Chapter 76
The camp was alive with activity as the survivors of the northern patrol returned. Wolves murmured in hushed tones, their eyes darting to Aurora and Cassian as the news of the shadow beasts spread like wildfire. Anica stood near the central fire, their sharp gaze scanning the crowd as if gauging the pack’s mood.
Aurora sat on a wooden bench near the healer’s quarters, her body tense and her mind replaying the attack. The creatures weren’t just physical threats—they had carried an oppressive energy that lingered, clawing at her thoughts even now.
Cassian approached, his expression unreadable as he handed her a cup of warm tea.
“Drink,” he said.
Aurora hesitated but took the cup, her fingers brushing against his. “They weren’t just testing our defenses,” she said quietly. “They wanted me.”
Cassian’s jaw tightened, his free hand clenching into a fist. “You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do,” Aurora replied, her voice steady despite the fear simmering beneath her words. “One of them hesitated—like it was trying to figure out if I was the right one.”
Cassian exhaled slowly, his frustration evident. “We’ll figure this out. But you’re not leaving the camp again—not until we know more.”
Aurora bristled. “I’m not a prisoner, Cassian.”
“No,” he said, his tone softening. “You’re the Luna. And it’s my job to protect you.”
Anica’s voice broke through the tense silence.
“She’s right, you know,” they said, approaching with their usual calm confidence. “The shadow beasts were sent for her. The Lycan King knows exactly where she is—and he’s getting closer.”
Cassian turned to Anica, his eyes narrowing. “Then why send something so weak? He could have launched a full-scale attack if he wanted to.”
Anica shrugged. “Because he doesn’t need to risk his forces—not yet. He’s probing, testing, wearing us down piece by piece. By the time he makes his real move, half of your wolves will already be broken.”
Cassian’s patience snapped. “And what’s your solution? Stand here and wait for him to pick us off?”
Anica smirked faintly. “Of course not. But if you want to win, you’ll need more than brute force. You’ll need allies who understand this kind of magic—and you’ll need to prepare her.”
Aurora stiffened. “Prepare me for what?”
Anica’s golden eyes met hers, their expression unusually serious. “For the bond you share with the Celestial Pact. If the Lycan King thinks he can use you, then it’s time you learn how to use it against him.”
The war room was filled with tension as Cassian, Aurora, Nathan, and Anica gathered around the map table. Cassian’s gaze remained fixed on Anica, suspicion still evident in the tight set of his jaw.
“You want to teach her to use this… bond,” Cassian said. “But you still haven’t explained what that actually means.”
Anica sighed, their patience fraying. “The Celestial Pact isn’t just a myth. It’s a tether—a connection to the balance of power that keeps our world from falling apart. Aurora’s bloodline carries that connection, which is why the Lycan King wants her. He doesn’t just want to break the balance; he wants to control it.”
Nathan frowned. “And how exactly is she supposed to fight back against something like that?”
“By awakening her bond,” Anica replied simply.
Aurora’s stomach churned. “Awakening it? What does that even mean?”
