Aurora gripped the edge of the cot, her knuckles white as another wave of pain wracked her body. The energy of the Celestial Pact pulsed through her veins, intensifying every contraction and making the process of childbirth almost unbearable. Around her, the healers

worked frantically, their hands glowing faintly as they tried to ease her pain with magic.

Selene knelt at Aurora's side, her sharp gaze scanning the room even as her hands moved in practiced motions to draw glyphs in the air. "You have to focus," Selene said, her voice firm but not unkind. "The Pact is trying to align with her. You can't fight it." "I'm not fighting it," Aurora hissed through clenched teeth. "It's fighting me."

Cassian stood in the doorway, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Outside, the sound of howls and the clash of weapons filled the air. The Lycan King's forces had arrived, their assault more ferocious than ever. Cassian's eyes darted between Aurora and the door. "I should stay," he said, though his voice cracked under the weight of the choice before him.

"You can't," Aurora said, her voice strained but resolute. Her eyes met his, their unspoken bond as strong as ever. "They need you out there. The pack needs you."

Cassian hesitated, his heart wrenching at the sight of her in pain. Selene stood and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Go. We'll protect her," she said. "But if you falter out there, it will cost us everything."noveldrama

Cassian bent down, his forehead brushing against Aurora's. "I'll come back to you," he whispered. "No matter what."

Aurora managed a weak smile, her fingers briefly tangling with his before he turned and disappeared into the chaos.

Outside, the battlefield was a storm of bodies and blood. Shadow beasts surged forward, their howls piercing the night as they clawed at the wolves' defenses. Cassian joined the fray, his blade cutting through the dark creatures with deadly precision. Through the chaos, a single figure stood out-Arianna. She moved like a specter, her strikes swift and merciless as she carved a path through the pack's warriors. Her eyes met Cassian's, and a cruel smile spread across her face.

"Finally," Arianna said, her voice carrying over the din of battle. "I've been waiting for this."

Cassian raised his blade, his jaw set in determination. "You won't get past me."

Arianna laughed, a haunting sound that sent a chill down Cassian's spine. "Oh, I don't need to get past you. I just need to keep you busy."

Their blades clashed, the sound ringing out like thunder as the battle raged around them.