The camp was silent save for the crackle of the central fire, its light casting harsh shadows over the gathered wolves. Selene stood at the center of the clearing, her presence commanding despite the tension bristling in the air.

Aurora clung to Cassian's arm, her mind racing as she tried to process Selene's words. The claim that her child was tied to the Celestial Pact and to the Lycan King-sent shockwaves through her. "You're lying," Cassian growled, his voice low and dangerous. "What game are you playing?"

Selene met his gaze unflinchingly. "This is no game, Alpha. Your child is special, yes, but not in the way you believe. That child is a vessel a bridge between the Pact and the Lycan King's corruption." Aurora's breath hitched, her hand instinctively moving to her abdomen. "You're wrong. My child is mine."

Selene's expression softened slightly, though her voice remained steady. "I wish I were wrong. But you've felt it, haven't you? The bond pulling you in directions you don't understand? The growing strength of the Pact, even as the Lycan King's forces advance? It's no coincidence."

Cassian's jaw tightened, his golden eyes blazing with fury. "If you know so much, then explain. Why would the Lycan King care about Aurora's child?"

Selene's gaze flicked to Aurora, her tone dropping to a near whisper. "Because he doesn't just want the child. He needs it. Without that child, his corruption of the Pact will fail."

The words sent a ripple of unease through the crowd. Nathan stepped forward, his blade drawn. "How do we know you're not working for him? How do we know this isn't another trap?"

Selene sighed, her eyes hardening. "Because I've sacrificed everything to bring you this warning. I was once one of his followers-one of his most trusted. But I saw what he's planning. What he's willing to do to ensure his reign."

Her voice faltered for a moment, a flicker of something-guilt? Pain?-crossing her features. "I couldn't stay. Not when I knew what he was preparing."noveldrama

Cassian narrowed his eyes. "And what is he preparing?"

Selene took a step closer, her gaze sharp. "The Lycan King's ultimate plan isn't just to corrupt the Pact. He wants to merge it with his own power, creating a new world where he controls everything-light and shadow, life and death." Aurora's chest tightened as the enormity of Selene's words sank in. "And my child?"

Selene's lips pressed into a thin line. "Your child is the key. A being born of the Celestial Pact and untainted blood-a perfect vessel for the merging."

The camp erupted in chaos, wolves shouting and growling as the implications became clear. Cassian raised his hand, his voice cutting through the noise. "Enough!"

The crowd fell silent, their eyes shifting to their Alpha. Cassian turned back to Selene, his voice cold. "If what you're saying is true, then what's your role in all of this? Why come here now?"

Selene's gaze didn't waver. "Because I've seen the cost of his ambition. And because I know the only way to stop him."

Aurora stepped forward, her hands trembling. "Tell us."

Selene hesitated, her expression darkening. "The only way to break his hold on the Pact... is to destroy the child before it's born."

The world seemed to tilt beneath Aurora's feet, her breath catching as the weight of Selene's words hit her like a blow.

"No," she whispered, her voice shaking. "There has to be another way."

Selene's expression hardened. "There isn't. The child's very existence is what gives him power. If you let it be born, you doom us all."

Cassian stepped in front of Aurora, his blade drawn as his golden eyes blazed with fury. "I don't care who you are or what you think you know. I will not let you harm Aurora or our child."

Selene raised her hands, her voice calm but firm. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to give you a choice. You can deny it all you want, but the truth won't change."

Aurora's mind raced, her heart pounding in her chest. "There has to be another way," she said again, her voice desperate. "The Pact... the bond... it wouldn't ask me to do this." Selene sighed, her gaze softening slightly. "The Pact isn't asking. It's demanding. And the longer you wait, the stronger his hold becomes."

Before anyone could respond, a howl echoed through the camp, sharp and urgent.

Nathan turned, his expression grim. "Scouts. Something's coming."

Selene's expression darkened. "He's already here."

The ground trembled beneath their feet, the air growing colder as a shadow spread across the camp. Wolves scrambled to arm themselves, their howls rising in unison as the sky darkened unnaturally. Aurora gripped Cassian's arm, her glowing eyes scanning the horizon. "What is it?"

A figure emerged from the shadows, his form tall and imposing. The Lycan King. His glowing green eyes locked onto Aurora, a cruel smile curling his lips.

"I see my messenger has arrived," he said, his voice cold and mocking. "Thank you, Selene, for delivering them to me."

Aurora's heart plummeted as she turned to Selene, betrayal flashing in her eyes. "You lied-"

Selene's gaze flicked to her, pain flashing briefly in her expression. "I didn't lie. But some truths are easier to hear than others."

The Lycan King raised his hand, the shadows around him coalescing into monstrous forms. "Shall we finish this?"

Aurora's hand moved to her abdomen, her resolve hardening even as fear gripped her. "We won't let you win."

The Lycan King smirked, his eyes gleaming. "Oh, little Luna, I already have."