Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 349

Elyra paced the war room, her thoughts a storm of frustration and fear. The map laid out before her showed the grim reality of Dain's rapid conquest. The Ironfang Pack, the Riverstone Pack, and now two more territories-packs that had once sworn loyalty to her had fallen under his control. Shadow markers indicated the positions of Dain's forces, growing dangerously close to her borders.

"We can't wait any longer," Cassian said, slamming his fist on the table. His golden eyes burned with urgency. "If we don't strike first, he'll overwhelm us. We've already lost too much ground."

Elyra stopped pacing, her fingers tightening into fists. She looked at Cassian, the weight of her responsibilities pressing on her shoulders. "If we fight him now, I'll lose him forever."

Cassian's jaw tightened, and he stepped closer. "Elyra, he's not your brother anymore. He's chosen his path, and every day you wait, he gets stronger. If you don't act, you're not just risking him-you're risking everyone who's still loyal to you."

"Do you think I don't know that?" Elyra snapped, her voice cracking. "I can feel him slipping further away. But if I attack him outright, there will be no turning back for either of us."

The room fell into a tense silence. Fenrir, leaning against the far wall, crossed his arms and muttered, "Maybe it's time to stop thinking of him as someone who can be saved." Elyra shot him a glare. "Don't say that."

Selene, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. Her silver eyes were calm but held a weight of their own. "Elyra," she said softly, "there might be another way."

All eyes turned to Selene as she unrolled an ancient, weathered scroll from her satchel and placed it on the table. The symbols etched on the parchment glowed faintly, as if alive with their own light.

"This," Selene explained, "is an ancient ritual created by the first Lunas to combat the corruption of the shard's power. It can sever the shard's connection to its wielder, stripping them of its influence." Elyra's heart leapt with hope. "You mean... I can save him?"

that simple. Severing the shard's power isn't without risk. The ritual demands an extraordinary amount of energy-yours, specifically. And if the shard resists, it could destroy Dain entirely."

replied, her voice heavy with caution. "But you need to understand this isn't just about saving Dain. If you fail, the

dark with doubt. "This is madness. You're risking yourself and everyone

gaze, her voice unwavering. "He's still

hand through his hair. "What do we need for this ritual, then? If we're going

to

sacred place of balance, untouched by

ок

the Eclipse Grove,

in

will be dangerous.

"Then we'll find a way. If this is the only chance I

sudden commotion

"Luna!" he gasped.

issuing orders to prepare the defenses. Elyra, however, stood frozen, her mind racing. "Selene," Elyra said urgently, grabbing her arm. "How long do I have

frowned. "The preparations will take time—at least three days. But if Dain reaches