Luna Aurora novel (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter

22

The morning was unusually still, the crisp air carrying none of the lively chatter that usually filled the pack grounds. Aurora walked the perimeter of the central square, her basket slung over one arm, her thoughts swirling as heavily as the low clouds above. The silence felt

like an omen, pressing against her chest.

She passed by a group of wolves stacking firewood near the main hall and caught snippets of their conversation.

"...Cassian will handle it," one of them said.

"Sure, but it's not like he's immune," the other replied. "Not after what happened last time."

Aurora slowed her steps, feigning interest in a flower bed nearby.

The first wolf lowered his voice. "You mean with her?"

"Who else?" the second wolf muttered. "She ruined him. And now everyone's talking about how he's spending time with that rogue."

Aurora's grip on the basket tightened, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to move past them, her mind racing.

By the time she returned to the cottage, her hands were trembling. Lila was sitting at the table, sipping tea, but she immediately set her cup down when she saw Aurora's pale face. "What happened?" Lila asked.

Aurora hesitated, setting the basket down with deliberate care. "They were talking about him. About his past."

Lila's brows knit together. "What did they say?"

Aurora sank into the chair across from her, her voice barely above a whisper. "That his mate betrayed him. That it ruined him."

Lila sighed, leaning back in her chair. "It's no secret, Aurora. Everyone here knows about it-even Cassian himself. But it doesn't define him. If anything, it made him a stronger Alpha."

Aurora pressed a hand to her abdomen. "And yet they still talk about it. What if they talk about me that way when they find out the truth?"

Lila reached across the table, taking her daughter's hand. "You can't control what people say, but you can decide who you trust. Cassian has already proven himself, and he's more than capable of handling a little gossip." Aurora nodded, though the knot in her chest didn't ease.

***

That afternoon, Aurora decided to seek clarity. She wandered to the far side of the pack grounds, where a small garden lay nestled between two cottages. It was quieter here, away from the bustling heart of the pack.

She was crouched beside a bed of herbs when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw Cassian approaching, his expression calm but curious.

"Aurora," he greeted, stopping a few feet away. "May I join you?"

She nodded, unsure of what to say as he crouched beside her.

For a few moments, they worked in silence, the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds filling the space between them.

Finally, Cassian spoke. "I've noticed you've been keeping to yourself more lately. Is everything alright?"

Aurora hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of a mint leaf. "I've just had a lot on my mind," she said carefully.

Cassian nodded, his dark eyes steady. "If there's anything you need, you can come to me. I hope you know that."

Aurora looked down, her throat tightening. "Thank you," she said softly.

They worked quietly for a while longer before Cassian stood, brushing dirt from his hands. "I'll leave you to it," he said, offering a small smile. "But remember what I said, Aurora. You don't have to face anything alone." As he walked away, Aurora felt a strange mixture of relief and guilt. Cassian's kindness was unwavering, but the weight of her secret felt heavier than ever.

***

Aurora sat by the fire, her thoughts swirling. The faint whispers of the wolves' earlier conversation lingered in her mind, fueling her fears.

She turned to her mother, who was knitting quietly by the window. "Do you think he still carries it with him? The betrayal?"noveldrama

Lila looked up, her expression thoughtful. "I think it shaped him. But Cassian isn't the type to let the past control him. That's why he's different from Fenrir."

Aurora nodded, though her doubts remained.

As the firelight flickered, casting shadows on the walls, she made a silent vow: she would protect her children at all costs, even if it meant keeping her distance from Cassian.