Chapter 193

AURORA

The warm fire increased and danced with tall shadows across the faces of our pack's gathered members, but did little to drive off the cold now settled heavy in my heart.

My thoughts filled with Dane, of Trajan and Evander. Now Warrick and Piper's appearance so filled in mystery and surprise. Surprisingly, they rushed in covered in mud and breathless, their energy crackling with urgency. Warrick leaned against the doorway, looking like he’d been to hell and back, while Piper’s sharp gaze swept over everyone assembled.

“We found something,” Piper had said, her voice even but laced with tension. "Her name perhaps may serve as a bridge for now, Aurora, but almost got Piper taken."

“I could care less if anyone fought back or listened to what the Nameless had to say. What have you found?”

Piper cast a glance at Warrick, who gave a weird nod. The smile was gone, his expression unusually sad.

“A village,” Piper said, her voice low. “Hidden deep in the forest. It’s a group of exiles that managed to get away from the Nameless’s control. And included among them is a healer. She might be able to help Trajan and Evander.”

There was complete silence in the room as we digested what she was telling us.

“What’s the catch?” I asked, my voice sharper than I had intended.

Warrick’s lips shook like a ghost. “The usual: trust, risk, and a bit of luck.”

“Why should we believe anything he has to say?” I shot back, eyeing him narrowly.

Warrick raised his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just the message boy this time. Piper’s the one who brought the information. I’m just tagging along."

Piper stepped forward, her posture firm. “Look, I don’t care what you think of him, but I have seen this healer. She’s real. And if there’s even a chance she can save Trajan and Evander, we have to take it.”

I hesitated under the weight of my decisions. Finally, I nodded. “We’ll go, but I’m keeping a close eye on both of you.”

Late in the afternoon, the rest turned up with the head of the other pack, Alpha Eryk, tall, wide-shouldered, and imposing. The instant he entered the big conference room, his eyes pinned onto mine a little longer than necessary.

“My Luna,” he commenced in a silky tone, the undertone of a smile moving the edges of his lips. “Finally.”

I wouldn’t let myself step back, so I squared my shoulders instead. “Alpha Eryk. Thanks for coming.”

He nodded, his eyes moving around the room before coming back to rest on me. “I’ve heard of your struggles against the Nameless. It’s… admirable.”

“And I would welcome your help,” I said evenly.

“Of course,” he said, but there was a glint in his eye that twisted my stomach. “Yet, such help does not come free.”

“What kind of price?” I tried to ask without my voice shaking as unease crawled over me.

Eryk’s smile grew wide, yet never reached his eyes. “An alliance. Through marriage.”

The silence resounded, the weight of his words heavy within the air.

“You can’t be serious,” Piper snapped, stepping forward.

Eryk ignored her and had his gaze fixed on me. “Your beauty, Luna, is unmatched. And such a union would strengthen both our packs.”

I clenched my fists at my sides, wracking my brain for something to say. “This isn’t the time for such negotiations,” I said firmly.

“Hmm, well it’s actually the opposite,” Eryk oozed, “this is the perfect time. United, we stand better against the Nameless.”

I forced a smile, though my jaw ached. “I’ll think over your offer.”

Eryk bowed his head, satisfaction full on his face. “Take as much time as you need, Luna. But let’s not forget, time is a luxury we cannot afford.”

The pack was quiet that night, the trust in me on the edge of a knife it would seem after Eryk’s visit. I started walking up and down in my room, the weight of everything weighing me down. I thought of Dane, his steadfast gaze, his unyielding support. What would he do in my place? Fight more, make another choice?

It lumped my throat and I shook my head to clear it, yet the questions remained, racing in my mind like a storm. I went and stood by the window, looking out into the dark forest. Moonlight shone across the treetops, and for an instant, it seemed almost as though something moved in the shadows.

My heart had somersaulted, and I turned away, forcing myself to focus. Just as I was relaxing, the soft knock on the wood sounded. My heart shot back up into my throat and the door creaked while Holden stepped into the room for the first time.

He walked in. “Luna,” he whispered low.

I stiffened. My hand instinctively went to the dagger at my side. “What are you doing here?”

He lifted his hands in a gesture of peace. “I’m not here to harm you.”

“Forgive me if I don’t believe you,” I said coldly.

A smile twisted Holden’s face, but something in that twist of his lips ran a shiver down my spine. “I’m here to make you an offer.”

I narrowed my eyes and my grip on the dagger tightened. “What kind of offer?”

He took another step closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “I can help you overthrow the Nameless."

I stared at him, my mind scanning. “Why would you betray him now?”

Holden’s smirk broadened. “Because I’m tired of being his pawn. And because I know what he’s planning next."

“What’s in it for you?” I asked, my voice knife-sharp.

His eyes darkened, the smirk gone. “Power. Freedom. And you.”

My breath caught and I stepped backward. “What?”

“You heard me,” he said, his voice grave. “If you want my help, you’ll have to give me something in return. Yourself.”

I clenched my fists just above my heart, racing hard within my chest. “You’re insane.”

“Perhaps,” he replied, his tone soft. “But think about it, Luna. With my help, you could end this war. Save your pack. Save Dane.”

He moved closer, eyes boring into mine. “You have till sunrise to decide.”

And with that, he turned and was gone, leaving me standing staring after him, a tempest of emotions in my brain. The door creaked shut behind him, and I let myself sink to the floor, my head in my hands.

What have I done?