Chapter 77
Anica leaned forward, their golden eyes gleaming. “It means unlocking the part of you that’s tied to the Pact. Right now, it’s dormant—like a locked door. But with the right push, you can open it. And when you do, you’ll have access to power strong enough to rival anything the Lycan King throws at us.”
Cassian shook his head. “That sounds like a risk we can’t afford.”
“The real risk,” Anica said sharply, “is doing nothing and letting him take her.”
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Aurora sat alone near the edge of the camp that night, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of everything Anica had said. The idea of awakening the bond felt both terrifying and inevitable.
Cassian found her there, his presence a steady warmth in the cold darkness. He sat beside her without speaking, the silence between them heavy but not uncomfortable.
“You don’t trust them,” Aurora said after a while.
Cassian shook his head. “No. But that doesn’t mean they’re wrong.”
Aurora glanced at him, her chest tightening. “If this bond is real… what happens to me if I awaken it?”
Cassian’s gaze softened, his hand brushing against hers. “We’ll face that when it comes. Together.”
Aurora smiled faintly, though the fear in her chest didn’t ease. “You always make it sound so simple.”
“It’s not,” he admitted. “But you’re stronger than you think, Aurora. Whatever’s coming, you can handle it. I know you can.”
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The next morning, Cassian stood before the gathered wolves, his voice carrying across the clearing.
“The Lycan King knows where we are,” he began, his tone firm. “And he’s testing us. But we won’t let him win. We’ll strengthen our defenses, and we’ll fight back—together.”
The wolves responded with a resounding howl, their unity a powerful force in the face of the looming threat.
As the meeting broke apart, Anica approached Cassian, their golden eyes glinting.
“You’re taking a big risk, Alpha,” they said, their tone teasing. “Putting so much faith in them.”
Cassian turned to them, his expression hard. “I’m not putting faith in you, Anica. I’m putting it in her.”
Anica smirked faintly. “Let’s hope she doesn’t disappoint.”
Cassian’s gaze darkened, but before he could respond, Aurora appeared at his side, her presence steadying him.
“I’m ready,” she said quietly, her voice filled with determination.
Cassian turned to her, his chest tightening at the strength in her gaze. “Then let’s begin.”
