Chapter 80
Cassian lifted her effortlessly, guiding her to the small cot against the wall. The mattress dipped under their combined weight as he settled over her, his hands braced on either side of her head. He paused, his gaze searching hers, as though seeking permission one final time.
Aurora reached up, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw before pulling him down into another kiss. The tension between them snapped like a taut string, and they moved together with a mix of urgency and tenderness.
His lips trailed down her neck, leaving a path of heat in their wake as her hands roamed his back, feeling the strength of his muscles beneath his shirt. She tugged at the fabric, and he obliged, pulling it over his head and tossing it aside.
Her breath hitched as she took him in, her hands gliding over the broad expanse of his chest. Cassian leaned down again, his movements slow and deliberate as he traced the curve of her collarbone with his lips.
The world outside faded, leaving only the two of them in the dimly lit room. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word felt like a revelation, peeling back layers of fear and doubt until there was nothing left but trust and desire.
Cassian’s hands were careful as they slid beneath her tunic, his touch igniting a fire that spread through her veins. She arched into him, her breaths mingling with his as their movements became more fluid, more certain.
“Aurora,” he murmured against her skin, her name a prayer on his lips.
She cupped his face, bringing his gaze to hers. “I’m here,” she whispered, her voice steady. “I’m with you.”
As the night stretched on, their connection deepened with every touch, every kiss, every unspoken promise. When they finally lay tangled together, the weight of the world seemed to lift, if only for a moment.
Cassian brushed a strand of hair from Aurora’s face, his expression unguarded as he looked at her.
“I never thought I’d feel this,” he admitted, his voice raw.
Aurora’s fingers traced the line of his jaw, her heart swelling at his vulnerability. “Me neither,” she said softly.
Their moment of peace was fleeting. A sudden howl cut through the quiet, sharp and urgent, and Cassian’s body tensed beneath her. He sat up quickly, his hand instinctively reaching for his blade, which leaned against the wall.
Aurora scrambled to follow, her pulse quickening. “What is it?”
Cassian’s expression hardened, his focus shifting immediately to the outside. “Trouble.”
He rose swiftly, pulling on his shirt and motioning for her to stay behind.
“Wait,” Aurora said, grabbing his wrist. “I’m coming with you.”
“No,” Cassian replied firmly. “You’ve done enough for one night. Stay here. I need to know you’re safe.”
Aurora hesitated, her heart twisting at the command in his voice. But as Cassian’s gaze lingered on her, she saw the depth of his worry, the weight of his responsibility.
“I’ll be back,” he promised, his voice softer now. “Stay ready.”
Aurora nodded reluctantly, watching as he disappeared into the night. Her hand rested on the doorframe, her chest tightening as the sound of more howls echoed in the distance.
Aurora leaned against the door after Cassian had left, her heart still racing. The warmth of his touch, the sincerity in his voice—they lingered, threading through her thoughts and chasing away the ever-present tension of the looming fight.
Her hands trembled as she reached for the latch, her mind returning to his words. If she’s going to face the Lycan King, she needs every advantage we can give her. Cassian had always been steadfast, but now more than ever, his resolve seemed unshakable.
For Aurora, it wasn’t just the battle ahead that weighed on her—it was the fear of failing him, failing everyone who depended on her.
