35
The forest seemed alive with tension, every rustle of leaves and distant howl adding to the weight pressing on Cassian's pack. Patrols moved in synchronized shifts, their sharp eyes scanning the borders. Despite the heightened defenses, Cassian knew the moment of confrontation was drawing closer.
In the central hall, Cassian stood with Nathan and two senior scouts. A map of the territory was spread out on the table, marked with red ink to denote Fenrir's movements.
"They've split their forces," Nathan said, pointing to the northern ridge. "Two groups are holding back, while a smaller team is probing the southern flank."
Cassian frowned, his arms crossed. "Classic feint. He wants us to think the attack will come from the north, but the real push will be somewhere unexpected."
"Or it's a double bluff," one of the scouts added. "He could hit us from both sides."
Cassian's jaw tightened. "We need to be ready for anything. Double the patrols along the central perimeter. Aurora's safety is the priority."
Nathan hesitated. "Do you think he's coming for her... or for the children?"
The room fell silent.
"He'll use any excuse to justify his actions," Cassian said finally, his voice low. "But his pride is driving this. He sees Aurora as his possession, and he won't stop until he gets her back." Nathan nodded, though the weight of Cassian's words was evident on his face.
Aurora sat in the cottage, the faint murmurs of conversation from outside filtering through the walls. She could feel the tension in the air, her instincts screaming that something was coming. Lila busied herself tidying the small space, but Aurora could see the worry etched into her features.
"You should rest," Lila said gently, glancing at Aurora.
"I can't," Aurora replied, her voice tight. "Not while Fenrir's out there."
Lila sat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her daughter's arm. "You're stronger than you think, Aurora. And you're not alone. Cassian won't let him take you." Aurora nodded, though her fears lingered. She placed a hand over her abdomen, feeling the faint stirrings of the twins. "I just want them to be safe," she whispered. "They will be," Lila said firmly.
At the northern border, Fenrir stood with his trackers, his piercing gaze fixed on the distant cottages. The faint glow of morning light reflected in his eyes, giving him an almost feral intensity. "We're close," he murmured.
Nathan, his Beta, shifted uneasily beside him. "The patrols are stronger than we expected. If we push forward now, we risk a full-scale conflict."
"Let them fight," Fenrir growled. "Aurora belongs with me. Cassian has no right to keep her."
Nathan hesitated. "And what about Arianna?"
Fenrir's eyes darkened. "Arianna's motives don't concern me. Aurora is my Luna. I'll deal with Arianna after I bring her back."
The trackers exchanged uneasy glances but followed Fenrir's lead as he moved deeper into the forest.
Cassian's patrols detected the movement first. A sharp howl echoed through the trees, and within moments, the pack's defenses were on high alert.
Cassian was already at the perimeter when the report came in.
"Fenrir's group has split again," a scout said, his breath coming fast. "They're advancing from the west and north simultaneously."
Cassian's jaw clenched. "He's testing us. Hold the line and watch for a third group. He'll try to slip through the gaps."
Nathan arrived moments later, his expression grim. "It's starting, Alpha."
Cassian nodded. "Get everyone into position. This ends here."
At the cottage, Aurora paced anxiously, her hands trembling. The muffled sounds of activity outside told her the pack was mobilizing, but she felt helpless inside these walls.
Lila stepped in front of her, her voice firm. "Aurora, you need to stay calm. The last thing the babies need is for you to stress yourself into exhaustion."
Aurora nodded, though her heart was racing.
Just then, a guard burst through the door, his face pale. "Alpha Cassian sent me," he said quickly. "Fenrir's wolves are pushing closer. We need to move you to a safer location." Aurora's breath caught. "Where?"
"The safe house near the southern cliffs," the guard replied. "It's fortified and out of their direct path."
Lila helped Aurora gather a few belongings, her own movements brisk but composed. "We'll go quickly," she said, her voice steady.
Aurora nodded, clutching her shawl tightly as they stepped outside. The tension in the air was palpable, the distant howls of wolves sending shivers down her spine.
At the northern edge of the territory, Fenrir watched as his trackers engaged with Cassian's patrols. The clash of wolves echoed through the trees, but Fenrir's focus remained on the central grounds. "Send the second group to the west," he ordered. "Draw their attention away from the cottages."
Nathan hesitated. "If they see through the distraction-"
"They won't," Fenrir snapped. "Cassian is too predictable. He'll protect his territory first and underestimate how far I'm willing to go."
Nathan nodded reluctantly, signaling to the others.
Cassian stood at the heart of the central grounds, his senses sharp as he monitored the reports coming in from all sides. The wolves around him moved with precision, their loyalty to their Alpha unshakable. Nathan approached, his voice urgent. "We've spotted a smaller group breaking off near the western flank. They're heading toward the cottages."
Cassian's chest tightened. "Aurora."
He turned to Nathan. "Hold the border. I'll take a group to intercept them."
Nathan nodded, though his expression was tense. "Be careful, Alpha."
Cassian didn't reply as he shifted into his wolf form, his powerful frame cutting through the pack grounds like a shadow.
Aurora and Lila followed the guard toward the southern cliffs, the narrow path winding through dense forest. Aurora's heart pounded with every step, her instincts screaming that they were being watched. "Keep moving," the guard urged, his tone tense.
But before they could reach the safe house, a low growl echoed through the trees. Aurora froze, her breath catching as a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Fenrir.
His piercing gaze locked onto her, and a slow, predatory smile spread across his face.
"You thought you could hide from me, Aurora?" he said, his voice low and dangerous. Aurora stepped back, her heart racing. "Stay away," she said, her voice trembling but firm.
Fenrir's smile faded, replaced by a dark intensity. "You're coming with me. Now."noveldrama
Before Aurora could respond, another growl broke the tension. Cassian's wolf form leapt into the clearing, his eyes blazing as he placed himself between Fenrir and Aurora. Fenrir shifted immediately, his larger wolf form towering over Cassian, but Cassian didn't flinch.
The two Alphas faced off, their snarls filling the air as the forest seemed to hold its breath.
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