Chapter

123

The chamber pulsed with an otherworldly energy as Solara regarded Aurora with eyes that seemed to hold the weight of centuries. Its form was radiant, glowing tendrils of light extending from its body like streams of molten gold. "You are the Luna chosen by the Pact," Solara said. "And yet, the Pact itself is on the brink of collapse."

Aurora tightened her grip on the fractured Lunar Key, feeling the artifact pulse weakly in her hand. "I came here for answers. Tell me how to stop the Lycan King." "The Lycan King is not merely an enemy," Solara replied, its voice solemn. "He is a manifestation of imbalance—a corruption that feeds on the Pact's instability." Aurora's heart sank. "Then how do I fix it? How do I stop him from destroying everything?"

Solara extended a tendril of light, touching Aurora's abdomen. A surge of warmth spread through her, and she felt her child stir in response.

"Your child is the key," Solara said. "A being of untainted essence, born of both worlds. This child's existence can stabilize the Pact and restore balance."

Aurora's breath caught, a mixture of hope and dread welling up inside her. "What does that mean? What do I have to do?"

Solara's form dimmed slightly, its voice tinged with sorrow. "The child's essence must be bound to the Pact. This bond will stabilize its power, but it will also tether the child to the Pact forever. Their life will no longer be their own. They will become a guardian-a vessel for the Pact's will."

Aurora staggered back, her mind racing. "You're saying my child won't have a choice? That they'll be tied to the Pact for eternity?"

Solara's light pulsed faintly. "It is the only way to ensure the Pact's survival."noveldrama

Tears welled in Aurora's eyes as she struggled to process the weight of Solara's words. "There has to be another way," she whispered.

Solara raised a hand, and the chamber filled with swirling visions. Aurora saw her child, grown and radiant, leading a unified world of wolves and humans. But she also saw the toll-loneliness, sacrifice, and an unyielding burden.

"This is the future your child will face," Solara said. "Great power comes at great cost."

Aurora clenched her fists, her voice trembling with resolve. "Then I'll find another way. I won't let my child's life be taken from them—not like this."

Solara's light flared, its form towering. "You defy destiny at your peril, Luna. But the choice is yours to make."

The chamber began to dim, and the portal reappeared behind Aurora. As she stepped back into the wasteland, Cassian caught her, steadying her as she stumbled.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice urgent.

Aurora looked up at him, her silver eyes blazing with determination. "I know what the Pact wants. And I'm not going to let it take my child."