Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 117

The forest was a cacophony of crashing stones and distant roars as the ancient temple behind them collapsed. Dust and debris billowed outward, clouding the moonlight and leaving the group disoriented. Cassian tightened his grip on Aurora, her body growing limp against his chest as the Lunar Key pulsed faintly in her grasp. "Aurora, stay with me," Cassian urged, his voice laced with worry.

Aurora's eyelids fluttered, her breaths shallow as the Pact's energy flickered around her. "I can... feel it," she murmured weakly, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen. "The Key... it's connected to the Pact. To the baby." "We'll figure it out later," Cassian said firmly, scanning the darkened forest for any sign of their team. "First, we get you to safety."

The ground beneath them was slick with fallen leaves and mud, forcing Cassian to tread carefully as he carried her. Anica's distant shouts cut through the chaos, drawing him toward a faint glimmer of light. "Over here!" Anica called, waving their glowing staff to signal the others.

Cassian pushed through the underbrush, his muscles burning as he cradled Aurora closer. Anica rushed to meet them, their golden eyes narrowing as they assessed the situation.

"She's burning through her connection to the Pact too quickly," Anica said, their tone clipped. "If she doesn't stabilize it, she could lose control entirely."

at the sound of Anica's voice, her grip tightening on the Lunar Key. "The Key... it's a part of the Pact,"

camp," Anica said, though their expression betrayed their

quiet. Cassian's sharp senses picked up on the change immediately,

his

the slow encroachment of a dark mist. It slithered

Lycan King's vanguard," Anica hissed, raising their

to emerge from the mist-hulking shadow beasts with glowing red eyes, their snarls echoing through the forest. Cassian set Aurora down carefully, placing her

first beast lunged, its claws aiming for Cassian's throat. He sidestepped deftly, his blade flashing as it cut through the creature's shadowy form. Another beast charged, but Anica intercepted it with a burst of light, momentarily dispersing the mist. Aurora's vision blurred as she watched the fight unfold. The Lunar Key vibrated in her hands, its energy resonating with

she whispered, her voice trembling. "We can't let them

light cutting through the mist like a beacon. The shadow beasts

her, his expression a mix of awe and relief. "Aurora, you