That evening, the pack gathered around the central fire for a rare moment of camaraderie. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation, the tension that had gripped them for so long beginning to ease.
Aurora sat beside Cassian, her gaze soft as she watched the wolves interact. Nathan was telling an animated story, his gestures wide and exaggerated, while Anica rolled their eyes and muttered sarcastic commentary under their breath. "It feels normal," Aurora said softly, her voice tinged with wonder.
Cassian nodded, his golden eyes warm as he looked at her. "It's moments like this that remind us why we fight. To protect this."
Aurora turned to him, her chest tightening as their gazes met. The flickering firelight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the quiet strength in his expression.
"Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"For what?" Cassian asked, his brow furrowing.noveldrama
"For being here," Aurora replied, her hand resting lightly on his. "For believing in me."
Cassian's grip on her hand tightened slightly, his voice low. "Always."
***
The days stretched into a week, and the pack's sense of normalcy grew stronger. Aurora began to notice small changes-wolves smiling more freely, pups playing in the clearing, laughter replacing the strained silence that had once filled the camp. Aurora and Cassian spent more time together, their bond deepening with every passing day. Cassian's presence was a steady comfort, his quiet strength grounding her when the weight of the Celestial Pact threatened to overwhelm.
One afternoon, as they walked through the forest on a routine patrol, Cassian broke the comfortable silence between them.
"You've changed," he said, his tone thoughtful.
Aurora raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Have I?"
Cassian nodded, his golden eyes warm as they met hers. "You've grown stronger. Not just with the Pact, but as a leader. The pack sees it. They trust you."
Aurora's cheeks flushed, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I'm just trying to do what's right."
"You're doing more than that," Cassian said, his voice steady. "You've given them hope."
Aurora looked up at him, her heart pounding as she saw the sincerity in his expression. "And what about you?" she asked softly. "Do you trust me?"
Cassian stepped closer, his hand brushing against hers. "With everything I have."
Aurora's breath hitched, her chest tightening as his words sank in. For a moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them standing in the dappled sunlight of the forest.