Chapter 92
The camp was filled with subdued energy as the group returned, their exhaustion etched into every movement. The wolves that had stayed behind greeted them with wary eyes, their unspoken questions hanging in the air.
Aurora felt the weight of their gazes, her chest tightening as she approached the central fire. Cassian followed closely, his hand brushing hers as he offered silent support.
Nathan was the first to speak, addressing the pack with a steady voice. “We scouted the Lycan King’s staging ground. He’s gathering his forces, and he’s stronger than ever.”
A ripple of unease swept through the group, murmurs breaking out among the wolves.
“We don’t have time to wait,” Aurora said, her voice cutting through the noise. “He’s testing us, wearing us down. If we don’t act now, we’ll lose everything.”
Anica stepped forward, their expression guarded. “You’re not wrong, but charging in without a plan isn’t the answer. We need to think strategically.”
Aurora turned to them, her glowing eyes steady. “Then let’s strategize. What do we know about his forces? His weaknesses?”
“He’s relying heavily on the fissures,” Anica said. “The energy he’s drawing isn’t infinite. If we can cut him off completely, we weaken his hold on the Pact.”
Nathan nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “We need to split his focus. Draw his forces away from the main fissure while a smaller group targets the source.”
Cassian frowned, his jaw tight. “It’s a risk. We’ll be vulnerable, especially if the Lycan King anticipates the move.”
Aurora stepped closer to the map, her hands pressing against the edges. “We don’t have a choice. We’ve seen what he can do. If we wait, he’ll destroy us before we even reach him.”
As the group debated tactics, Aurora felt the bond to the Celestial Pact stirring within her. The energy was restless, pulsing faintly in her chest as if urging her forward. She placed a hand over her heart, her thoughts racing.
Cassian noticed her hesitation and leaned closer, his voice low. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“I have to be,” Aurora said, her gaze unwavering. “We all do.”
Cassian’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded. “Then we do it together.”
The plan took shape as the night stretched on. Nathan and Anica would lead the bulk of the pack in a diversionary assault, drawing the Lycan King’s forces away from the main fissure. Aurora, Cassian, and a small group of trusted wolves would infiltrate the staging ground, targeting the source of the Lycan King’s power.
“Once we sever his connection to the Pact,” Anica said, their tone sharp, “he’ll lose his advantage. But it won’t be easy. He’ll fight to protect it.”
“We’ll be ready,” Aurora said, her voice steady.
As the pack prepared for the mission, Aurora found herself alone with Cassian near the edge of the camp. The moonlight cast a faint glow over them, illuminating the worry etched into his features.
“You’re taking on too much,” Cassian said, his voice soft but firm. “The bond, the pack, this fight—it’s more than anyone should have to bear.”
Aurora met his gaze, her expression resolute. “I don’t have a choice. If I don’t do this, who will?”
Cassian’s hand reached for hers, his touch warm and grounding. “You’re not alone in this. Don’t shut us out.”
“I’m not,” Aurora said quietly, though her voice wavered. “But I need to be strong. For all of us.”
Cassian stepped closer, his hand moving to cup her face. “You’re stronger than you realize. But strength doesn’t mean carrying everything by yourself.”
Aurora’s breath caught, her chest tightening as his words sank in. She nodded, leaning into his touch. “Thank you.”
As dawn broke, the pack gathered near the edge of the forest, their weapons gleaming in the early light. Aurora stood at the forefront, her blade glowing faintly as the bond to the Celestial Pact pulsed within her.
“This is it,” Nathan said, his voice steady as he addressed the group. “We fight for our future, for our pack. No matter what happens, we stand together.”
The wolves howled in agreement, their unity a stark contrast to the fear that had gripped them before.
Cassian moved to Aurora’s side, his presence steadying her. “Ready?”
Aurora nodded, her gaze fixed on the horizon. “Let’s end this.”
