Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

The battlefield's silence stretched into the next morning, broken only by the soft rustle of wind through the trees and the occasional distant howl of wolves patrolling the borders. The once-vibrant northern perimeter was now a grim sight, the ground stained with blood and the air heavy with loss.

Aurora awoke early, her body aching from the endless hours spent in the healer's quarters. Her mind replayed the chaotic events of the night before the faces of the injured, the steady hands of Iris, and the quiet determination in Cassian's eyes as he returned from the front.

She stepped outside, her breath visible in the cool morning air. Wolves moved through the camp, their steps slow and weary as they gathered the dead for burial. The weight of their loss hung over everyone like a shroud.

Cassian stood at the edge of the forest, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He hadn't slept, his mind racing with thoughts of Magnus and the battle that had pushed them all to their limits.

Nathan approached, his steps careful as he came to stand beside him.

"The scouts report that Magnus's forces have retreated beyond the mountain pass," Nathan said. "For now, at least."

Cassian's jaw tightened. "It's not over. He'll regroup and come back stronger."

Nathan nodded grimly. "And we'll be ready."

Cassian didn't respond immediately, his gaze sweeping over the camp. "We need to bury our dead and tend to the wounded. They deserve that much."

Nathan placed a hand on his shoulder. "They followed you because they believed in you, Cassian. Don't let their sacrifice weigh you down."

Cassian's eyes flickered with a mix of gratitude and guilt, but he nodded.

"They followed you because they believed in you, Cassian. Don't let their sacrifice weigh you down."

Cassian's eyes flickered with a mix of gratitude and guilt, but he nodded. "I won't."

***

Aurora found herself drawn to the training grounds later that morning, where Nathan and a few warriors were regrouping. Despite their fatigue, they were sparring with renewed determination, their movements sharp and deliberate. "You're up early," Nathan remarked, pausing to wipe sweat from his brow.

"So are you," Aurora replied, her voice soft.

Nathan offered a faint smile. "No rest for the weary, right?"

Aurora hesitated before speaking. "How... how do you do it? Keep going after everything?"

Nathan's expression grew serious. "Because stopping isn't an option. If we give up, Magnus wins. And I'm not about to let that happen."

Aurora nodded, her resolve hardening. "Then I want to help. More than just in the healer's quarters."

Nathan studied her for a moment, his brow furrowing. "You're not a fighter, Aurora."

"Maybe not," she admitted. "But there has to be something I can do. Something more."

Nathan's gaze softened. "Talk to Cassian. If anyone can figure out how to put you to use, it's him."

Cassian was in the war room when Aurora found him, his expression grim as he reviewed reports from the scouts.

"You should be resting," he said without looking up.

"So should you," Aurora replied, stepping closer.

Cassian glanced at her, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "Fair point."noveldrama

Aurora hesitated, then said, "I want to do more, Cassian. I know I'm not a warrior, but I can still help. Just... tell me how."

Cassian set down the report, his gaze steady as he studied her. "You've already done more than enough, Aurora. You saved lives last night."

"It wasn't enough," she said firmly. "I don't want to just watch from the sidelines anymore. I want to fight for this pack-for you."

Cassian's expression softened, but his voice remained firm. "This isn't your fight, Aurora. You've been through enough."

"And so have you," she countered. "But you're still here, still fighting. Don't tell me I can't do the same."

For a moment, Cassian didn't respond, his gaze locked on hers. Then he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Fine," he said. "But if you're going to help, you'll do it on my terms."

Aurora nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "Deal."