Chapter 236 AURORA He spun around , his eyes catching on mine before slipping off again .


    Im fine .


    You dont seem fine , I insisted .


    I said Im fine , he growled ; the whip in his voice had me back stepping in one step .


    A silence hung in the air until he blew out a heavy sigh and passed a hand over his hair .


    Sorry .


    Didnt mean it .


    Im just tired , thats all .


    I nodded back at him while knowing in my heart that the words didnt ring quite in truth .


    If ever you feel the need to talk , my doors always open .


    Thanks , he mumbled and dived back into his work .


    I sat outsideter that evening with Dane when the sun was already dipped below the horizon , leaving tangerine orange and pink painted across the sky .


    It had been one very long day , but most definitely the snail like progress this pack was making toward unity was going to keep my hopes high .


    Piper and Warrick seem better , Dane said as his arm flopped over my shoulders .


    Chapter 236 2/6 They are , I said , smiling .


    Though I think Piper might kill him if he teases her too much .


    Dane chuckled .


    Thats how you know its love .


    Iughed , leaning into him .


    What about Trajan ? He has been hanging with Joclyn a lottely .


    Dane grinned .


    I think hes finally letting himself be happy .


    Its about time .


    We sat in silence for a while , and then as the stars began to appear , my eye finally caught a flicker of movement .


    Dane , I said slowly , my gaze fixed on the training arena .


    He followed my line of vision , the tension flowing into his body .


    What is he doing ? In the middle of the field , Rowan was doingbat drills , his movements aggressive .


    He came to a sharp halt because a group of younger wolves were watching a bit too closely among whispers .


    Trying to impress someone ? The jocr voice sailed across the field .


    Stiff , his fists clenched to his sides , he turned ring in that direction .


    They all took off in a dead run and were gone into the darkness , still chuckling .


    Dane and I had exchanged a nce ; a shroud of unease fell between us .


    Somethings not right , I whispered , and with that , Chapter 236 the chapter ended .


    3/6 Alone in that arena , his shoulders heaving as he clutched his tight gripped training staff , the words of Alina still echoing in his head : You deserve to be seen .


    Theughter and the music of joyful noises filled the air with that unity so long bted , and I was standing close to Dane , practically in the very center , the grip of his hand sped in mine rather tightly .


    The great bonfire that burned behind us lit his features soft , and as I watched , he drank all the joy in , his face spreading wide into a smile .


    This is what its all about , Dane muttered low in his throat , pride evident in his voice .


    I nodded , giving his hand a squeeze .


    Its moments like these that make everything worth it .


    We stood for a while , just observing .


    Piper and Warrick were in their element ,mandeering the makeshift dance floor with grossly exaggerated moves which had the pack in stitches .


    Piper ! Warrick eximed , spinning her so hard she almost lost her footing .


    Careful ! I might be too good at this .


    Too good ? Piper replied , her grin wide .


    I think youre just trying to hide that youve got two left feet .


    The pack erupted in cheers andughter , and I caught Trajan Chapter 236 shaking his head from his seat by the fire .


    4/6 Is it possible to hurt yourself dancing ? he asked Joclyn , dry , but his eyes were amused .


    Joclynughed , and the sound was warm , real .


    With those two ? Definitely .


    Their conversation was quieter now , but the way Joclyns hand remained on Trajans arm didnt slip past my notice .


    Dane leaned into me , a little nudge of his elbow against mine .


    Theyre good for each other , he said .


    They are , I agreed .


    Its good to see him smiling more .


    Yet , not everyone shared the joy .


    I saw Rowan seated on the outskirts of the party .


    He sat hunched over , watching the fire without emotion .


    The light danced in his eyes , yet his expression didnt show warmth .


    I didnt even have the chance to wonder if I was seriously reaching for him before Alina stepped beside him .


    She spoke something in a low voice , but that did little to conceal the acidic bite of her words .


    You will never have what they have with you continuing to sit here , she said .


    His head snapped towards her , the expression on his face .


    stormy .


    Enough , Alina , he growled .


    I am sick of your games .


    Chapter 236 Alina squared her shoulders , her eyes shing defiance .


    Games ? Ive done nothing but try to help you .


    Help me ? Rowanunched to his feet , voice escting .


    All youve done is twist everything , feeding into every doubt Ive ever had .


    By this time , several wolves had faced them and were 5/6 murmuring , the rumble of their voices growing louder .


    I stepped .


    forward , raising a hand for silence .


    Rowan , I said quietly , meeting his gaze .


    Lets talk .


    His shoulders had stiffened , but after a moment , he nodded reluctantly .


    I nodded and led him away from the staring crowd to a quiet part of the clearing .


    Whats wrong ? I asked softly .


    For a while , he said nothing ; his jaw was stiff .


    Then , taking a deep breath , it all spilled out .


    I wanted to be noticed by you … but now I just want to belong .


    It was the vulnerability in his voice that struck me like a ton of bricks .


    I reached out , setting a hand to his arm .


    Rowan , you are noticed .


    You are valued .


    And I promise well find your ce together .


    He nodded , the relief and residual uncertainty warring for dominance on his face .


    As the festivities slowly wound to an end , the whole dynamic of Chapter 236 6/6 the evening shifted .


    Music became quieter , wolves found ces near the fire and chatted and chuckled over a shared silence .


    But Pipers only attitude towards distraction , it seemed .


    Once or twice I catch her , peering outwards into the darkness , frowning at the viges edge .


    What is it ? I ask softly , joining her side .


    Alina , she returns quietly .


    She just ducked away ; nobody but me saw .


    Curiosity fluttered in my chest , but a smidge of doubt still lingered .


    Itste .


    She probably just wanted some air .


    Piper shook her head .


    No.


    Something feels … off .


    She was running before I could get a word out , her footsteps light as she followed the direction Alina had gone in .


    Piper , wait I called out , but she was out of earshot .


    I watched her disappear into the shadows , and for a moment , something in the night just felt colder .


    Piper moved through the trees , her eyes sharp as she tracked Alinas path .


    She came to a stop when she spotted a faint light ahead .


    Her breath caught in her throat .


    What was Alina doing out here ? Stepping closer , a low growl echoed through the forest , freezing her in ce .