Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir) novel Chapter 23

The council chamber was dim, the flickering firelight casting long shadows across the room. Fenrir sat at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the far wall as the voices of his council echoed around him.

“Alpha,” one of the elders began, his tone cautious, “there’s been increasing unrest among the pack. Some of the younger wolves are questioning recent decisions. They say…” He hesitated, glancing nervously at Fenrir.

“They say what?” Fenrir’s voice was low, but it carried an edge that made the elder falter.

“They say Arianna is overstepping her place,” the elder finished quietly.

Fenrir’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Another voice joined in, this time bolder. “She’s taken liberties with the pack hierarchy, issuing orders as if she’s already Luna. Wolves are beginning to resent her interference.”

Fenrir leaned forward, his fingers drumming against the table. “I’ll address it,” he said curtly.

The elders exchanged wary glances but didn’t press further.

As the meeting concluded, Fenrir remained seated, his mind churning. Arianna’s presence had always been a double-edged sword—a reminder of the past and a source of tension within the pack. Her return had disrupted the fragile balance he had worked so hard to maintain.

When the door creaked open and Arianna herself stepped inside, her sharp gaze immediately found him.

“What was that about?” she asked, her tone clipped.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with,” Fenrir replied, his voice cold.

Arianna’s eyes narrowed. “It’s about me, isn’t it? The council doesn’t like me, and you’re letting them undermine me.”

Fenrir stood, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. “You’ve brought this on yourself, Arianna. The pack respects strength and loyalty—not manipulation.”

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. “And yet you chose me. Or have you forgotten?”

Fenrir’s eyes darkened, but he didn’t respond.

Arianna stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “You need me, Fenrir. You might not want to admit it, but I’m the only one who understands you. The only one who can stand beside you.”

He turned away, his jaw clenched. “You’re mistaken.”

“They’ve located Aurora,” Nathan said. “She’s with Cassian’s pack, integrated into their community. She’s… close to him.”

Fenrir’s chest tightened, a mix of jealousy and fury surging through him. “Close?” he echoed, his tone dangerous.

Nathan nodded. “The reports suggest she’s well-regarded there. Cassian has taken a personal interest in her.”

Fenrir’s jaw clenched. “Prepare a group of trackers. We leave at first light.”

“Alpha,” Nathan said hesitantly, “are you sure this is the right course of action? Aurora left for a reason. She might not want to return.”

Fenrir’s eyes flashed with anger. “She doesn’t have a choice. She’s my Luna. She belongs here.”

Nathan bowed his head, though his expression remained conflicted. “I’ll make the arrangements.”

As Nathan walked away, Fenrir stared out at the forest, his thoughts consumed by the image of Aurora with another Alpha. The idea of her finding peace and purpose away from him was unbearable.

“She’ll come back,” he muttered to himself. “Whether she wants to or not.”