Chapter 193 AURORA The warm fire increased and danced with tall shadows across the faces of our packs gathered members but did little to drive off the cold now settled heavy in my heart .
My thoughts filled with Dane , of Trajan and Evander , now Warrick and Pipers appearance so filled in mystery and surprise .
Surprisingly they rushed in covered in mud and breathless , their energy crackling with urgency .
Warrick leaned against the doorway looking like hed been to hell and back while Pipers sharp gaze swept over everyone assembled .
We found something , Piper had said , her voice even butced with tension .
Her name perhaps may serve as a bridge for now , Aurora , but almost got Piper taken .
I could care less if anyone fought back or listened to what the Nameless had to say .
What have you found ? Piper cast a nce at Warrick , who gave a weird nod .
The smile was gone , his expression unusually sad .
Chapter 193 A vige Piper said , her voice low .
2/6 Hidden deep in the forest .
Its a group of exiles that managed to get away from the Namelesss control .
And included among them is a healer .
She might be able to help Trajan and Evander .
There wasplete silence in the room as we digested what she was telling us .
Whats the catch ? I asked , my voice sharper than I had intended .
Warricks lips shook like a ghost .
The usual .
Trust , risk , and a bit of luck .
Why should we believe anything he has to say ? I shot back , eyeing him narrowly .
Warrick raised his hands in mock surrender .
Im just the message boy this time .
Pipers the one who brought the information .
Im just tagging along .
Piper stepped forward , her posture firm .
Look , I dont care what you think of him , but I have seen this healer .
Shes real .
And if theres even a chance she can save Trajan and Evander , we have to take it .
I hesitated under the weight of my decisions .
Finally , I nodded .
Well go .
But Im keeping a close eye on both of you .
Chapter 193 Late in the afternoon , the rest turned up with the head of the other pack , Alpha Eryk , tall , wide shouldered , and imposing .
3/6 The instant he entered the big conference room , his eyes pinned onto mine a little longer than necessary .
My Luna , hemenced in a silky tone , the undertone of a smile moving the edges of his lips .
Finally .
I wouldnt let myself step back , so I squared my shoulders instead .
Alpha Eryk .
Thanks foring .
He nodded , his eyes moving around the room beforeing back to rest on me .
Ive heard of your struggles against the Nameless .
Its … admirable .
And I would wee your help , I said evenly .
Of course , he said , but there was a glint in his eye that twisted my stomach .
Yet , such help does note free .
What kind of price ? I tried to ask without my voice shaking as unease crawled over me .
Eryks smile grew wide , yet never reached his eyes .
An alliance .
Through marriage .
The silence resounded , the weight of his words heavy within the air .
You cant be serious , Piper snapped , stepping forward .
Chapter 193 4/6 Eryk ignored her and had his gaze fixed on me .
Your beauty , Luna , is unmatched .
And such a union would strengthen both our packs .
I clenched my fists at my sides , wracking my brain for something to say .
This isnt the time for such negotiations , It said , firmly .
Hmm , well its actually the opposite Eryk oozed , this is the perfect time .
United we stand better against the Nameless .
I forced a smile , though my jaw ached .
Ill think over your offer .
Eryk bowed his head , filled with satisfaction full on his face .
Take as much time as you need , Luna .
But lets not forget , time is a luxury we cannot afford .
The pack was quiet that night , the trust in me , on the edge of a knife it would seem , after Eryks visit .
I started walking up and down in my room , the weight of everything weighing me down .
I thought of Dane , his steadfast gaze , his unyielding support .
What would he do in my ce ? Fight more , make another choice ? It lumped my throat and I shook my head to clear it , yet the questions remained , racing in my mind like a storm .
I went and stood by the window , looking out into the dark forest .
Moonlight shone across the treetops , and for an instant , it seemed almost as though something moved in the shadows .
Chapter 193 5/6 My heart had somersaulted , and I turned away , forcing myself to focus .
Just as I was rxing , the soft knock on the wood sounded .
My heart shot back up into my throat and the door creaked while Holden stepped into the room for the first time .
He walked in .
Luna , he whispered low.
m I stiffened .
My hand instinctively went to the dagger at my side .
What are you doing here ? He lifted his hands in a gesture of peace .
Im not here to harm you .
Forgive me if I dont believe you , I said coldly .
A smile twisted Holdens face , but something in that twist of his lips ran a shiver down my spine .
Im here to make you an offer .
I narrowed my eyes and my grip on the dagger tightened .
What kind of offer ? He took another step closer , his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper .
I can help you overthrow the Nameless .
I stared at him , my mind scanning .
Why would you betray him now ? Holdens smirk broadened .
Because Im tired of being his Chapter 193 6/6 pawn .
And because I know what hes nning next.
Whats in it for you ? I asked , my voice knife sharp .
His eyes darkened , the smirk gone .
Power .
Freedom .
And you .
My breath caught and I stepped backward .
What ? You heard me , he said , his voice grave .
If you want my help , youll have to give me something in return .
Yourself .
I clenched my fists just above my heart , racing hard within my chest .
Youre insane .
Perhaps , he replied , his tone soft .
But think about it , Luna .
With my help , you could end this war .
Save your pack .
Save Dane .
He moved closer , eyes boring into mine .
You have till sunrise to decide .
And with that , he turned and was gone , leaving me standing staring after him , a tempest of emotions in my brain .
The door creaked shut behind him , and I let myself sink to the floor , my head in my hands .
What have I done ? B