AURORA

It was at the break of dawn, we headed back to Kaida’s camp, I had to tell her I had made my decision, and Dane is mine alone.

We reached and I noticed Orion, the pack’s Alpha was there, he sat in front of Kaida, they were having breakfast and having a discussion. noveldrama

He noticed our presence and leaned back into his chair, his face a mask of weird satisfaction. The flickering light of the torches showed an almost predatory sign to his features.

“Please,” I began, holding my hands together strongly. Evelyn frowned as she saw me doing that, but gave her a nod. They had to trust me, I am doing this the

I am doing this the way I know was best.

I faced Orion and continued, “This doesn’t have to escalate any further. We’re willing to give land enough to sustain your pack’s needs for generations. Resources, alliances, whatever you want.”

His head rolled back in laughter, cutting through the air like a blade. “Do you think I’m here for scraps?” he leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.

“This isn’t about what you can offer, Luna. This is about what I can take.”

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms. “Your quarrel is with the pack, not Dane. He doesn’t deserve to die for this. He’s already…”

“Already what?” he interrupted, his smirking now spreading across his cheeks.

“Suffering? Good. That is what happens when pride blinds a man against the truth.”

Trajan stood beside me. In his calm but firim voice, he said, “You speak about pride, and you play with the life of a man in order to receive benefits. Do you call this honor?”

Humor dancing in the Kaida’s eyes flickered, she folded her arm as she enjoyed the moment.

“Honor?” Orion mocked, his tone an insult. “Spare me your lectures, minions. You’re all the same preaching unity, clawing for control. Don’t pretend you’re better than me.”

I blew out a slow breath, willing myself not to lose my temper. “We’re offering you a chance to avoid more bloodshed. My pack doesn’t want this conflict any more than yours does.”

His eyes narrowed and he rose from her chair, pacing slowly around the room. “Bloodshed is inevitable, Luna. It’s what sustains us, isn’t it? The thrill of the hunt, the taste of victory.”

He got up and walked in front of me, Trajan and Evelyn shifting on both my sides, protective of me, Orion’s smirk returned. “I’ll humor you. What’s your final offer?”

My voice shook a little as I said, “A truce temporary, shared territory, and our resources to see your pack through the transition. Just don’t let him die.”

The camp was silent for a moment before Kaida stood up, throwing her head back as though I’d just told her the funniest joke she ever heard.

“Save him?” she repeated, stepping closer, to Orion. “You misunderstand, Luna. This isn’t about saving anyone. It’s about watching you beg, knowing your every effort is futile.”

My heart sank, yet I refused to back down. “There must be something… anything else that will convince you.” My voice cracked, desperation clawing at the edges.

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