Chapter

165

Aurora sat beneath the shade of a massive oak, cradling her newborn in her arms. Her daughter's faint glow reflected the flickering light of the Pact, mesmerizing those who happened to glimpse it. The wolves in the camp paused often, their gazes lingering on the infant as if drawn by an unseen force. "She's unlike anything we've ever seen," Selene murmured, her voice carrying a mix of awe and unease. "The Pact's presence in her is... undeniable."

Aurora's hand brushed over her child's soft silver hair, a pang of worry beneath her calm exterior. "She didn't choose this," Aurora replied quietly. "I won't let it define her life unless it's what she wants."

Their conversation was interrupted by Cassian's arrival, his expression grim. "Scouts spotted movement near the eastern border," he said. "Arianna's forces are regrouping. If they attack, they'll strike where we're weakest." Aurora's grip on her daughter tightened instinctively. "How long do we have?"

"Not long," Cassian admitted. "I've already set up patrols, but I'll need to oversee the defenses myself."

Aurora nodded, her heart heavy as Cassian leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Stay safe," he whispered.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest, Aurora sensed a shift in the air. The usual hum of life-the rustling of leaves, the chirping of crickets-was replaced by an oppressive silence. She rose, her daughter stirring in her arms. "Selene," she called, her voice sharp.

Selene appeared at her side in an instant, her eyes narrowing. "What is it?"noveldrama

"The bond," Aurora said, her voice tight. "Something's disturbing it."

They both turned toward the darkened tree line, the silence pressing against their ears. Aurora's unease deepened as the weight of the forest's stillness bore down on her.