Chapter 36
I needed to be stronger. I needed to be more in control. Ryder and his rogues are a threat, and the wolf’s fate is uncertain. So, I went to a quiet part of our pack’s land and started to practice and improve my recently discovered skills.
Time passed as I sat meditating, my eyes shut in focus. I could feel the energy flowing through my body, ready to be used. I concentrated on that subtle balance, attempting to strengthen my bond with it, to grasp its complexities and details.
The noise of crushed leaves and broken branches caught my attention, and I opened my eyes to see Xander coming closer. His gentle brown eyes filled with worry.
“Aurora, sweetheart please, you need to rest,” he urged. “This rigorous training is affecting your health. You need to ease up.”
I shook my head, my chin firm with resolve. “I can’t, Xander. I have to be ready. That wolf is counting on me, and I can’t let them down. I have to stop Ryder once and for all.”
Xander’s expression shifted, a mix of frustration and fear. “I understand, but you’re pushing yourself too hard. What good will you be to the wolf if you collapse from exhaustion?”
I opened my mouth to argue, but Xander held up a hand, silencing me. “Let me help you, Aurora. Let me train with you, and test the limits of your abilities. I won’t let you face this alone.”
Reluctantly, I nodded, and Xander joined me. We sparred, our movements sync, as we tested the boundaries of my power. To our surprise, I managed to overpower Xander, the extent of my control over light and shadow astounding us both.
As we took a break, I saw Asher watching us from far away. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and it made me a bit nervous.
Suddenly, Jaxon and Selene approached me, their expressions grave. “Aurora, we need to talk,” Jaxon said, his brow furrowed with concern.
I nodded, bracing myself for their news. “What is it?”
“We’re worried about Asher,” Selene mentioned, speaking quietly and gravely. “He has been acting strangely, and we think that he’s hiding something from us.”
Jaxon agreed with a nod. “Right, and we should watch him closely.”
I sighed, pushing my hand through my hair. “I understand, and I’m anxious too. I shared with them, Asher’s conversation I heard earlier.” When I finished telling them Xander was furious, but I calmed him and told him we needed to keep an eye on him for now.
They all agreed, and I told them how I was feeling. “I need your help. I can’t face Ryder and rescue the wolf alone, but I also can’t shake the feeling that Asher might be up to something.”
Xander stepped forward, his strong arms wrapping around me in a comforting embrace. “We’re here for you, Aurora. No matter what the problem is, We will solve it together.”
Nodding, I turned to the others. “Okay, let’s call the pack and plan how we’re going to rescue the wolf without sacrificing myself to Ryder’s trap.”
Xander called the pack to a meeting, and we discussed the situation at length. After much debate, Xander proposed a risky plan to rescue the captive wolf without putting me in Ryder’s clutches.
“We’ll send a small team to the Howling Cliffs, while the rest of us distract Ryder and his followers,” Xander explained, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Aurora, I know you want to be the one to face Ryder, but it’s too dangerous. We can’t risk losing you.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but Xander silenced me with a gentle kiss. “Please, Aurora. Trust me on this. I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”
Reluctantly, I nodded, knowing that Xander was right. As much as I wanted to confront Ryder myself, I couldn’t risk the safety of the pack or the mysterious wolf. “Okay, Xander. I trust you.”
We went back to our room, and I told Xander about my worries. “I’m scared, Xander, what if something bad happens? The words came out quickly, and I shared my worries with Xander, who listened carefully.”
Xander hugged me tightly, his strong arms making me feel safe. “Everything will be fine, Aurora. We will handle this together.”
I rested my head on his chest, “I know, Xander. I’m just scared. What if we can’t help the wolf? What if Ryder has another plan?”
“Hush, everything will be alright,” Xander murmured, gently running his fingers through my hair. “We’ll handle this together, one step at a time.”
We remained silent for a bit, our bond deepening with every beat of our hearts. His loving embrace and unwavering support made my troubles feel lighter.
Then, a sudden burst of frantic howling filled the air. Something wasn’t right. Xander and I hurried out of our room to see the group assembled, their faces serious.
“What’s happening?” I asked, my heart racing with apprehension.
Jaxon stepped forward, his usually warm eyes filled with concern. “Ryder has sent another message, this time with a video of the captive wolf.”
My breath caught in my throat as Jaxon played the video on a small device. The image of the battered, weakened wolf filled the screen, their eyes pleading with me.
“Aurora,” the wolf’s raspy voice echoed, “you must come to the Howling Cliffs alone. Ryder demands it, or he will kill me.”
I watched, my expression hardening with determination, even as the pack argued about what to do next.
“I have to go,” I told them, breaking into the heated discussion.
Xander’s eyes grew wide. He gently but firmly grasped my arm. “Aurora, don’t. It’s too dangerous. Ryder is expecting you to go alone, and we can’t risk losing you.”
I placed my hand over him, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. “I know, Xander. But I have to try.”
Xander’s expression shifted, a mix of fear and resolve. “Then I’m going with you. I can’t let you face Ryder alone.”
I shook my head, squeezing his hand reassuringly. “No, Xander. Ryder expects me to come alone, and if we deviate from his plan, he might hurt the wolf. I need you to stay here and lead the pack. I’ll be alright, I promise.”
Before Xander could argue further, I turned to the pack leaders. “I’m going to the Howling Cliffs. Ryder is expecting me, and I can’t let that wolf suffer any longer. But I need you all to be ready. If something goes wrong, I need you to be there to help me.”
Jaxon and Selene nodded, their eyes filled with worry but also a resolute determination. “We’ll be there, Aurora. We won’t let you face Ryder alone.”
I took a deep breath, “Alright, let’s do this.”
With a brief look at Xander, I began my trip. My heart was racing from fear and determination. The wolf’s plea was too much to ignore. I decided to take the risk. I had to try.
As I got closer to the Howling Cliffs, I smelled Ryder and his rogues. I stopped for a moment to focus, using the balance of light and dark inside me.
“Ryder! I’m here, just like you wanted. Where is the wolf?”
A dark, mocking laugh came from the cliffs, and Ryder stepped out of the shadows, a cruel smile on his face. “Well, well, if it isn’t the brave Aurora. I must say, I’m surprised you came.”
“Where is the wolf, Ryder?” I asked. “I’m here, just as you wanted. Now release him.”
Ryder’s eyes squinted, and he shook his head. “Oh, my dear Aurora. You are innocent, did you think I would simply give you the wolf?”
My heart sank as I realized he tricked me. “You lied. The wolf was never here, was it?”
Ryder let out a loud, mocking laugh. “Of course not! Did you think I would give up my bargaining chip so easily? No, and you, my dear, are right where I want you.”
Ryder’s rogues appeared from the dark, trapping me. I was ready to fight back, but my chances looked bleak.
“What do you want from me, Ryder?” I asked, my voice laced with defiance.
Ryder’s grin widened, and he stepped closer, his eyes gleaming with malice. “What I want, Aurora, is simple. I want you, and your power. And I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.”