Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 122

The wasteland stretched before Aurora and Cassian, a desolate expanse of ash and jagged rock. The air felt heavy, suffused with an oppressive stillness that pressed down on them with every step. Here, the Pact's influence was faint, like a dim light flickering in the distance.

Aurora tightened her grip on the fractured Lunar Key, its faint pulses of energy her only reassurance. She could feel her child stirring within her, a gentle but persistent reminder of what was at stake. Cassian walked beside her, his posture tense, his golden eyes scanning the horizon for threats.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" he asked, his voice low.

"Yes," Aurora said, though doubt gnawed at her. She could feel the pull of the Pact, a whisper in the back of her mind guiding her forward. "It's here. I can feel it."

The ground beneath them shifted suddenly, and a low rumble echoed through the wasteland. From the ashen ground, spectral figures began to rise, their forms translucent and glowing faintly with an eerie light. They were humanoid but otherworldly, their eyes empty and unblinking as they encircled the pair. Aurora stepped back instinctively, raising the Lunar Key. "What are they?"

Cassian unsheathed his blade, positioning himself protectively in front of her. "They don't look friendly."

The nearest specter stepped forward, its voice a hollow echo. "You seek the heart of the Pact," it intoned. "Prove your worth or turn back."

the ground split open

in what appeared to be a vast, shadowy

materialized around her, their glowing forms casting long shadows. "Face your fears, Luna

her, his body broken and lifeless. Beyond him,

heart pounding as she backed away. "No... this isn't

hollow voices surrounding her. "Do you doubt your strength? Your

forcing herself to steady her breathing. "This isn't real," she repeated, her voice

of warmth filled her chest, her connection to the Pact flaring. The shadows dissipated, and the specters stepped back, their glowing forms softening.

his blade, widening the fissure. "I'm coming down," he

steady. "Stay there. I

a shimmering portal at the far end of the void.

Cassian. His golden