Chapter 231 AURORA Golden morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled delicately over the room .


    I stretched the ache of my muscles , having danced way too much the night before registered within my brain .


    Beside me , Dane shifted , and his arm slid over my waist .


    Good morning , he said , his voice husky from sleep .


    Morning , I replied , turning toward him .


    His smile was soft , his eyes full of warmth .


    I think weve officially earned this .


    I giggled , moving a wayward strand of hair off his face .


    Earned what? Azy morning ? Exactly , he replied , tugging me closer to him .


    After all we have endured , he pinched my nose , After how you screamed my namest night … you definitely deserve rest .


    I giggled and as he tried to reach for me , I jumped out of bed and entered the bathroom .


    Ohmon , its still early , he groaned .


    Chapter 231 2/9 The vige was slow to awaken that morning , the celebration of the wedding evident in sprinkled flower petals and the soft hum ofughter hanging in the air .


    As it approached mid morning , wolves began gathering in the clearing for the first story circle .


    I arrived hand in hand with Dane , the cheerful buzz of conversation greeting us .


    All right , all , I called , stepping to the center .


    Lets hear some stories .


    The elders took turns and spoke of sesses and failures .


    Joclyns voice assumed quiet authority as she led a story through a harsh winter , her words painting vivid scenes of survival and kinship .


    Piper and Warrick sat with them , but their ying at banter seemed weird .


    Think theyll tell the story of your burnt stew ? Piper teased , nudging Warrick .


    That wasnt my fault ! he protested , though the grin on his face betrayed his amusement .


    Later that day , Trajan approached Dane and me with an idea in his head .


    Ive been thinking , he said , and his voice was contemtive .


    We should have a feast .


    Not just for celebrations , but to honor the packs history .


    Bring everyone together to remember where Chapter 231 we came from .


    3/9 Dane just nodded ; his face spoke approval .


    Thats a good idea .


    Lets make it happen .


    Trajan proved contagious about the feast .


    He got everybody into its preparation fetched ingredients , made decorations .


    I found him seated with Joclyn .


    Their heads were bent together as they talked over the finishing touches of the party .


    Youre really doing this , I said , dropping into a seat beside them .


    Trajan looked up , a rare smile on his face .


    It feels … important .


    Like something we need .


    Joclyn nodded , her gaze steady .


    The pack thrives on connection .


    This is a way to strengthen it .


    Not everything went so well .


    Gradually , Rowans behavior had started to shift .


    He was faster , almost frantic , to gain attention .


    During one of the nning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility .


    Ill get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had spoken .


    Rowan , I said softly , we need to hear from everyone .


    Chapter 231 He reddened then , nodded , the muscles across his shoulders.


    rigid .


    4/9 Later , in training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid to impress .


    Easy , Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another wolf .


    Control , not speed .


    Muttering a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his voice .


    Later that evening , when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw hime near me .


    Luna , he began , his voice faltering .


    Yes , Rowan ? I turned to him .


    I just .


    I want to do more .


    To prove myself , he finally said in a rush of words .


    I smiled andid a reassuring hand on his shoulder .


    You are doing enough .


    Still , thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself .


    He nodded but his face still showed distress .


    Unbeknownst to me , Rowan had been stewing in frustration .


    That night , when the pack settled into their routines , hegged at the edge of the vige , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final touches to the feast .


    You deserve to be seen , a low , hushed voice said .


    Chapter 231 In turning to find Alina standing behind him , her eyesy so calm full of an intention that hitched his pulse .


    What do you mean ? he asked warily .


    5/9 That time , when Alina smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily .


    You have much potential , Rowan , but you block your path .


    The right moment flipped might show them just who you happen to be .


    Rowan crossed his arms , a defensive note entering his posture .


    And what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the poor light .


    Its not something I can define for you .


    But when ites , youll feel it .


    Youll know .


    Rowan scowled , frustration rising to the surface .


    Thats not an answer .


    Youre speaking in riddles .


    Herughter was low , almost conciliatory .


    Sometimes the clearest truths can only be seen in the shadows .


    Youve been watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to step forward .


    Stop waiting , Rowan .


    Take what you want .


    Those words red something in him , a fire of rebellion and ambition .


    Yet alongside it red doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin tingle .


    And what if I do ? he returned , his tone soft .


    Chapter 231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice a whisper .


    Then , you will finally find your worth .


    You shall see that you have no need of anyones approval : not Danes , not Auroras .


    Rowans jaw clenched tight .


    The storm in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her .


    The silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began to sting .


    Atst , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her cloak .


    Youll figure it out , she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do , Ill be here .


    He watched her figure fade out , while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and over to a melody .


    The clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers ofmps .


    His eyes darted to the packhouse , where the sounds ofughter drifted across , fading away .


    In that one moment , his resolve wavered .


    He caught Auroras voice , a little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze .


    Suddenly , this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache he felt .


    Still fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing me .


    The next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity .


    His movements were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to carve out his ce through sheer force of will .


    Chapter 231 Easy , Dane called , his voice calm but firm .


    Youre overextending again .


    Rowan gritted his teeth , adjusting his stance .


    Im fine .


    Dane raised an eyebrow but didnt press further .


    7/9 Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their yful banter cutting through the morning air .


    Try not to embarrass yourself this time , Piper leased , dodging Warricks swing .


    Oh , dont worry , Warrick shot back , grinning .


    Im saving my best moves for when it counts .


    Theirughter grated against Rowans nerves , but he forced himself to focus .


    He needed to prove himself not just to Dane and Aurora but to the entire pack .


    Later that day , during a meeting to finalize the feast preparations , Rowan saw his chance .


    I can handle the scouting for new hunting grounds , he said , his voice firm .


    Aurora looked at him , her eyes contemtive .


    Thats a big responsibility , Rowan .


    Are you sure youre ready for it ? I am , he said in a rush , his eyes locking into hers with determination .


    Chapter 231 8/9 Dane looked at Aurora then nodded .


    Alright .


    But take someone with you .


    Its not safe to go alone .


    Ill go , Alina said , extending one leg in her wake with a confident grin .


    Rowans gut twisted , but he nodded .


    Very well .


    We leave at first .


    light .


    Everything was at first uneventful on their reconnaissance mission , the forest passing wordlessly under the muffled footsteps , courtesy of its dense underbrush .


    Youre so quiet today , Alina mentioned , the silence breaking abruptly .


    Im concentrating , he replied gruffly .


    Alina snorted .


    Fair enough .


    They walked deeper into the forest , the trees growing closer together , light growing dimmer .


    All of Rowans senses were on high , catching every sound and movement .


    Do you ever wonder what it would be like to lead ? Alina asked suddenly , casual in her tone but deliberate in her words .


    Rowan hesitated , his grip tightening on his spear .


    What are you getting at ? Just a thought , she said , shrugging .


    Youve got the drive , the ajes 101 Jou ajal Chapter 231 9/9 ambition .


    But youre stuck in their shadow .


    Dont you ever think about stepping out of it ? Rowan stopped , then turned to her .


    Why do you keep saying things like that ? Because I see potential in you , Alina said simply .


    More than they do .


    More than you see in yourself .


    Her words sliced to the doubts and longing hed been trying to suppress .


    Before he could say anything , the sound of rustling in the bushes drew their attention .


    He jerked his spear up , his heart racing .


    Probably only a deer , Alina said , but her hand was on the hilt of her dagger .


    The tension broke as a small rabbit jumped from the undergrowth , its beady eyes darting around the opening before it skipped off into the bushes .


    Rowan let his breath out and lowered the spear .


    See ? Alina said , the smirk twisting her mouth once more .


    Nothing to be concerned about .