Chapter 81
The next morning, the camp stirred earlier than usual. Warriors moved with purpose, their armor catching the rising sun as they prepared for what could be the final battle. Aurora stepped outside, the chill of dawn brushing against her skin.
Cassian was waiting near the central fire, his arms crossed as he spoke with Nathan and Anica. When he spotted her, his expression softened, though the determination in his eyes didn’t waver.
“We need to talk,” he said, motioning for her to follow him.
They walked a short distance from the camp, the sounds of preparation fading behind them. Cassian stopped near a clearing, turning to face her.
“The Lycan King won’t hold back this time,” he said, his voice steady but grim. “He knows about the Celestial Pact, about your connection to it. He’s coming for you.”
Aurora nodded, her chest tightening. “I know.”
Cassian reached out, his hands resting on her shoulders. “You don’t have to do this alone.”
Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the weight of his words settled over her. “I’m not afraid of him,” she said quietly. “I’m afraid of losing everyone I care about.”
Cassian’s grip tightened slightly. “You won’t lose us. I won’t let that happen.”
Aurora’s throat tightened as she leaned into him, her forehead resting against his chest. His steady heartbeat was a comfort, a reminder of the strength she drew from him.
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The hours slipped by as the pack made its final preparations. Anica worked with the warriors, coaching them on defensive maneuvers against the shadow beasts. Nathan organized patrols to guard the borders, ensuring no surprises would catch them off guard.
Aurora spent most of the day training with Cassian, her movements growing sharper and more precise with each swing of her blade. The bond to the Celestial Pact still felt elusive, but her determination drove her forward.
As dusk approached, the camp fell into an uneasy silence. The air was thick with anticipation, the knowledge that the Lycan King could arrive at any moment casting a shadow over every thought.
Cassian found Aurora near the edge of the camp, her gaze fixed on the horizon. He approached quietly, his presence steadying her as she turned to face him.
“It’s almost time,” he said, his voice low.
Aurora nodded, her hands tightening into fists. “I’m ready.”
“You don’t have to be perfect,” Cassian said gently. “You just have to be you.”
She managed a faint smile, her chest tightening. “Thank you. For everything.”
Cassian’s expression softened as he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
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Night fell, and with it came the first signs of the Lycan King’s approach. The distant howl of wolves echoed through the forest, their cries sharp and menacing.
Aurora stood at the heart of the camp, her blade at her side and Cassian at her back. Around them, the warriors formed a tight circle, their resolve unshaken despite the fear that flickered in their eyes.
Anica stepped forward, their golden eyes scanning the treeline. “He’s here.”
The forest seemed to hold its breath as the Lycan King emerged from the shadows, his towering form illuminated by the moonlight. His eyes glowed with an unnatural light, and his presence radiated power and malice.
“Aurora,” he said, his voice deep and resonant. “The one who dares to defy me.”
Aurora stepped forward, her grip tightening on her blade. “You won’t take this pack. You won’t take me.”
The Lycan King laughed, a low, chilling sound. “You think you can stop me? You, who barely understands the power you carry?”
Cassian moved to her side, his voice cutting through the tension. “She’s not alone.”
The Lycan King’s gaze shifted to Cassian, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Ah, the Alpha who thinks himself her protector. Tell me, do you think your strength is enough to match mine?”
Cassian didn’t flinch, his expression hard. “You’ll find out soon enough.”
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The battle began with a deafening roar as the Lycan King’s forces surged forward, shadow beasts and wolves alike crashing into the pack’s defenses. Aurora moved with precision, her blade cutting through the chaos as Cassian fought at her side.
Every strike, every movement, felt like a test—not just of her strength, but of her will. The bond to the Celestial Pact stirred within her, a faint warmth that pulsed in time with her heartbeat.
But as the Lycan King advanced, his power overwhelming and unrelenting, Aurora realized she couldn’t rely on her blade alone.
She closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath as she reached for the bond, the thread of energy that connected her to something greater. The warmth grew stronger, spreading through her limbs as the world around her seemed to sharpen.
When she opened her eyes, they glowed faintly, a golden light that mirrored the power coursing through her.
The Lycan King paused, his gaze narrowing as he watched her. “So, you’ve begun to awaken.”
Aurora stepped forward, her voice steady. “And I’m just getting started.”
