Aurora’s POV
The stranger arrived at dawn, wrapped in a traveling cloak stitched with symbols I didn’t recognize, spirals, moons, and runes that shimmered like trapped stars. He moved like a shadow that had learned how to walk upright, tall and carved with the kind of confidence only old magic could give.
Eldric.
Zayne’s old friend from the East.
Except for the moment his silver eyes landed on me, something inside my wolf bristled.
“Alpha Aurora,” he greeted softly, bowing his head. “I came as soon as I sensed his curse worsening.”
Zayne stood behind me, silent, tired, too tired for someone who used to radiate strength like heat from the sun.
He tried to smile at Eldric but failed. His eyes flickered with pain, and guilt twisted in my stomach.
The Council meeting had broken somethi
