Chapter 169 AURORA The house was unnervingly quiet as I stirred awake .


    My eyes fluttered open to the faint glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains .


    My heart raced though I couldnt ce why .


    A vague sense of urgency tugged at my mind , a pull I couldnt ignore .


    I sat up , the bedsheets pooling around me .


    The world outside was still , but inside , my thoughts swirled like a storm .


    Id told Evelyn we would leave at first light but as the hours crept by , the waiting felt unbearable .


    I didnt want either Trajan or Evander to see me leave , I dont want to cause them trouble .


    I swung my legs over the edge of the bed , the cool floor grounding me .


    My gaze flicked to the pearl pendant resting on the nightstand , its surface catching the faint light .


    I reached for it , the weight of it familiar and reassuring .


    The dream from the night before lingered in my mind , a silver light , a shadowed figure , and Dane , whole and untarnished .


    Chapter 169 The vision burned like a beacon , urging me forward .


    I stood , slipped into my boots , and pulled on my coat .


    2/7 The decision solidified in my chest .


    I couldnt wait until morning .


    Every moment spent idle was another moment wasted , another step further from Dane .


    I moved through the darkened halls of the pack house , my footsteps silent .


    At Evelyns door , I hesitated only briefly before knocking lightly .


    The door opened almost immediately , and Evelyn stood there , fully dressed and ready .


    She raised an eyebrow , a knowing look on her face .


    I was ready because I knew you couldnt wait till dawn , she said , her voice low .


    I shook my head .


    I dont think Ill be able to rest until weve tried .


    Evelyn sighed , grabbing her sword from where it leaned against the wall .


    Youre relentless , you know that ? And youre still here , I replied , a faint smile tugging at my lips .


    She rolled her eyes but didnt argue , following me as we slipped out of the house and into the night .


    The forest felt different in the dark .


    The moonlight filtered through the branches , casting ceric patterns on the ground .


    The air was colder and sharper , and the silence was oppressive .


    3/7 Chapter 169 Every crunch of leaves beneath our boots sounded louder than it should .


    Evelyn kept her sword in hand , her posture tense .


    I dont feel right , she muttered .


    Neither do I I admitted .


    But this has to be done .


    We moved quickly but cautiously , the path ahead illuminated only by the faint glow of the moon .


    My heart pounded with every step , the weight of what we were about to do pressing down on me .


    When we reached the edge of the Namelesss territory , the air shifted .


    It was subtle at first , a faint hum , like a distant vibration , but the closer we got , the stronger it became until it felt like the ground itself was thrumming beneath our feet .


    There , Evelyn whispered , pointing ahead .


    The relics glow pierced the darkness , a sinister light that pulsed like a heartbeat .


    It sat at the center of the clearing , surrounded by jagged rocks and shifting shadows .


    The sight of it made my stomach turn but I couldnt look away .


    Evelyns grip on her sword tightened .


    Are you sure about this ? No , I admitted .


    But were here now .


    Chapter 169 4/7 We crept forward , staying low and silent .


    The darkness moved.


    unnaturally , twisting and writhing like living things .


    My skin prickled as we passed through them , every instinct screaming at me to turn back .


    But I didnt .


    As we neared the relic , I felt it , a strange , maic pull .


    The air around it shimmered , and the runes etched into its surface glowed brighter with each step we took .


    Evelyn stopped abruptly , her eyes narrowing .


    Do you feel that ? I nodded , my throat tight .


    The relic wasnt just an object .


    It was alive , in a way .


    Pulsing with power , radiating a malevolence that made my skin crawl .


    Whatever we do , we cant touch it , I said , my voice barely audible .


    Evelyn nodded , her gaze fixed on the relic .


    As I moved closer , I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye .


    I froze , my heart leaping into my throat .


    Dane .


    He stepped out of the darkness , his golden ringed eyes locking onto mine .


    He didnt speak , but his presence was enough to freeze me in ce .


    Chapter 169 Evelyn , I whispered , not taking my eyes off him .


    5/7 She followed my gaze , her sword lifting defensively .


    Damn it .


    Danes expression was unreadable as he stepped forward , the dark wolves curling around him like living things .


    Aurora , he said , his voice low and rough .


    I swallowed hard , my pulse racing .


    Dane .


    You shouldnt be here , he said , his tone sharp .


    I took a step forward , ignoring Evelyns hiss of protest .


    Neither should you .


    His eyes shed , a brief flicker of something that looked almost like pain .


    You dont understand .


    You need to leave .


    Now .


    I cant , I said , my voice trembling .


    I came for you .


    His jaw tightened , and the dark wolves around him seemed to snap at me like they could feel what he felt .


    Youre making a mistake .


    No , I said firmly .


    The mistake would be leaving you behind .


    For a moment , he didnt respond .


    The tension between us was palpable , the air thick with unspoken words .


    Then , without warning , the dark wolves surged towards me .


    Evelyn stepped in front of me , her sword raised , but Dane held Chapter 169 up a hand , stopping them in their tracks .


    6/7 I wont hurt you , he said , his voice softer now .


    But if you stay , the Nameless will .


    Were not afraid of him , Evelyn said , her voice cold .


    Danes gaze shifted to her , then back to me .


    You should be .


    I stepped ahead of Evelyn again , my heart aching at the sight of him .


    Dane , please … Let me help you … I know youre still in there .


    His expression twisted , a flicker of conflict crossing his face .


    You dont know what youre saying .


    I do , I said , my voice steady .


    And Im not giving up on you .


    For a moment , it felt like the world held its breath .


    Then Dane took a step back , the darkness around him retreating .


    Go , he said , his voice barely above a whisper .


    I hesitated , my heart breaking as I looked at him .


    Dane .


    Go ! he thundered , his voice echoing through the clearing .


    Evelyn grabbed my arm , pulling me back .


    Aurora , we have to go .


    Now .


    Reluctantly , I let her pull me away , my chest tight with pain .


    As we retreated , I nced back onest time .


    Dane stood there , Chapter 169 his golden ringed eyes watching us , a shadow of the man he used to be .


    7/7 And for a moment , just a moment , I thought I saw something else .


    Hope .