Chapter 168 AURORA The air outside was thick as if the forest were holding its breath .
I stood at the edge of the clearing , staring into the dense thicket of trees .
I hade out to get some fresh air and hopefully clear my mind .
The darkness stretched out like fingers beckoning me into it .
I hadnt gone through these forest paths before , but I had done so in the dream .
Luna ? Evelyns voice cut through the fogginess in my head .
I turned and watched her approach me purposefully as her gold hair shone in the dim light of the moon .
I had summoned her before I came out .
Shes wearing light battle armor , she also has a sword strapped behind her back , its hilt shining in the dim light .
We need to talk , I softly yet resolutely told her .
Walk with me .
I faced my front and walked in the woods .
Evelyn sighed a bit , but settled into stride beside me through the woods , the rustle of the dry leaves apanying us disturbing the silence that hung outside , an owls periodic hoot breaking into our walk .
Ive been having the dreams again , I said after a moment .
Chapter 168 2/6 Evelyns face didnt change but I could feel the slight stiffening of her shoulders .
The ones with the silver figure ? I nodded in response .
Its no longer just a figure .
It has be something … more .
It guides me .
It calls to me .
And each time , I find myself drawing closer .
Evelyn gave me a sidelong nce .
You think its the goddess ? I dont know , I said , my voice catching as my fingers brushed the pearl pendant lying at my throat .
Its magic hummed softly , a constant reminder of what I was capable of , and what Id already paid .
But theres something more .
Something that showed itself to me in the dreamst night .
We stopped beside a shallow stream , the water in it glittering in the moonlight .
I knelt at the edge and let my fingers dance on the cold water .
I saw Dane , I whispered .
I scooped some of the water into my hand and then I let it drop out , through my fingers .
Evelyn inhaled sharply , it was so fast , I nearly missed it .
I stood up to my feet slowly as I turned to her .
She kept her lips pursed and had her gaze focused across the horizon , her expression was nk , but it felt like I could tell what was going on in her mind .
Chapter 168 3/6 I swallowed as I went ahead to exin myself .
He wasnt like he is now , I blurted out .
He was … whole .
And the figure , the silver light … it touched him .
It didnt feel like a memory .
It felt like a message .
Evelyn knelt and touched the water , she hissed , I guess because of the cold temperature .
Her expression was impossible to read .
What kind of message ? she asked .
I think its trying to show me that theres still something left of him , I said , my voice shaking slightly .
Something worth saving .
Neither of us said a word for a moment .
The gentle murmur of the stream took the ce of conversation between us , its soft bubble curiously was calming .
I need your help , I finally said , locking my eyes with hers .
Evander has pinpointed the location of the Namelesssir .
Im heading there .
Evelyns eyes went round with shock as she surged to her feet .
Aurora , you cant be serious .
That ce is going to be filled with shadow creatures .
You just cant walk in there all alone ; you wont be able to walk out .
I wont be , I said , getting up , too .
She must have caught on because a streak ofprehension lit Chapter 168 4/6 within her gaze , and her arms crossed .
You want me to go with you .
Youre the best fighter I have , I said bluntly .
And I trust you .
More than anyone else .
Evelyns face gentled , though her voice didnt .
What about Trajan ? Or Evander ? You know they would never let you do this .
If I tell them , theyll only try to stop me and thatll waste the time we take in arguments .
We cant waste any time .
Not now , not when it involves Danes life , and the protection of the entire pack depends on this .
Evelyn hesitated a moment , jaw clenching as my words sank deep .
Please , I begged , my voice dropping to a low whisper .
If there is even the slightest possibility of his return , I have to try .
And I just cant do it without you .
Long after what seemed like an eternity , Evelyn blew out a heavy sigh and ran her fingers through her hair .
Youre reckless , you know that ? I gave her a faint smile in return .
So Ive been told .
Alright , she finally said , Im in .
But if this goes sideways , Im dragging your ass out of there , whether you like it or not .
Fair enough , I replied .
Chapter 168 5/6 As we started on our way back to the pack house , our footsteps .
were quiet and deliberate .
Already , the n wasing into y in my mind , every little detail falling into ce like the pieces of a puzzle .
Luna , Evelyn said out of the blue , her toneced with caution .
I turned to face her .
Yes ? Youve been through so much for Dane , she went on .
I get it , really I do .
But arent you scared that with all this , you might just be losing yourself in the process ? The question took me aback , and for what felt like a moment , I was stunned .
I dont know , I said finally .
But if saving him means losing myself … I believe thats a price Im prepared to pay .
Evelyn didnt say a word , but the expression in her eyes spoke volumes about her doubt .
As we reached the edge of the forest , the pack house loomed in the distance , a sanctuary I felt a little deserving of .
La Rest , I said to Evelyn .
Well leave at the first light of dawn .
She nodded and turned for her quarters , but I didnt budge , looking up at the sky .
Chapter 168 6/6 The moon hung low and heavy , its light casting long shadows across the ground .
I touched the pearl pendant once more , its cool surface soothing me .
Whatever wasing .
Dane , the Nameless , the darkness , I would meet it … and I would win .
Even though my heart faltered at the thought of winning , I still had to give it a try … I have to make sure I win .
I had no other choice … for him … for us … for the kids .