Aurora cradled her daughter close as the glow of the battlefield faded into the dim light of dawn. The camp was a flurry of activity as the wolves tended to their wounded, their movements underscored by murmured words of relief and determination. Cassian, bloodied but resolute, stood at her side, his gaze softening as he looked down at their child.

"She's perfect," he said, his voice low but full of awe.

Aurora smiled through her exhaustion. "She saved us," she whispered, the memory of the radiant surge that had turned the tide of the battle still vivid in her mind.

Selene approached, her expression grave despite the respite they'd earned. "The Lycan King may have retreated, but his shadow hasn't lifted," she said. "The Pact remains unstable, and his influence lingers in the places he's touched."noveldrama

Aurora tightened her hold on her daughter, determination flashing in her silver eyes. "We'll protect her," she said firmly. "And we'll protect the Pact. Whatever it takes."

The pack rallied around their leaders, their unity evident as wolves worked together to rebuild what the battle had destroyed. Anica and Nathan organized efforts to fortify the camp, their orders sharp but encouraging.

Cassian stepped closer, brushing a hand against Aurora's shoulder. "This is just the beginning," he said.

Aurora met his gaze, her exhaustion giving way to resolve. "Then we'll face it together."

As the first rays of sunlight broke through the treetops, the wolves began the slow process of rebuilding, their collective spirit stronger than ever.