Nathan crouched low beside the glowing glyph, its pulsating light casting eerie shadows on his face. The forest was unnervingly silent, the usual nocturnal sounds replaced by the faint hum of the ancient symbols. Behind him, the scouting party moved cautiously, their movements synchronized like a well-trained unit.

"These symbols are alive," Anica whispered, her golden eyes narrowing as she traced the intricate patterns with a finger. "They're not just draining Aurora-they're feeding something."

Nathan adjusted his grip on his blade. "Feeding what?"

Anica looked up, her voice grim. "Something we don't want to meet."

A low growl rumbled from the darkness. The wolves stiffened, their senses on high alert. The growl came again, closer this time, followed by the sound of heavy footfalls. Shadow beasts emerged from the treeline, their glowing green eyes piercing the gloom. "Defensive positions!" Nathan barked.

The wolves sprang into action, forming a protective circle. The shadow beasts lunged, their claws slashing through the air with deadly precision. Nathan's blade glinted as he met the first attack, his movements sharp and deliberate. Anica hurled bursts of energy, her strikes disrupting the creatures momentarily but not stopping them.

The fight was chaotic, the beasts seemingly endless. Nathan's muscles burned as he swung his blade again and again, cutting down one creature only to face another.

Suddenly, a burst of silver light illuminated the battlefield. Aurora appeared, her presence driving the shadow beasts back. She raised her hands, and silvery tendrils of energy erupted, tearing through the creatures like a storm.

But the power came at a cost. Aurora swayed on her feet, her face pale. Cassian was at her side in an instant, his arms wrapping around her protectively.

"You can't keep doing this," he said, his voice tight with anger and worry.

Aurora's breath came in ragged gasps. "If I don't, who will?"

Back at the camp, the mood was somber. Healers worked tirelessly to treat the wounded, their faces grim as they examined Aurora.

"She's pushing herself too hard," one healer said softly. "The strain on her bond to the Pact is growing. If this continues..."noveldrama

The healer didn't need to finish. Aurora met Cassian's gaze, her silver eyes fierce despite her exhaustion.

"I can't stop," she said. "Not when he's this close."

Selene entered the tent, her presence as cold as the night air. "The Lycan King is counting on this," she said. "The more you fight, the weaker you become. And when the child is born..." Aurora cut her off. "Then we stop him before it comes to that."