Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter

265

The cave offered little warmth, its damp walls amplifying the chill of the night. Elyra sat close to the fire, her knees drawn to her chest as the flames cast dancing shadows across her face. Dain sat opposite her, his back against the rough stone, silent and brooding. "You've been distant," Elyra whispered, her silver hair catching the flickering glow.

Dain's head snapped up, his orange eyes locking onto hers. He opened his mouth, then closed it, struggling for words.

"I'm trying to protect you," he finally said, his voice low and heavy. "From me."

across her face. "From you? Dain,

what's happening to

air, heavy with meaning. Dain stared at her, his resolve faltering as the walls he had built around himself

admitted, his

years of suppressed emotions surging to the surface. Their lips met, tentative

kiss deepened, raw and consuming, as the firelight danced around them. It was a collision of longing and

both were breathless, their hearts pounding. Elyra's fingers lingered on his cheek, and Dain closed his eyes, savoring the touch even as guilt and confusion clawed at him. "We can't,"