Chapter 234 AURORA Dane and I didnt make a sound as we readied for bed , other than the soft crackle of the fireplace .

I hauled the cover up , and my spine sent a shiver .

Not cold just that there was something nestled ill in my chest .

Are you good ? Dane asked gruffly as he unbuckled his belt , tossed it over one of the chairs , and started laying out his sword .

He raised only an eyebrow skeptic , but let the matter drop .

I turned toward the window where the darkness out there pulled in very long shrouds by moonlight .noveldrama

I almost missed it just the least susurrus filtering to my ears .

Listen , do you hear that ? I whispered suddenly , with my fingers tightened into the covers edge instinctively .

Dane stopped dead , his eyes two glinting brown daggers flew to the window .

Stay here , he said , grabbing a jacket as he whirled toward the door .

Dane Stay .

There was no rise , no fall to the word , no room for discussion .

I sat frozen as he stepped outside .

The sound of the door closing Chapter 234 itself .

like the quiet sucking of a sound from the universe .

My heart was hard in my chest and listening for anything beyond the pop and hiss of the fire .

2/8 Danes heavy feet ground against the dirt as he walked around the cabin .

He moved in slow , powerful strides , then stopped .

I didnt catch what Rowan said in return , but there was an edge to Danes tone now .

What are you doing out here ? A moment of silence fell , then Rowans voice was quick , just a shade defensive : Just checking the perimeter .

Thought I heard something and wanted to make sure everything was secure .

Dane didnt say anything for several seconds .

Thats not your job , he said finally .

If youre concerned about security , report to me .

Otherwise , keep away from this house unless summoned .

Another silence , then Rowan muttered something I couldnt .

catch .

A few minutes later , Dane was back , his jaw clenched .

It was Rowan , he said simply , closing the door behind him .

Rowan ? I repeated , puzzled .

Said he was checking the perimeter , Dane said , lowering himself heavily onto the edge of the bed .

But something felt … off .

I frowned , the uncase in my chest deepening .

Ill talk to him Chapter 234 tomorrow , I said softly .

3/8 Dane nodded , though his expression remained tense .

Be careful with him , Aurora .

Convinced , the next morning , which was our time , the pack was summoned to a conclave .

Morning was crispy yet light and airy opposite of the chill of winter .

The tension of last night refused to go away from me .

I spoke to plans for extending our defenses and binding the community closer together , but Rowan just stood at the back of the room , crossing his arms .

His eyes were too bright a question I couldnt find the words to answer .

Luna , he said suddenly , cutting me off mid sentence .

The pack fell silent ; all eyes turned to Rowan .

My stomach knotted .

Yes ? I asked , keeping my tone steady .

You speak of community , of unity , Rowan said , his voice , carrying across the silent crowd .

But what is it to us when some wolves are always given favors and others are pushed aside ? Murmurs swept through the pack .

Rowan , I said cautiously , every wolf in this clearing has worth .

If you have felt disrespected , I apologize , but … Spare the condescension , he cut in , venom coating every word .

Chapter 234 I stuttered , at a complete loss .

4/8 Whats your problem , Rowan ? Piper asked , striding forward , hands akimbo , eyes flashing bright as a cut blade .

This isnt about you being ignored ; this is about you wanting attention , pure and simple .

Darkness crossed Rowans face .

You dont know anything about me , Piper .

I know enough , she shot back .

Enough to know this little .

outburst has a lot more to do with you than it does with the pack .

The pack muttered again , eyes flicking from Rowan to Piper .

Enough , I said firmly , stepping between them .

Not the time , not the place .

He turned to me , his jaw tight , then whirled off without another word .

Later in my office , I attempted to let the confrontation with him go to focus on the stack of reports that lay before me on my desk .

My thoughts kept straying back to Rowan how angry het was , frustrated .

Where from ? A sharp knock at the door jerkily pulled me from my thoughts .

Come in , I called out .

Chapter 234 5/8 Piper came in , looking a bit sheepish .

Sorry about earlier , she said , rubbing the back of her neck .

I just couldnt stand there and let him talk to you like that .

I understand , I said , offering her a small smile .

But next time , let me handle it , okay ? She nodded , looking relieved .

Got it .

She was gone , and I turned to my desk once again only to realize that there was now a folded note lying on my desk .

I furrowed my face ; for I knew clearly there had lain nothing here but a minute before .

She opened it .

Shudders traveled down as , in shaking hand scripted , she read aloud : Youre not so flawless , they think you are .

My gaze fixed on the note in my hand , while my heart went on racing .

Misshapen letters , words weighing a great deal heavier with me than the ink was written with : Youre not as perfect as they think you are .

Who would do this ? Automatically , my brain leapt to Rowan , but the suspicion got nixed instantly .

This was something .

entirely different , because it was planned .

I folded the note with care , slid it into my drawer , and made a mental note to deal with it later .

The pack needed me focused , not distracted by some anonymous threats .

Chapter 234 6/8 I tried to shake the feeling of unease for the rest of the day , throwing myself into work .

Outside the training grounds , Piper caught up with me , a mixture of guilt and determination on her face .

Hey , she said , falling into step beside me .

Hey , I replied my tone light , though my chest could have stayed clutched up all day , honestly .

About earlier … Pipers voice trailed off ; her fingers tugged at the edge of her sleeve .

I shouldnt have snapped at Rowan like that .

I mean , he deserved it , but still .

I gave her a faint smile .

Your heart was in the right place , but you have to remember , the pack looks to us for guidance .

When they see us losing our temper , it sets them on edge .

Piper nodded , her gaze falling .

Youre right .

Its just I dont like seeing anyone speak to you this way .

I appreciate that , I said , laying a hand on her shoulder .

But next time , let me handle it , okay ? Deal , she said with a slight curve of the lips .

Much later that afternoon , I found myself wandering into the packhouse library .

It was a small space , sunlit and silent ; a place to think .

I settled into a chair by the window , outside of which came the faint hum of pack life .

Chapter 234 7/8 Words that teased me , playing a macabre waltz in my brain , as if my brain wanted to drive me mad .

It was an oversight I wanted dearly to make but couldnt .

Was this a warning , a threat , or something more ? Luna ? I looked up to find Joelyn standing in the doorway , and in one second , she had settled me with her serenity .

Joclyn , I said , gesturing to her .

What brings you here ? She sat back in the chair opposite me , hands folded neat in her lap .

I couldnt help noticing that you appeared … distracted , today .

I did not particularly feel like discussing the note .

Still , Joclyn has always shown good sense and experience ; above almost anyone else I respect her perception and judgment .

I pulled out the note and passed it to her .

She read in silence , expression unreadable .

This is disturbing , she said finally , her voice low .

I dont know who wrote it , I admitted .

But it feels … personal .

Joclyn nodded slowly .

You have made hard choices as Luna , and not everyone will agree with them .

But this … , She lightly tapped the note with her fingers .

This feels like more than simple dissent .

Chapter 234 What should I do ? I asked , barely above a whisper .