Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

The silence in the pack's central grounds was broken only by the rhythmic crunch of Cassian's boots as he escorted Arianna toward the main hall. Her hands were bound behind her back, though the defiance in her stride suggested she didn't see herself as a prisoner.

"You've overstepped," Cassian said, his tone sharp.

"I've done what was necessary," Arianna retorted, her voice laced with disdain. "Something you clearly haven't done."

Cassian stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His dark eyes locked with hers, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

"You think trespassing into my territory and threatening one of my pack members is necessary?" he growled. "You're lucky I didn't kill you on sight."

Arianna smirked, tilting her head. "Kill me? Wouldn't Fenrir love to hear about that? The mighty Cassian, murdering a former mate's ally. What would that do to your reputation, I wonder?"

Cassian's jaw tightened, but he didn't take the bait. Instead, he resumed walking, his grip firm as he led her into the hall. Nathan was waiting just inside, his arms crossed as his sharp eyes swept over Arianna. "She's bold," he said dryly. "She's reckless," Cassian corrected, pushing Arianna forward. "Secure her in the holding room. I'll deal with her later."

Arianna's laughter followed him as Nathan took her away, the sound grating on his nerves.

Back at the cottage, Aurora paced the small living space, her heart racing. The guards stationed outside reassured her somewhat, but the weight of uncertainty pressed down on her. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was spiraling out of control-something she couldn't stop.

Lila watched her with quiet concern, setting aside the sewing she had been working on. "You should sit down," she said gently. "Pacing won't solve anything."

Aurora stopped, running a hand through her hair. "I can't just sit here, Mom. I feel like..." She trailed off, her throat tightening.

"Like everything is slipping away?" Lila finished for her.

Aurora nodded, her hands trembling.

Lila crossed the room, placing a reassuring hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Cassian has everything under control. You need to trust him--and trust yourself."

Aurora swallowed hard, her mother's words a small comfort. But as the night stretched on, her unease didn't fade.

***

In the holding room beneath the main hall, Arianna sat on a wooden bench, her bound hands resting on her lap. She leaned back against the cold stone wall, her expression smug despite the chains around her wrists. Nathan stood guard at the door, his sharp gaze fixed on her. "You don't seem too worried," he said, his tone flat.noveldrama

"Why would I be?" Arianna replied with a smirk. "You think chains and a locked door can stop me?"

Nathan's lips twitched in faint amusement. "I think you underestimate how far Cassian is willing to go to protect this pack."

Arianna leaned forward, her smirk widening. "And you underestimate how far I'm willing to go to destroy Aurora."

Nathan's eyes narrowed, but he didn't respond. Instead, he turned his attention back to the door, ensuring she didn't see the flicker of unease in his expression.