Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

The sunlight spilled through the window, catching the edge of the cup in Aurora's hands as she sat at the table, staring at the swirling tea leaves. Her mother bustled quietly around the small cottage, moving with the ease of someone who had long since learned to make a home out of temporary spaces. Aurora lifted the cup to her lips, but the warm liquid did little to ease the roiling in her stomach. She had woken early, already lightheaded and queasy, and the nausea only seemed to grow worse as the day progressed.

"You're running on fumes, Aurora," Lila said, setting down a small plate of bread and cheese. "It's not just morning sickness. You're wearing yourself thin."

Aurora placed the cup down carefully, her trembling hands betraying her. "I can't stop now. The moment I pull back, someone will notice."

Her mother sighed, sitting across from her. "And what happens when they do? You're not just carrying children, Aurora. You're carrying the weight of an entire history. One mistake, and all the work you've done to blend in will come undone."

Aurora's fingers tightened around the edge of the table. She hated that her mother was right. Every interaction, every conversation felt like walking a tightrope. Cassian's kindness only made it worse. His watchful gaze, the way he seemed to sense her fatigue without prying-it all made her feel as though he could see the secret she fought to keep hidden.

"They're strong," Lila continued, her voice softer now. "Your children. They're drawing from you, even now. It's a sign of their power. But you need to protect yourself if you're going to protect them."

Aurora let out a shaky breath, her hand unconsciously moving to her abdomen. "What if I can't?"

"You will," Lila said firmly. "But only if you stop trying to do everything yourself."

***

Aurora spent the afternoon at the communal gardens, where the younger wolves worked alongside her. They were a cheerful group, full of laughter and jokes that lightened the air, but Aurora struggled to keep up with their energy. The act of bending and planting herbs left her dizzy, her vision swimming each time she stood too quickly.

One of the younger wolves, a boy named Elias, noticed her pause and called out, "You okay, Aurora? You've been moving a little slow today."

Aurora forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just taking my time."

"You've been working hard, though," he said, tossing a grin over his shoulder. "Even Cassian noticed."

Aurora's stomach flipped at his words, though not from her nausea this time. She turned back to her work, keeping her expression neutral.

Later, as the group dispersed to their next tasks, she felt a shadow fall over her. She turned to find Cassian standing nearby, his arms crossed and his expression carefully unreadable.

"You're pushing yourself too hard," he said, his voice even.

Aurora straightened, brushing her hands against her apron. "I'm fine, Alpha. I can handle it."

His dark eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, he said nothing. "You've been pale for days," he finally said. "And you're not as steady as you think you are."

Aurora's heart pounded. "I'm just adjusting to the workload," she said lightly.

Cassian tilted his head, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "If you need lighter duties, you only have to ask. This pack isn't built on pushing people to their breaking point. It's built on taking care of one another."

Aurora nodded, forcing a small smile. "Thank you, Alpha. I'll keep that in mind."

Cassian studied her for another moment before stepping back. "Good. And Aurora?"noveldrama

"Yes?"

"Don't forget-if you ever need something, you can come to me directly. My door is always open."

Aurora nodded again, though her throat tightened at his words. She watched him leave, her hands trembling. His kindness was both a balm and a burden, making her more aware of the secret she carried and the weight of what would happen if it ever came to light.

***

Aurora returned to the cottage that evening, her exhaustion heavy in her limbs. Her mother was waiting, her arms crossed as she took in her daughter's pale face.

"You spoke to Cassian," Lila said.

Aurora sighed, dropping into a chair. "He's starting to notice. He thinks I'm overworking myself."

"And he's right," Lila replied sharply. "Aurora, if you don't slow down, you're going to put yourself and the children at risk."

Aurora stared at her hands, the tension in her chest growing. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up," she whispered. "I'm afraid, Mom. I'm afraid of what will happen when he finds out."

Lila's expression softened, and she placed a hand on Aurora's shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Aurora. You have me, and you have them." She touched Aurora's abdomen gently. "You don't have to carry this weight by yourself. Trust will come when it's meant to, and when it does, you'll know who deserves to share it with you."

Aurora nodded slowly, though the fear remained. As the moon rose high above the forest, she lay awake, her thoughts a swirling storm of uncertainty and exhaustion.