Chapter 68
The camp was eerily quiet as Cassian and the others returned, their victory over Magnus overshadowed by the new threat looming on the horizon. The wolves moved with heavy steps, their spirits weighed down by the losses they had suffered and the uncertainty of what lay ahead.
Aurora helped wherever she could, guiding the injured to the healer’s quarters, her hands steady despite the storm of emotions inside her.
“We need to talk,” Cassian said as he approached her, his expression as grim as she’d ever seen it.
Aurora nodded, following him to the war room. The space was empty except for Nathan, who stood near the map table, his arms crossed.
“The Lycan King isn’t like Magnus,” Cassian began, his voice low. “He doesn’t just want power. He wants control. Total domination.”
Nathan nodded. “And he’s got the strength to back it up. If what the scouts reported is true, his forces are already twice the size of Magnus’s.”
Aurora swallowed hard. “Then what do we do?”
Cassian’s gaze met hers, his eyes fierce. “We fight. But we’ll need allies—packs who have stood against the Lycan King before. And we’ll need to figure out why he’s so interested in you.”
Aurora froze, her chest tightening. “What do you mean?”
Nathan hesitated, glancing at Cassian.
“Magnus hinted at it before he died,” Cassian said carefully. “And the Lycan King made it clear tonight. You’re important to him, Aurora. We need to find out why.”
________________
The next morning, as the pack worked to fortify their defenses, a new figure arrived at the camp. They moved with a predatory grace, their golden eyes sharp as they took in the wolves around them.
“I’m here to speak with your Alpha,” the figure said, their voice smooth but carrying an edge.
Nathan intercepted them near the perimeter, his stance defensive. “Who are you?”
“Anica,” the stranger replied. “And I have information about your new enemy. The Lycan King and I… have history.”
Cassian approached, his expression wary as he sized Anica up. “Start talking.”
Anica’s gaze flicked to Aurora, a faint smile playing at their lips. “Not here. This conversation is better suited for those who understand what’s truly at stake.”
Aurora’s stomach churned at the way they looked at her, as if they knew something about her that even she didn’t.
Later, in the war room, Anica explained their connection to the Lycan King. “He’s not just after territory or power,” they said, their voice calm. “He’s after domination of the bloodlines. Aurora is tied to this.”
Cassian’s fists clenched at his sides. “What are you talking about?”
Anica’s gaze settled on Aurora, their tone softening. “Your blood carries something ancient, something the Lycan King has been searching for. You’re more than just a wolf, Aurora. You’re a key to his plans.”
Aurora’s heart raced, her mind spinning with the weight of their words. “How do you know this?”
“Because I’ve seen it before,” Anica replied. “In others like you.”
Cassian stepped between them, his voice sharp. “And what’s your angle in all of this?”
Anica smirked. “I’m here to stop him. The Lycan King has taken everything from me. I won’t let him take her, too.”
Cassian’s jaw tightened, his protective instincts flaring. “You’re staying under my watch. If you’re lying, I’ll kill you myself.”
Anica inclined their head, the faint smile never leaving their lips. “Fair enough, Alpha.”
