Aurora's breaths came in shallow gasps as she faced the Lycan King. The crystalline structures of the grove glowed faintly, their light fighting against the encroaching shadows. The jagged shard of dark crystal in the Lycan King's hands pulsed ominously, radiating a

corrupting energy that made the air feel heavy and wrong.

"You see, Aurora," the Lycan King began, his tone dripping with malice, "this grove was always destined to be mine. The Pact's energy is a tool-one I've perfected. And now, your child's presence ensures my victory."

"Stay back!" Cassian growled, stepping protectively in front of Aurora. His blade gleamed in the dim light, but the Lycan King seemed unimpressed.

"Brave," the Lycan King said, smirking. "But bravery is no substitute for power."

Aurora straightened, summoning every ounce of strength she had. "You'll never win," she said, her voice trembling but resolute.

"Oh, but I already am," the Lycan King replied, gesturing to the shard in his hands. "This is the heart of the Pact's corruption, and your child's essence is feeding it, bridging the gap between my power and the Pact's purity."

Aurora's stomach twisted. The Pact's energy within her roiled violently, as if responding to his words. She felt the presence of her child, warm but vulnerable, intertwined with the ancient magic.

"Cassian," Aurora whispered, clutching his arm. "We have to stop him."

The Lycan King raised the shard, and a wave of darkness surged outward. Cassian leapt forward, slashing at the tendrils of shadow that lashed toward them. The wolves burst into the sanctum, engaging the shadow beasts in a desperate battle.

Anica hurled glyphs of light, forcing the beasts back momentarily, but the tide was relentless. Nathan fought with ferocity, his growls echoing as he tore through the enemy ranks.

Aurora's eyes locked onto the shard. She knew what she had to do.

The Pact's celestial fragment pulsed faintly in her hand, its light a stark contrast to the shard's darkness. She stepped forward, her legs trembling as she prepared to unleash its power.

"Aurora, no!" Cassian shouted, fighting his way toward her.

But Aurora was resolute. She channeled the fragment's energy, a radiant light spreading through the sanctum. The Lycan King snarled as the light clashed with the shard's darkness, the two forces locked in a violent struggle.

Pain wracked Aurora's body as the celestial energy coursed through her, but she held firm. The light intensified, driving back the shadows inch by inch.

"You think you can stop me?" the Lycan King roared, his voice shaking the sanctum.

"I know I can," Aurora replied, her voice steady despite the agony.

The shard began to crack, its surface splintering under the celestial light. But as the ritual faltered, the grove's energy became unstable. The crystalline structures trembled, their glow flickering. "Aurora!" Cassian reached her side, pulling her back as the shard shattered in a burst of light and darkness.

The explosion sent them both tumbling to the ground. When the dust settled, the Lycan King was gone, but his voice lingered in the air.noveldrama

"This isn't over, Luna. You've only delayed the inevitable."

Aurora collapsed into Cassian's arms, her strength spent. The grove's light dimmed, leaving the sanctum in a fragile, uneasy silence.