The battlefield was chaos. Shadow beasts surged forward in relentless waves, their twisted forms tearing through the pack's defenses with unnatural speed and ferocity. Wolves fought valiantly, their growls and howls mingling with the cries of the wounded. Aurora's grip on her blade tightened as the searing heat of the Celestial Pact flared within her. The glow in her eyes intensified, her movements guided by a force she barely understood but was determined to wield.

Cassian was at her side, his strikes calculated and unyielding as he protected their path toward the Lycan King. Behind them, Anica moved with sharp precision, their golden eyes scanning the battlefield for openings to exploit. "Keep pushing!" Cassian shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Aurora nodded, her focus fixed on the towering form of the Lycan King. The bond pulsed in her chest, urging her forward even as her limbs ached from the strain.

The shadow commander roared again, its massive form looming over the battlefield. With every step, the ground shook, and wolves scattered to avoid its crushing blows. The creature's claws slashed through the air, carving deep furrows into the earth as it unleashed its fury.

Aurora's breath came in short gasps as she and Cassian advanced. The closer they got to the Lycan King, the stronger the pull of the Celestial Pact became, its energy threatening to consume her.

Anica's voice broke through her thoughts. "Aurora! Focus on the bond. If it spirals out of control, you'll lose yourself before you even reach him."

"I'm trying!" she snapped, her frustration spilling over.

Cassian glanced at her, his expression tight with concern. "You've got this. Just stay with me."

Aurora took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady the energy coursing through her. The warmth in her chest began to stabilize, her movements growing sharper as she regained control.

They finally reached the Lycan King, the oppressive aura surrounding him pressing down on them like a physical weight.

"You're persistent," he said, his voice cold and mocking. "But persistence won't save you."

Aurora stepped forward, her blade glowing with the light of the Celestial Pact. "You don't scare me."

The Lycan King smirked, his gaze flicking to Cassian. "What about him? Or your precious wolves? How many of them will die before you realize this fight is futile?"

Cassian raised his blade, his voice steady. "We're not the ones who should be worried."

The Lycan King laughed, a low, chilling sound. "We'll see."

The fight was brutal. The Lycan King's strikes were impossibly fast, his movements a blur as he battled both Aurora and Cassian. Aurora's blade clashed against his claws, the golden light of the Celestial Pact barely holding against the dark energy that radiated from him. Cassian moved with precision, his attacks forcing the Lycan King to split his focus. Together, they created openings for each other, their movements in perfect synchrony.

But the Lycan King was relentless. With a sharp motion, he sent Cassian sprawling to the ground, his blade skidding out of reach.

"Cassian!" Aurora cried, her heart racing as she moved to shield him.

The Lycan King's smirk deepened. "You can't protect them all, Aurora. Not him. Not your pack. Not even yourself."

Aurora's grip on her blade tightened, her glowing eyes locking onto his. "I'm not afraid of you."noveldrama

The bond to the Celestial Pact surged within her, its warmth turning into a blazing inferno. Aurora felt the energy flood her veins, her blade glowing brighter as the connection deepened.

The Lycan King's expression darkened as he felt the shift in her power. "So, you've begun to understand. But it won't be enough."

He raised his hand, and the shadow commander let out a deafening roar, its form twisting as it drew more energy from the chasm. The battlefield shook as the creature advanced, its massive claws slashing through wolves and shadow beasts alike in its blind fury. Aurora gritted her teeth, the weight of the bond pressing down on her. She glanced back at Cassian, who was struggling to his feet, his determination unyielding despite his injuries.

"We need to finish this," she said, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Cassian nodded, his gaze meeting hers.

As the shadow commander loomed over them, Aurora felt the bond surge again, its energy almost overwhelming. She closed her eyes, focusing on the warmth in her chest, the thread of light that connected her to something greater. When she opened her eyes, the glow had intensified, her entire form radiating with the light of the Celestial Pact.

The Lycan King's gaze narrowed. "Impressive. But you're still too late."

Aurora stepped forward, her blade raised. "We'll see about that."