Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

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?"noveldrama

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."

The pack spent the day fortifying their defenses. Wolves moved in teams, reinforcing barriers and setting traps along the forest's edge. Aurora worked alongside Iris in the healer's quarters, preparing supplies for the inevitable injuries. "Do you think we'll survive this?" Aurora asked, her voice trembling as she measured out bandages.

Iris paused, her brow furrowing. "We've survived worse, Aurora. And we've done it because we stand together."

Aurora nodded, trying to draw strength from the healer's quiet confidence.

By nightfall, the pack gathered in the central grounds, their tension palpable as Cassian addressed them.

"Magnus is testing us," he began, his voice carrying over the crowd. "He wants to see how far he can push before we break. But we won't give him that satisfaction."

The wolves listened intently, their gazes fixed on their Alpha.

"We've faced rogues. We've faced betrayal. And now we face Lycans. But this pack is stronger than anything Magnus can throw at us. Together, we'll show him what it means to challenge us."

The wolves howled in unison, their voices rising in a powerful chorus that echoed through the forest.

Aurora stood at the edge of the crowd, her chest tightening as she watched Cassian rally his pack. His strength was undeniable, his presence commanding. For the first time, she felt a flicker of hope that they might survive this. 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.