Chapter

102

The morning after the Lycan King's attack, the camp was buzzing with unease. At a council meeting, tempers flared as some members voiced doubts about Aurora's leadership.noveldrama

"She's putting all of us in danger," one elder said, his tone sharp. "Her child is a liability, and now the Lycan King is targeting us because of it."

Cassian's fist slammed onto the table, silencing the room. "She's the reason we're still alive!" he growled, his golden eyes blazing.

Aurora, who had been standing outside the tent, couldn't bear to hear more. She turned and walked into the forest, her steps quick and uneven. She didn't stop until she reached a clearing, where she collapsed against a tree, her breaths shaky. Moments later, Cassian found her. He approached slowly, his usual commanding presence softened. "Aurora," he began, kneeling beside her. "Don't listen to them. They don't understand what you've sacrificed."

She looked up at him, her silver eyes glistening. "Maybe they're right. Maybe I'm the reason we're all in danger."

Cassian reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers. The warmth of his touch steadied her, and his voice was firm but tender. "You're the reason we're fighting at all. Don't forget that."

Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around them disappeared. Cassian's hand lingered on hers, his golden eyes softening as he leaned closer.

But before the tension could break, Selene emerged from the shadows, her voice cutting through the moment. "We have a problem."

Selene led them to the edge of the camp, where strange glyphs were etched into the ground. They glowed faintly, pulsating with dark energy.

"These are ancient symbols," Selene explained. "They weaken your bond to the Pact. The Lycan King is preparing to sever it entirely." Aurora's hand instinctively went to her abdomen, protectiveness flaring in her chest. "How do we stop it?"

Selene's expression was grim. "We don't. We prepare."