tightened. "It's not over. He'll regroup and come back stronger."

Nathan nodded grimly. "And we'll be ready."

Cassian didn't respond immediately, his gaze sweeping over the camp. "We need to bury our dead and tend to the wounded. They deserve that much."

his shoulder. "They followed you because they believed

mix of gratitude and guilt, but

you because they believed in you, Cassian. Don't let their sacrifice

eyes flickered with a mix of gratitude

***

to the training grounds later that morning, where Nathan and a few warriors were regrouping. Despite their fatigue, they were sparring with renewed determination, their movements sharp and deliberate. "You're up early," Nathan remarked, pausing to wipe sweat

you," Aurora replied, her voice

"No rest

speaking. "How... how do you do it? Keep going after

If we give up, Magnus wins. And I'm not

resolve hardening. "Then I want to help. More than

studied her for a moment, his brow furrowing.

has to be something I can do. Something

figure out how to put you to use,

room when Aurora found him, his expression grim as

should be resting," he said without looking

should you," Aurora replied, stepping

at her, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "Fair