Chapter 194 1/7 AURORA The turmoil in my head .


    I stayed on the edge of the bed , drawing my legs close up against me … the weight of Holdens words still heavy upon me .


    Why did every door , every open door in life always have toe with some type of price ? I held the pearl pendant thaty against my chest , it had a cool surface .


    The thought of having to deal with Holden felt like a touch of acid in my stomach .


    There had to be another way , yet every avenue was covered in the shadow of the Nameless .


    My thoughts went back to Dane .


    He would always know what to do … he did .


    I closed my eyes and reached for the bond between us , that fragile connection that was my lifeline during dark times .


    Dane , can you hear me ? Silence .


    I balled my fists , harder yet , and pushed every piece of energy I Chapter 194 2/7 had into that bond .


    Sweat trickled beading on my forehead , and again and again , I hollered to him with : Dane , please … I need you .


    Just answer me .


    Still , nothing .


    It felt weak and distant , something that was slipping ever more out of my grasp .


    Frustration settled in my stomach .


    I was tired , my strength reducing , the breaths reducing .


    The room spun slightly as , voice shaking , I tried once more .


    Dane , I whispered , hands shaking .


    Please … I just cant do this without you .


    The pearl pendant at my neck began to warm against my skin , and that was miraculous enough to freeze me in ce .


    I looked down at the thing in wonder as its glow intensified .


    What in … The words wouldnt get out before the light enveloped me , bright and overpowering .


    The room was gone , reced by a huge sea of light colored silver bursting .


    The air glimmered , thick with power , and then she materialized .


    The Moon Goddess .


    Her form was ethereal , slipping from a shining , silver figure to a Chapter 194 3/7 softer , maternal presence .


    Her eyes settled on me , piercing yet kind .


    Aurora , she said , her voiceing from all directions at once It seemed .


    I fell to my knees as the overwhelming presence made my heart shift .


    Goddess , I managed to say , my voice shaking .


    You are in distress , she said , drifting closer , Your bond with Dane is weakened but not broken .


    Ill try calling for him .


    I said , almost in a panic .


    But its like he doesnt exist anymore .


    And I dont know what to do .


    Her expression softened then , and she knelt before me , her hand hovering above the pendant .


    The Namelesss power clouds many things , but the bond you share is strong .


    Trust it .


    Her words put a sliver of hope in me , but as she continued , her gaze darkened .


    Aurora , you must prepare yourself .


    A great disaster is at hand .


    The Nameless is cunning and will strike when least expected .


    What disaster ? I asked , trembling .


    She didnt say it fdirectly but her eyes moved to the pendant .


    This shall guide you when the timees .


    Believe in yourself , Aurora .


    Your choices will decide the course of all .


    With that said , before I could ask more , the light that outlined Chapter 194 her figure started to disappear , and she melted into the silver mist .


    4/7 Wait ! I called out , reaching for her , but was brought back into the room .


    I gasped , clutching the pendant as the vision faded .


    The pounding of my heart against my chest , the warning of the goddess echoed through my brain over and over again .


    The day came by weirdly with a lot of tension .


    The pack was in a high state of readiness , with movements sharp and purposeful as reports came in about an attack .


    I stood at the heart of themand room , scanning across the reports that littered the table .


    There was something not quite right .


    The attacks were scattered and disorganized , far from the way the Nameless normally acted .


    This doesnt make sense , I muttered , pacing the room .


    Trajan was standing beside him , his arms crossed .


    It doesnt have to make sense , Aurora .


    Its happening .


    We need to act .


    I shook my l a burn of frustration rising beneath my skin .


    No.


    Its too convenient .


    Hes trying to spread us thin .


    Cant you.


    see that ? Convenient or not , we cant ignore it , Trajan shot back .


    Chapter 194 5/7 Patience , I insisted , firmly .


    We need to assess this carefully .


    If we rush in , were walking straight into a trap .


    But the pack was itchy , their confidence in me already shaken .


    after all that had taken ce .


    Rumblings went through the room , hesitation palpable in their eyes .


    She hesitates again , a low whisper .


    We cannot wait any more , another added .


    Trajan strode forward , his movement unyielding .


    I will lead the attack , he said .


    If you wont take action , I will .


    No , Trajan ..


    I started , but he was already running .


    The assault group shipped out in a matter of minutes , their outlines disappearing into the woods .


    I remained behind ; my gut filled with suspicions .


    Hours passed silently , like an eternity , while everything gradually heightened in tension .


    I began moving up and down in themand room , my mind racing .


    And then that report came in .


    Trajans team has been ambushed , a scout informed me , hist voice tight with fear .


    My blood ran cold .


    Where ? He pointed to the map , his hand shaking .


    Here .


    The old ruins Chapter 194 by the western border .


    I grabbed my gear and headed for the door , determination .


    fueling my steps .


    You cant go alone , Piper said , stepping in my path .


    I dont have any choice , I said , pushing past her .


    When I atst came upon the ruins , chaos was in total dominance .


    6/7 The air was so heavy with the stench of blood and fear one could smell it .


    Trajans team was scattered fighting desperately against the Nameless .


    I scanned the ground for Trajan as my heart pounded in my chest .


    Then I saw him locked inbat with a huge shadow creature .


    Trajan ! I shouted , my voice filled with the tter of shing swords .


    The second thing heard was how that monster tore its .


    sharp ws into his side and made Trajan stumble through sluggish movement .


    Trajan ! I shouted , rushing towards him .


    Before reaching him , a surge in shadows covered him tightly among them ; The darkness wrapped itself to such an end that all life was strangled off of him , his gaze met mine .


    Aurora , run away ! he yelled .


    Chapter 194 No ! I screamed , reaching for him .


    7/7 The shadows dragged him back , his form disappearing into the dark .


    Trajan ! I shrieked , but it was toote .


    He was gone .


    The sounds of the battle faded around me , reced by the hollow ache of loss .


    I fell to my knees , holding the pendant as tears streamed from my face .


    Moon goddess , what should I do now ? I whispered , my voice cracking .


    B Write yourment