Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir) novel Chapter 57

The northern patrols returned at dawn, their arrival punctuated by the sharp sound of howling wolves announcing their presence. Aurora woke to the commotion, quickly throwing on her cloak and stepping outside. The air was crisp, the sunlight pale against the camp’s fortified barriers.

She found Cassian near the central grounds, speaking with Nathan and Gideon. The patrol leader, a grizzled wolf named Rylan, stood before them, his expression grim.

“We caught movement near the western ridge,” Rylan reported, his voice low but steady. “It wasn’t Magnus’s wolves—at least not the regular ones.”

Cassian frowned. “Lycans?”

Rylan nodded. “A small group. They were scouting, but they didn’t cross into our territory.”

Nathan crossed his arms. “They’re testing us. Looking for weaknesses.”

Gideon’s jaw tightened. “If Lycans are in play, we’re going to need a lot more than reinforcements to survive this.”

Cassian’s expression remained unreadable as he turned to Rylan. “Did they see you?”

“We stayed downwind,” Rylan replied. “But they’ll know we’re watching.”

Cassian nodded. “Good. Let them know. I want Magnus to understand we’re ready for him.”

As the patrols disbanded, Aurora approached Cassian, her heart heavy with worry.

“Lycans,” she said, her voice quiet.

Cassian glanced at her, his expression softening. “It’s not the first time I’ve faced them.”

Aurora frowned. “But it’s the first time they’ve worked with someone like Magnus, isn’t it?”

Cassian didn’t answer immediately. “Magnus knows how to use fear as a weapon. Lycans are more than just muscle—they’re a symbol of what he’s willing to do to win.”

Aurora’s stomach churned. “Then what do we do?”

Cassian’s gaze met hers, steady and unwavering. “We fight. We don’t let him break us before the battle even begins.”

Later that night, Aurora found Cassian by the river, his shoulders tense as he stared out at the water. She approached quietly, her steps soft against the grass.

“You were incredible tonight,” she said.

Cassian turned, his expression softening when he saw her. “I just said what they needed to hear.”

Aurora shook her head. “You gave them hope. That’s more than words.”

He smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Hope is a fragile thing. It can be taken away in an instant.”

“Not if we fight for it,” Aurora said firmly.

Cassian studied her for a moment before reaching out, his hand brushing against hers. “You’re stronger than you know, Aurora.”

“And so are you,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, they stood in silence, the weight of their connection heavier than the looming threat of Magnus.