Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

That evening, as the pack settled into uneasy quiet, Aurora wandered toward the edge of the camp. The forest beyond was dark, the trees casting long shadows in the fading light. "Trouble sleeping?"noveldrama

Cassian's voice startled her, and she turned to see him standing a few paces away.

"Something like that," she admitted.

He stepped closer, his presence grounding. "You're worried."

"Aren't you?" she countered.

"Always," Cassian said. "But fear doesn't stop us from moving forward."

Aurora looked away, her hands twisting in front of her. "Sometimes it feels like no matter how hard we try, it won't be enough."

"It will be," he said, his tone firm. "Because it has to be."

She turned back to him, her chest tightening at the intensity in his gaze. "You believe that?"

"I believe in this pack," Cassian said. "And I believe in you."

Aurora's breath caught, her heart pounding at his words.

Before she could respond, the faint sound of howling reached their ears, distant but unmistakable. Cassian's expression darkened immediately.

"That's the western patrol," he said, his tone sharp.

Aurora's stomach churned. "Magnus?"

"Possibly," Cassian replied. "Stay here. I'll handle this."

The camp erupted into motion as Cassian and his warriors prepared to intercept the threat. Aurora stood by the healer's quarters, her chest tight with fear as she watched them leave.

Iris appeared beside her, her expression tense. "Come on. If there's a fight, we'll need to be ready for the injured."

Aurora nodded, following Iris inside.

The battle at the western perimeter was brief but vicious. Cassian and his wolves clashed with a group of Magnus's scouts-Lycans among them. Though they managed to push the attackers back, the cost was high. Cassian returned to the camp bloodied but unbroken, his expression grim as he carried a wounded wolf into the healer's quarters. Aurora rushed to help, her heart pounding at the sight of him. "You're hurt," she said, her voice trembling.

"I'm fine," Cassian replied, brushing off her concern. "Tend to the others."

Aurora hesitated but obeyed, her hands steady as she worked alongside Iris to treat the injured.

Hours later, as the camp settled back into uneasy quiet, Aurora found Cassian by the river. His shirt was torn, and his knuckles were bloodied, but his gaze was steady as he stared out at the water. "You shouldn't be alone," she said, stepping beside him.

Cassian glanced at her, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "I could say the same to you."

Aurora frowned, her hands twisting in front of her. "Is this what it's always like? Fighting, waiting, wondering if it'll ever end?"

Cassian's gaze softened. "It's not always like this. But when it is, you find something worth fighting for, and you hold on to it."

Aurora looked up at him, her chest tightening. "And what are you holding on to?"

His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to fade. "You."

Aurora's breath hitched, but before she could respond, Cassian reached out, his hand brushing against hers. The warmth of his touch grounded her, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a flicker of hope.