Chapter 165 AURORA The journaly open before me , its old pages still faintly glowing with the residual magic that had broken Reeds enchantment .
My fingers trembled slightly as I turned another page .
Reading my mothers words felt almost intrusive , but I couldnt stop .
Her voice seemed to echo in my head as I traced the delicate symbols , their meaning unraveling effortlessly before my eyes .
Her warnings about the Nameless were vivid and terrifying , but there was a hope woven through them , a belief that she had left tools for me to fight back .
A soft knock at the door broke my focus .
Come in I called , my voice was steadier than I felt .
Evander stepped in , his face looking dull .
His usual charm was absent , reced by the sharp intensity that had defined him since he started leading missions for me .
He looked like he hadnt slept in days ,pletely worn out .
I just got word from my team , he said , going straight to the point .
Weve narrowed the Namelesssir to a region in the Chapter 165 2/7 mountains , but it will take more than just scouting to confirm .
My heart raced at the news but I forced myself to stay calm .
How dangerous are the wards ? Evander crossed his arms , leaning against the wall .
Well , my dear , its strong enough to kill anyone who gets too close without the right protection .
The Nameless isnt leaving anything to chance .
Then well need to act quickly , I said , closing the journal and rising to my feet .
We cant let him strengthen those defenses any further .
His expression darkened .
Youre not seriously thinking about going yourself .
I met his gaze .
Of course I am .
Who else would go ? This isnt just about strategy , Evander .
Its about Dane .
If theres even a chance I can weaken the Namelesss hold on him , then so be it … Dont , he cut in sharply , his voice low .
Dont make this about him .
Not entirely .
I flinched at the edge of his tone but refused to back down .
This is about all of us .
About the pack .
About stopping the Nameless before he destroys everything weve built .
Chapter 165 3/7 But yes , its also about Dane .
Im not going to apologize for that .
Evanders jaw tightened but before he could respond , the door opened again and Trajan entered .
He took one look at us and sighed heavily .
What now ? he asked , his voice filled with anxiousness .
Evander has news , I said , stepping back to give him space .
Trajan raised an eyebrow , crossing his arms as he waited .
Evander filled him in on theirs location , the wards , and the challenges wed face getting close .
By the time he finished , Trajans expression had gone from annoyed to dull also .
And wants to go alone , Evander added , his tone biting .
Trajan turned to me , his expression a mix of frustration and concern .
Aurora , no … Absolutely not .
I crossed my arms .
I didnt realize I needed permission .
You dont , he said , his voice softening .
But this isnt like the traps youve set before .
This is the Namelesss stronghold .
If you get caught … He trailed off , his jaw lightening .
Chapter 165 We cant afford to lose you .
4/7 Im not nning on getting caught , I replied , rolling my eyes .
You think thats enough ? Trajans voice rose , frustration no over .
You think your ns and your magic and your good intentions are enough to keep you alive against a god ? You have no wolf , Aurora .
You cant keep relying on ….
Thats enough , I snapped , my voice cutting through his .
The room fell silent .
I know the risks , I said , my voice steady but firm .
I know what Im walking into .
But I also know whats at stake .
This isnt just about me .
This is about the entire pack , the twins , you , and yes , its about Dane .
So unless you have a better idea , I suggest you stop trying to talk me out of it and start figuring out how to make this work .
Trajan stared at me for a long moment , his frustration warring with something else , something deeper .
Finally , he exhaled , running a hand through his hair .
Ill go with you , he said atst .
No , I said immediately .
I need you here .
If something happens , the pack needs its Beta .
Chapter 165 Trajans expression hardened .
And the Luna ? The Luna wille back , I said , forcing a small smile .
She always does .
It was a lie .
I didnt know if Ide back .
But I couldnt let them see my fear .
Not now .
Evander shifted , breaking the tense silence .
Ill go , he said .
I turned to him , startled .
What ? 5/7 You need someone to scout ahead , to check for weak points in the wards , he said .
Im your best option .
Let me handle this .
I hesitated .
Evander was right , he was the most experienced , the most capable .
But the thought of sending him into that danger made my stomach twist .
Are you sure ? I asked quietly .
He nodded , his expression resolute .
This is what I do , Aurora .
Let me do it .
I swallowed hard , then nodded .
All right .
But you dont go alone .
Take two of the best with you .
No unnecessary risks .
A ghost of a smile crossed his lips .
When have I ever taken unnecessary risks ? Chapter 165 I raised an eyebrow , but he was already heading for the door .
6/7 Trajan stayed behind , observing me .
Youre ying with fire , he said quietly .
Well , let me give you a heads up , I know that already I replied .
Do you ? His gaze was piercing .
Because if youre wrong , if this goes sideways … well lose more than just Evander .
Youre the glue holding this pack together , Aurora .
Dont forget that .
I looked away , the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders .
I wont forget , I said softly .
But as Trajan left the room , I couldnt shake the feeling that I was already losing pieces of myself to the fight .
I turned back to the journal , running my fingers over its worn cover .
My mothers words had guided me this far .
Maybe they would guide me through this , too .
As I opened the book and began to read again , a faint whisper brushed against my mind , a warning , or perhaps a promise .
The Nameless is watching .
I shivered but didnt stop reading .
Chapter 165 I couldnt afford to stop .
7/7 Not now .
Not ever .