The camp's somber quiet was punctuated by the sound of sharpening blades and murmured prayers. Warriors exchanged terse glances as they prepared for the inevitable clash. Cassian stood at the edge of the strategy tent, his arms crossed, watching the pack assemble. His golden eyes darted to the tent flap as Aurora pushed through, her silver hair catching the torchlight.

"You shouldn't be here," Cassian said, his tone firm. "You need rest."

Aurora ignored him, her expression unyielding as she approached the map sprawled across the table. The glow of the Celestial Pact flickered faintly in her eyes. "We can't wait any longer," she said. "He's too close to the heart."

Anica stepped into the tent, their golden eyes scanning the gathered leaders. "The Lycan King isn't just advancing," they began. "He's drawing his forces to a single point-deep within the forbidden territory."

Cassian's jaw tightened. "You're suggesting we send people in there?"

"I'm suggesting we go," Anica countered. "If he reaches the heart of the Pact first, there won't be a war-there'll only be defeat."

Aurora placed her hand on the table, her fingers tracing the rough outline of the forbidden territory. "I'm going," she said, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. Cassian stiffened. "Absolutely not."

Her gaze met his, fierce and unyielding. "The Pact chose me, Cassian. It will guide me, just as it has before."noveldrama

"It's not just about you," Cassian snapped, his voice rising. "You're carrying our child. Do you even understand the risk?"

Aurora's expression softened, but her resolve didn't falter. "I do. But this child isn't just ours. It's part of the Pact. If we lose it, we lose everything."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Cassian exhaled sharply, his shoulders sagging. "Then I'm coming with you."

Aurora's lips curved into a faint smile. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

That night, Aurora lay on the cot in their tent, the soft rustle of wind against the canvas the only sound. Her hand rested on her abdomen, where a faint warmth pulsed beneath her palm. She closed her eyes, and for the first time in days, she felt a quiet calm-a connection that transcended fear and pain.

The child's presence was stronger than ever, a reassuring glow that seemed to radiate through her entire being. She whispered softly, her voice carrying both wonder and resolve. "You're my light."

Cassian's shadow crossed the tent as he stepped in, his expression softening at the sight of her. He sat beside her, his hand covering hers. "You'll come back," he said, his voice a quiet promise. "Both of you."

Aurora turned her head, meeting his gaze. "We will."

Anica's scouting group moved cautiously through the forest, the dense canopy above filtering the moonlight into fractured beams. The trees here seemed to grow unnaturally close, their gnarled roots twisting like veins through the earth. The air was thick, each breath a struggle against the oppressive energy pressing down on them.

"Stay sharp," Nathan murmured, his blade drawn as his eyes scanned the shadows.

Ahead, a faint glow pulsed through the trees. Anica raised a hand, signaling the group to halt. "It's just ahead," they whispered.

The group crept forward, the glow intensifying with each step until they reached a clearing. At its center stood a massive beast, its hulking form silhouetted against the eerie light emanating from a fissure in the ground. The creature's skin was black and slick, its eyes glowing an unnatural green. It turned its head slowly, sniffing the air before fixing its gaze on the intruders. Nathan tightened his grip on his blade, his voice low. "That's no ordinary shadow beast."

"It's a guardian," Anica said grimly. "He's protecting something important."

The creature let out a low growl, its muscles rippling as it crouched, preparing to strike. The group tensed, weapons raised as the beast charged, the ground trembling beneath its massive weight.

The first clash echoed through the forest, signaling the start of a battle that could decide the fate of the Pact.