“And risk losing everything?” Trajan countered quickly and firmly. “We don’t know what kind of backup she has. A direct attack could doom us all.”

A heated debate broke out, voices raised in frustration and overlying one another. Some were for talking, others for force. I said nothing; my eyes were fixed upon the fire and their words moved around me in swirls, like smoke.

“Luna,” Trajan’s steadfast voice cut through the noise; all eyes turned towards me. “This decision stays with you,” he said, respectful yet urgent, “What will we do?”

I opened my mouth, but no words came. My thoughts were a jumble of desperation and fury. Dane’s voice was a weak and broken whisper in my head, “Don’t leave me.” noveldrama

I bunched my fists and breathed hard before looking at Trajan. “We fight,” I said, firm but shaking under the weight of what I said.

The camp was still, only the crackling of the fire there to break the silence.

“And if we fail?” one wolf asked hesitantly.

“We won’t,” Evenlyn replied, as she gave a soft smile and a reassuring nod, she placed her hand on mine.

Trajan nodded, stepping closer. “We’ll follow your lead, Aurora. But remember, this fight isn’t just for Dane. It’s for all of us.”

I turned back to the fire, my mind racing. I couldn’t afford to show doubt now. The fire hissed and spat; I whispered into the roar, “No one will die on my account. Never again.”

Trajan must have overheard me, since he laid a soothing hand on my shoulder. “We’ll get through this,” he murmured.

Still, I watched, mesmerized by the fire as if hypnotized while the Kaida’s jeering echoed in my mind:

Tick tock, Luna. Tick tock.