Nathan's words hung in the air like a fragile promise, but the unease in the camp was palpable. Some wolves nodded in quiet agreement, their gazes steady, while others exchanged uncertain glances. The losses from the previous battle had left scars deeper than physical wounds, and Aurora could feel the weight of their doubt pressing against her chest.

As the crowd dispersed, she caught snippets of conversation.

"She's strong, but is it enough?"

"She brought the Lycan King here. She's tied to all of this."

Aurora clenched her fists, the whispers stinging more than she wanted to admit.

Back at the central tent, Cassian sat propped against a makeshift bed, his injuries still limiting his movement. Anica stood nearby, their arms crossed as they watched Aurora pace restlessly. "They're questioning me," Aurora said, her voice tight. "I can feel it."

"They're questioning everything." Anica replied. "It's what happens when fear takes root."

Cassian gestured for Aurora to sit, his expression calm but firm. "They'll follow you if you give them a reason to. Right now, they're scared. They need to see you as their leader."

"I didn't ask to lead them," Aurora muttered, but she sank into the chair beside him anyway.

Cassian leaned forward slightly, his wince barely concealed. "It doesn't matter. You're the one who can stop the Lycan King. Whether you like it or not, they're looking to you."

Aurora met his gaze, the determination in his eyes steadying her. "Then I'll prove to them I'm worthy of their trust."

The following morning, Aurora stood before the pack as they gathered near the training grounds. The sun cast long shadows over the group, highlighting the tension in their expressions.

"I know you're afraid," she began, her voice carrying over the murmurs. "I am too. But fear doesn't mean we've lost. It means we still have something worth fighting for."

Her glowing eyes swept over the crowd, their faint light a reminder of the Celestial Pact's power. "The Lycan King wants us divided. He wants us to doubt each other. But we're stronger together. And I promise you, I won't stop fighting until this is over." The crowd fell silent, their gazes shifting between Aurora and each other. Slowly, a few wolves stepped forward, their expressions resolute.

"We're with you," one said, their voice firm.

More wolves followed, their murmurs of agreement growing louder until the tension in the air began to lift.

Later that day, Aurora joined Anica and Nathan to discuss their next steps.

"We need to take the fight to him," Nathan said. "Waiting here isn't an option. He'll keep wearing us down until there's nothing left."noveldrama

"We can't attack blindly," Anica countered. "If we rush in without a plan, we'll lose more than we already have."

Aurora's brow furrowed as she studied the map spread out before them. "What about the fissures? The ones his shadow commander created?" Anica's eyes narrowed. "What are you thinking?"

"If those fissures are tied to the bond," Aurora said slowly, "then they might also be his weakness. If we can disrupt the energy flowing to him-"

"We weaken his connection to the Pact," Anica finished, a faint smirk tugging at their lips. "It's risky, but it could work."

Nathan nodded. "Then that's our target."

As the camp prepared for the mission, Aurora found herself alone with Cassian once more. He was stronger now, though the bruises on his face and the stiffness in his movements were a stark reminder of the cost of their fight. "You're going after the fissures," he said, his tone even but laced with concern.

Aurora nodded. "It's the only way."

Cassian reached for her hand, his fingers warm against hers. "Be careful. I can't lose you."

"You won't," Aurora said softly, her voice firm despite the fear gnawing at her. "We'll end this. Together."

Cassian smiled faintly, the tension in his face easing. "Then let's make sure we do."