Chapter 72
As night fell, the pack prepared to move out. Aurora stood near the edge of the camp, watching as the warriors gathered in small groups. Her chest tightened as she caught sight of Cassian, his expression hard and focused as he checked his weapons.
He glanced up and saw her, his gaze softening. “You’re worried.”
“Of course I am,” she said, stepping closer. “You’re walking into a trap.”
Cassian reached out, brushing his hand lightly against her arm. “It’s a risk we have to take.”
Aurora hesitated, her throat tightening. “Just… promise me you’ll come back.”
His gaze held hers, the weight of her words sinking in. “I promise.”
Before she could respond, Nathan called out, signaling that it was time to leave. Cassian gave her a final, lingering look before turning and joining the others.
***
The journey to the fortress was grueling, the terrain growing steeper and more treacherous with every mile. The wolves moved in silence, their footsteps muffled by the thick snow that blanketed the ground.
Anica walked near the rear of the group, their movements fluid despite the harsh conditions. Nathan shot them a glance, his expression skeptical.
“What’s your deal, anyway?” Nathan asked quietly.
Anica smirked. “My deal?”
“You show up out of nowhere with all this knowledge about the Lycan King, and now you’re just… part of the pack?”
Anica’s smirk widened. “Jealous, Beta?”
Nathan’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond.
The fortress loomed ahead, its jagged towers silhouetted against the dark sky. Cassian motioned for the group to stop, his gaze scanning the structure for any sign of movement.
“The scouts said the weak point is near the southern wall,” he whispered. “We’ll split into two groups. Nathan, take your team and create a diversion near the east. I’ll lead the rest through the southern entrance.”
Nathan nodded, his expression grim. “See you on the other side.”
Cassian’s group moved swiftly toward the southern wall, their steps silent as they approached the weak point. The air grew colder, the shadows deeper as they slipped through the narrow opening in the defenses.
But as they entered the fortress, a low growl echoed through the halls.
Cassian raised his hand, signaling for the group to stop. His heart pounded as the growl grew louder, more distinct.
Then, out of the darkness, a massive Lycan emerged, its eyes glowing like molten gold.
“It’s a trap,” Anica said calmly, their tone laced with grim satisfaction.
Cassian’s jaw tightened as the Lycan lunged toward them, its claws gleaming in the dim light. “Defensive positions!” he shouted.
The group sprang into action, their blades flashing as they engaged the Lycan. The fight was brutal, the creature’s strength far surpassing anything they’d faced before.
But Cassian fought with relentless determination, his strikes precise and powerful. With a final, desperate blow, he drove his blade into the Lycan’s heart, the creature collapsing with a guttural snarl.
As the group regrouped, Cassian turned to Anica, his voice sharp. “You knew this was a trap.”
Anica shrugged, their expression unreadable. “I warned you not to underestimate him.”
Cassian’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he turned his attention back to the fortress, his gaze steely. “We keep moving. The Lycan King’s expecting us, and I don’t plan to disappoint him.”
