The fight was unlike anything they had faced before. The construct moved with unnatural speed, its claws slashing through the air as it targeted the group. Cassian and Nathan worked in tandem, their strikes precise as they drove the creature back. Anica circled around, their movements quick and deliberate as they hurled bursts of light at the construct, momentarily disrupting its form.

Aurora focused on the fissure, the energy of the Celestial Pact surging within her as she channeled it into the jagged opening. The light from her blade clashed with the darkness, the two forces colliding in a violent explosion.

The fissure trembled, its glow flickering as the bond's energy began to disrupt the flow of power. But as Aurora pushed harder, the oppressive weight in the air grew stronger, pressing down on her like a vice.

The construct let out a deafening roar, its body reforming as it turned its attention to Aurora. It lunged, its massive claws slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Aurora barely had time to react. Cassian intercepted the attack, his blade colliding with the creature's claws in a shower of sparks. The force of the blow sent him staggering, but he didn't falter. "Focus on the fissure!" he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.

Aurora gritted her teeth, her hands trembling as she channeled more energy into the fissure. The light grew brighter, pushing against the darkness as the fissure began to collapse.

But as the fissure closed, a surge of dark energy lashed out, striking Aurora and sending her flying backward. She hit the ground hard, the air knocked from her lungs as pain radiated through her body. "Aurora!" Cassian's voice cut through the chaos, his concern palpable.

"I'm fine," she managed, though her vision blurred and her limbs felt heavy.

Nathan moved to her side, his blade at the ready as he scanned the battlefield. "We need to get out of here."

"No," Aurora said, forcing herself to her feet. "We're not done."

The fissure shuddered violently, its edges collapsing as the energy within dissipated. The construct let out a final, anguished roar before dissolving into mist, its connection severed.

For a moment, the forest was silent, the oppressive energy lifting.

Aurora swayed on her feet, her breathing labored as the bond's energy settled within her. Cassian caught her arm, his grip steady as he helped her stay upright.

"You did it," he said, his voice low but filled with relief.noveldrama

Aurora shook her head, her gaze fixed on the spot where the fissure had been. "This isn't over."

Anica approached, their expression grim. "She's right. The Lycan King isn't just using these fissures to draw power. He's using them to tear the Pact apart. And if we don't stop him soon, there won't be anything left to save." Aurora's chest tightened as the weight of their words settled over her. She glanced at Cassian, his face pale but resolute.

"We'll stop him," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her. "No matter what it takes."

Cassian nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Then we keep moving."