Aurora's POV
As I entered the cave, it was very dark.
Each step I took echoed too loudly. My boots scraping against stone wet with damp and ancient magic. The golden glow from my crescent mark shined faintly, illuminating the walls just enough to reveal symbols carved deep into the rock. They twisted when I passed, reacting to my presence like something disturbed from a long, restless sleep.
I thought of Stefano outside, waiting. The pack, their howls still echoing in my memory. I couldn't fail them. I Wouldn't.
Cassian's laughter drifted toward me again, deeper now, closer, echoing from every direction at once.
I tightened my fists, forcing my breathing to steady. Fear was there, sharp and cold in my chest, but beneath it burned something stronger. Determination.
He had taken enough from me already. My life. My memories. My family. He would take nothing else.
"I'm here," I called into the darkness. "You wanted me. Then face me."
