Chapter 231 AURORA Golden morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled delicately over the room .

I stretched the ache of my muscles , having danced way too much the night before registered within my brain .

Beside me , Dane shifted , and his arm slid over my waist .

Good morning , he said , his voice husky from sleep .

Morning , I replied , turning toward him .

His smile was soft , his eyes full of warmth .

I think weve officially earned this .

I giggled , moving a wayward strand of hair off his face .

Earned what? A lazy morning ? Exactly , he replied , tugging me closer to him .

After all we have endured , he pinched my nose , After how you screamed my name last night … you definitely deserve rest .

I giggled and as he tried to reach for me , I jumped out of bed and entered the bathroom .

Oh common , its still early , he groaned .

Chapter 231 2/9 The village was slow to awaken that morning , the celebration of the wedding evident in sprinkled flower petals and the soft hum of laughter hanging in the air .

As it approached mid morning , wolves began gathering in the clearing for the first story circle .

I arrived hand in hand with Dane , the cheerful buzz of conversation greeting us .

All right , all , I called , stepping to the center .

Lets hear some stories .

The elders took turns and spoke of successes and failures .

Joclyns voice assumed quiet authority as she led a story through a harsh winter , her words painting vivid scenes of survival and kinship .

Piper and Warrick sat with them , but their playing at banter seemed weird .

Think theyll tell the story of your burnt stew ? Piper teased , nudging Warrick .

That wasnt my fault ! he protested , though the grin on his face betrayed his amusement .

Later that day , Trajan approached Dane and me with an idea in his head .

Ive been thinking , he said , and his voice was contemplative .

We should have a feast .

Not just for celebrations , but to honor the packs history .

Bring everyone together to remember where Chapter 231 we came from .

3/9 Dane just nodded ; his face spoke approval .

Thats a good idea .

Lets make it happen .

Trajan proved contagious about the feast .

He got everybody into its preparation fetched ingredients , made decorations .

I found him seated with Joclyn .

Their heads were bent together as they talked over the finishing touches of the party .

Youre really doing this , I said , dropping into a seat beside them .

Trajan looked up , a rare smile on his face .

It feels … important .

Like something we need .

Joclyn nodded , her gaze steady .

The pack thrives on connection .

This is a way to strengthen it .

Not everything went so well .

Gradually , Rowans behavior had started to shift .

He was faster , almost frantic , to gain attention .

During one of the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility .

Ill get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had spoken .

Rowan , I said softly , we need to hear from everyone .

Chapter 231 He reddened then , nodded , the muscles across his shoulders.

rigid .

4/9 Later , in training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid to impress .

Easy , Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another wolf .

Control , not speed .

Muttering a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his voice .

Later that evening , when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw him come near me .

Luna , he began , his voice faltering .

Yes , Rowan ? I turned to him .

I just .

I want to do more .

To prove myself , he finally said in a rush of words .

I smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder .

You are doing enough .

Still , thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself .

He nodded but his face still showed distress .

Unbeknownst to me , Rowan had been stewing in frustration .

That night , when the pack settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final touches to the feast .

You deserve to be seen , a low , hushed voice said .

Chapter 231 In turning to find Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched his pulse .

What do you mean ? he asked warily .

5/9 That time , when Alina smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily .

You have much potential , Rowan , but you block your path .

The right moment flipped might show them just who you happen to be .

Rowan crossed his arms , a defensive note entering his posture .

And what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the poor light .

Its not something I can define for you .

But when it comes , youll feel it .

Youll know .

Rowan scowled , frustration rising to the surface .

Thats not an answer .

Youre speaking in riddles .

Her laughter was low , almost conciliatory .

Sometimes the clearest truths can only be seen in the shadows .

Youve been watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to step forward .

Stop waiting , Rowan .

Take what you want .

Those words flared something in him , a fire of rebellion and ambition .

Yet alongside it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin tingle .

And what if I do ? he returned , his tone soft .

Chapter 231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice a whisper .

Then , you will finally find your worth .

You shall see that you have no need of anyones approval : not Danes , not Auroras .

Rowans jaw clenched tight .

The storm in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her .

The silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began to sting .

At last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her cloak .

Youll figure it out , she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do , Ill be here .

He watched her figure fade out , while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and over to a melody .

The clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers of lamps .

His eyes darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across , fading away .

In that one moment , his resolve wavered .

He caught Auroras voice , a little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze .

Suddenly , this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache he felt .

Still fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame .

The next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity .

His movements were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to carve out his place through sheer force of will .

Chapter 231 Easy , Dane called , his voice calm but firm .

Youre overextending again .

Rowan gritted his teeth , adjusting his stance .noveldrama

Im fine .

Dane raised an eyebrow but didnt press further .

7/9 Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the morning air .

Try not to embarrass yourself this time , Piper leased , dodging Warricks swing .

Oh , dont worry , Warrick shot back , grinning .

Im saving my best moves for when it counts .

Their laughter grated against Rowans nerves , but he forced himself to focus .

He needed to prove himself not just to Dane and Aurora but to the entire pack .

Later that day , during a meeting to finalize the feast preparations , Rowan saw his chance .

I can handle the scouting for new hunting grounds , he said , his voice firm .

Aurora looked at him , her eyes contemplative .

Thats a big responsibility , Rowan .

Are you sure youre ready for it ? I am , he said in a rush , his eyes locking into hers with determination .

Chapter 231 8/9 Dane looked at Aurora then nodded .

Alright .

But take someone with you .

Its not safe to go alone .

Ill go , Alina said , extending one leg in her wake with a confident grin .

Rowans gut twisted , but he nodded .

Very well .

We leave at first .

light .

Everything was at first uneventful on their reconnaissance mission , the forest passing wordlessly under the muffled footsteps , courtesy of its dense underbrush .

Youre so quiet today , Alina mentioned , the silence breaking abruptly .

Im concentrating , he replied gruffly .

Alina snorted .

Fair enough .

They walked deeper into the forest , the trees growing closer together , light growing dimmer .

All of Rowans senses were on high , catching every sound and movement .

Do you ever wonder what it would be like to lead ? Alina asked suddenly , casual in her tone but deliberate in her words .

Rowan hesitated , his grip tightening on his spear .

What are you getting at ? Just a thought , she said , shrugging .

Youve got the drive , the ajes 101 Jou ajal Chapter 231 9/9 ambition .

But youre stuck in their shadow .

Dont you ever think about stepping out of it ? Rowan stopped , then turned to her .

Why do you keep saying things like that ? Because I see potential in you , Alina said simply .

More than they do .

More than you see in yourself .

Her words sliced to the doubts and longing hed been trying to suppress .

Before he could say anything , the sound of rustling in the bushes drew their attention .

He jerked his spear up , his heart racing .

Probably only a deer , Alina said , but her hand was on the hilt of her dagger .

The tension broke as a small rabbit jumped from the undergrowth , its beady eyes darting around the opening before it skipped off into the bushes .

Rowan let his breath out and lowered the spear .

See ? Alina said , the smirk twisting her mouth once more .

Nothing to be concerned about .