Chapter
95
The forest had begun to feel less hostile as Aurora, Cassian, and their group returned to the pack's borders. The oppressive weight of the Lycan King's presence had lifted, leaving a faint, uneasy calm in its place. Aurora moved cautiously, her steps deliberate as her body
ached from the strain of channeling the Celestial Pact.
The pack gathered at the gates as they arrived, their gazes a mix of concern and hope. Whispers rippled through the crowd, and relief flickered in their eyes as they saw their leaders return alive.
Nathan stepped forward, addressing the wolves in a clear, steady voice. "The fissures have been closed. The Lycan King's hold on them is broken-for now."
A cheer went up, tentative but growing as the pack began to believe in the promise of safety.
Aurora stood slightly apart from the group, her glowing eyes dimmed to their usual golden hue. Cassian moved to her side, his hand brushing hers.
"You should say something," he said gently, his voice low.
Aurora hesitated, the weight of their expectations pressing against her. She nodded, stepping forward to face the pack.
"We've made progress," she said, her voice steady despite her exhaustion. "But this isn't over. The Lycan King will come back, and we need to be ready. For now, rest. Recover. We'll face him together when the time comes." The pack responded with howls of agreement, their unity a comfort against the uncertainty ahead.
In the following days, the camp settled into a tentative rhythm. Wolves repaired structures damaged during the attacks, hunters brought in game, and the injured began to heal under the watchful eyes of the healers.
Aurora spent much of her time assisting wherever she could, her presence a quiet reassurance to those around her. But Cassian noticed the strain in her movements, the way her shoulders tightened when she thought no one was watching. "You need to rest," he told her one evening as they stood near the training grounds.
Aurora shook her head, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "I can't. There's too much to do."
Cassian reached for her hand, his touch grounding. "You've done enough for now. Let others take over. You're no good to the pack if you burn yourself out."
Aurora sighed, her shoulders sagging as the weight of his words sank in. "You're right," she admitted quietly.
Cassian's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll take that as a victory."noveldrama