Chapter 23
“Aurora? What’s wrong?”
I moved closer to Xander and spoke quietly. “Someone’s outside. An intruder.”
As if on cue, the festive atmosphere around the bonfire shifted. Pack members picked up on our unease, conversations dying down as alert eyes turned towards the forest’s edge. Xander didn’t hesitate. With a quick nod to Jaxon and Marcus, he set our defenses in motion.
I experienced the usual sensation of strength in my hands, with a gentle silver light coming from my skin. Concentrating on this feeling, I attempted to identify the cause of my discomfort. The forest appeared to be holding its breath, creating an unusual quietness that had spread across our area.
A twig snapped in the darkness beyond the bonfire’s light. Several pack members growled low in their throats, the sound primal and warning. Xander’s voice broke the silence, telling the younger and non-fighters to go back to the pack house for safety.
I took a deep breath and moved ahead. I could sense the strange light in my eyes, and my sight became clearer as I looked around the woods. The energy inside me grew stronger, prepared to protect my pack from any danger coming our way.
All of a sudden, a shadowy shape appeared from the darkness. My heart beat faster when I saw bright red eyes shining in the light of the fire. But as the figure stumbled into view, my battle-ready stance faltered.
It was a messenger, badly wounded and on the verge of collapse. I recognized the scent immediately Clearwater Pack.
Xander caught the messenger as he fell. Without hesitation, I went to his side, and my hands started to shine with healing energy. When I touched the injured messenger, I felt the comforting warmth of my power flowing through me, mending his wounds and relieving his pain.
The messenger gasped, his eyes wide with a mix of pain and urgency. “Please,” he choked out, “The Clearwater Pack… we’re under attack. Massive rogue force… we need help.”
My face paled as the implications of his words sank in. Clearwater. My former pack. The place where I had suffered so much, where I had been rejected and cast aside. And now they needed our help.
Xander quickly called for our top fighters to gather, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. As the pack suddenly became very busy around us, I stood still, feeling mixed emotions inside me.
A part of me wanted to help them right away, without any delay. Despite everything, there were still people in Clearwater I cared about. But another part, the part that still ached from Asher’s rejection and years of mistreatment, wanted to turn away.
Selene and Zara appeared at my side, their presence a silent offer of support. I met their eyes, seeing understanding and encouragement reflected at me. They knew my history, knew how difficult this decision was.
I looked straight at Xander. In that shared moment, I understood what I needed to do. Ignoring my personal feelings, I couldn’t leave a whole pack to face danger from rogue werewolves. It wasn’t just about Clearwater; it was about keeping all werewolves safe from the increasing threat of rogues.
I took a deep breath, stood up straight, and spoke to the group of fighters. “We will assist Clearwater,” I declared, my voice more confident than I felt. “They might not be part of our pack, but they are still part of our community. We can’t allow the rogues to win.”
A wave of agreement spread through the crowd. I noticed
people nodding in support, including some who knew about my past with Clearwater. At that moment, I felt a strong sense of pride in my pack their strength, unity, and readiness to help others, even if it put them in danger.
Q,
As preparations began in earnest, I pulled Xander aside. “I need to tell you something,” I said quietly. “Going back there… it won’t be simple for me. There’s a lot of past, a lot of hurt.”
Xander’s eyes softened as he cupped my face in his hands. “I know, Aurora, and We face this together, just like everything else.”
His words bolstered my resolve. With a swift peck on the lips, we shifted our focus to the job in front of us. The group moved with skilled speed, collecting weapons and supplies for the upcoming trip.
As I helped coordinate our forces, my mind raced with memories of Clearwater. The abuse I went through, the feeling of being alone, and the deep hurt from Asher turning me away. But along with these sad memories, there were also brief moments of kindness friends who attempted to assist me, and older people who were nice to me when they had the chance.
I pushed the memories aside, focusing on the present. Whatever awaited us in Clearwater, I was no longer the weak, abused girl I had once been. I was Aurora Nightshade, Luna of the Blackstone Pack, daughter of the Moon Goddess. I had faced my fears and emerged stronger.
As we finished our final preparations, I spoke to the group one last time. “This mission won’t be simple,” I announced, my words reaching everyone in the open area. “We’re heading into a risky situation to aid a pack that isn’t ours. But it’s this courage that shows our strength. Our readiness to defend what is just and safeguard those who are in need.”
I took a moment, gazing at the resolute expressions around me. “Regardless of what occurs in Clearwater, remember this: I’m honored to be your leader. I’m honored to battle with each of you. United, we’ll confront this danger and come out as winners.”
A cheer went up from the pack, their energy, and determination palpable. As we prepared to depart, I felt a strange mix of emotions anxiety about returning to Clearwater, determination to face the rogue threat, and an overwhelming sense of belonging with my Blackstone family.
Xander appeared at my side, his hand finding mine. “Ready?” he asked softly.
I nodded, squeezing his hand. “Ready.”
With a final look at our territory, we set off into the night. The forest appeared to open up for us, as if nature itself understood the importance of our mission. As we ran, I couldn’t help but wonder what we would find in Clearwater. Would Asher be there? How would my old pack react to my return? And most importantly, what kind of rogue force were we facing?
These questions filled my mind, but I set them aside. Currently, the only thing that mattered was getting there in time to help. Whatever challenges we faced, I would confront them with Xander and my pack by my side.
As we sprinted through the forest lit by moonlight, a howl rang out in the distance a call for help from Clearwater. I felt my strength increase in response, a reminder of the destiny I was just beginning to grasp. Whatever happened next, I knew this night would change everything.
The trees became a blur around us as we pushed ourselves to the limit, racing against time and the growing threat of the rogues. With each step, we got closer to Clearwater closer to my past,
As the familiar scents of Clearwater territory began to reach us, I steeled myself for what lay ahead. The girl who had fled this place in tears was gone. In her place stood a warrior, a Luna, ready to face whatever challenges awaited.
With Xander at my side and the strength of the Blackstone Pack behind me, I prepared to confront my past and fight for our future. Whatever the coming battle might bring, I was ready.