Third Person’s POV
Aurora’s voice trembled as she tried to defend herself, “I didn’t know it was the ashes of martyrs!”
+8 Pearls
Lana shoved past the guards blocking her way, her voice sharp with fury. “I shouted it out loud–that it was the ashes of martyrs! And what did you do? You ordered them to snatch the urn faster!”
Aurora’s face went pale instantly. The Iron Fang Recon Unit wolves standing behind Aldred red at her with burning fury in their eyes, the weight of their collective rage pressing down like a storm.
The executives from Flight who had rushed in to mediate nearly cursed aloud. Aurora, usually unting herself as a disciplined and bold female wolf, hadmitted the most disgraceful of blunders.
The Vice President of Flight didn’t hesitate. His voice cut through the tense silence. “Aurora, as of this moment, you are unfit to continue flight duty. Effective immediately, another co–pilot will rece you.”
“Yes, sir!” someone answered at once, rushing to make the call to dispatch another officer.
Aurora staggered on her feet, blood draining from her face. She would have copsed had Caelum not steadied her with a hand.
“No… this can’t happen.” Her voice was desperate, her ws digging into his sleeve as though he were herst lifeline. “If I’m suspended now, my future… my promotion… it will all be over. Caelum, help me! Please!”
Caelum looked down at her. Once, Aurora’s beauty and pride had been like fire–bright, unyielding. Now, her pale face and pleading eyes stirred pity in his chest. His wolf bristled uneasily, but his heart softened despite himself.
He stepped forward, his voice directed at Freya. “Why not forgive her this once? If she’s grounded, the consequences for her career will be too severe. Besides, you struck her earlier you’ve vented some of your anger…<b>” </b>
Aldred’s sharp <b>gaze </b>fixed on him. The old wolf’s growl was low, edged withmand. “You’ve divorced her, Caelum. What right do you have to speak here<b>?</b><b>” </b>
“I” Caelum began, but Freya’s cold, cutting voice silenced him,
“Caelum Grafton, when I <b>was </b>cornered and attacked, you said nothing. Not one word, Yet for Aurora, the moment she falters, you’re the first to rush forward and shield her. I told you before you’ve lost the right to say anything to me.<b>” </b>
His throat worked, his pride twisting painfully. “Freya<b>… </b>for the sake <b>of </b>our three years as mates–<b>please</b><b>, </b>forgive Aurora just
this once.”
He knew Aurora <b>was </b><b>a </b>fault. But still–Aurora had once been his <b>so</b><b>–</b>called savior. His wolf told him that debt bound him.
Freyaughed suddenly. The sound cracked, wild and bitter, her <b>eyes </b>shining with unshed tears. Thest remnants of longing she had harbored for him shattered in that instant.
“If I hadn’t pulled you out of the river that night–your body torn by eight knife wounds–would you even be alive to stand here and beg me for another she–wolf’s sake? Caelum<b>, </b>you truly are <b>a </b>disgrace!”
<b>The </b>Alpha of Silverfang froze, his pupils dting sharply. His voice dropped to a whisper. “What did you say? That night… you were the one who saved me?”
It made no sense. He had always believed Aurora had saved him.
But Freya didn’t spare him another nce.
Caelum made to step closer, but Aurora clutched at him, dragging him back. Her head bowed, shadows hiding her face, but her hands shook violently, ws scraping his sleeve.
The announcement for boarding rang through the terminal. Aldred rested a heavy hand on Freya’s shoulder. His voice was firm, but softer now, like the growl of an elder wolf who still cared.
12:51 PM PP
+8 Pearls
“It’s time, little one. Once you arrive in Ashbourne, don’t forget to have a healer look at your wounds. Don’t rely on youth and wolf blood to dismiss injuries–they wille back to haunt you.”
“I understand,” Freya murmured.
Aldred straightened, the full power of a war–worn Alpha rolling off him. He lifted his hand in salute. “Escort the martyrs Arthur Thorne and Myra Brown… home.”
Every wolf soldier behind him followed suit, their movements crisp, their voices united in a thunderous vow:
<b>“</b>Escort the martyrs home!”
The sound rolled through the terminal like thunder across the mountains, stirring awe and silence among the crowd.
Freya’s eyes reddened, her vision blurred with mist<b>. </b>Her heart trembled.
Father. Mother. Do you see? Your pack, yourrades… they did not forget you. They came to walk you home.
With both hands, she clutched the urn close to her chest and bowed deeply three times to Aldred and the Iron Fang wolves, her wolf’s posture hea
with reverence. Then she turned, shoulders squared, and walked toward the boarding gate.
Her parents<b>… </b>she was finally bringing them home.
Caelum stood frozen, his gaze locked on her retreating back. His thoughts were chaos, spiraling. Too many questions wed at his mind, tearing at his sanity.
Why would she say she was the one who saved me? How does she know about the eight des, the river? Why has she kept silent all this time?
He clenched his <b>jaw</b>, his wolf restless inside him. He would find out. He had to.
But as he stared, he wasn’t the only one unraveling.
Aurora’s grip on his arm trembled violently. Her wolf cowered inside her, fear rippling through every nerve.
No… impossible. How can Freya be <b>his </b>true savior? How can this be?
The truth gnawed at her–once, she had only seen Caelum after he had been pulled from the river. She had never saved him. She had simply let him believe it. And when he gave her his gratitude, his loyalty<b>, </b>she had seized it, letting <b>the </b>lie take root.
Now, that lie threatened to devour her whole<b>. </b>