Chapter 68
Chapter 68
Third Person’s POV
Aurora’s voice trembled as she tried to defend herself, “I didn’t know it was the ashes of martyrs p>
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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 p>
Aurora’s face went pale instantly. The Iron Fang Recon Unit wolves standing behind Aldred glared 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 flaunting herself as a disciplined and bold female wolf, had committed 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 replace you p>
“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 collapsed had Caelum not steadied her with a hand.
“No… this can’t happen.” Her voice was desperate, her claws digging into his sleeve as though he were her last lifeline. “If I’m suspended now, my future… my promotion… it will all be over. Caelum, help me! Please p>
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… ”
Aldred’s sharp gaze fixed on him. The old wolf’s growl was low, edged with command. “You’ve divorced her, Caelum. What right do you have to speak here? ”
“I” Caelum began, but Freya’s cold, cutting voice silenced him,
“Caelum Grafton, when I was 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. ”
His throat worked, his pride twisting painfully. “Freya … for the sake of our three years as mates– please, forgive Aurora just
this once p>
He knew Aurora was a fault. But still–Aurora had once been his so – called savior. His wolf told him that debt bound him.
Freya laughed suddenly. The sound cracked, wild and bitter, her eyes shining with unshed tears. The last 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, you truly are a disgrace p>
The Alpha of Silverfang froze, his pupils dilating sharply. His voice dropped to a whisper. “What did you say? That night… you were the one who saved me p>
It made no sense. He had always believed Aurora had saved him.
But Freya didn’t spare him another glance.
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, claws 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.
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12:51 PM PP
Chapter 68
+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 will come back to haunt you p>
“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 p>
Every wolf soldier behind him followed suit, their movements crisp, their voices united in a thunderous vow:
“ Escort the martyrs home p>
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. Her heart trembled.
Father. Mother. Do you see? Your pack, your comrades… 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 … she was finally bringing them home.
Caelum stood frozen, his gaze locked on her retreating back. His thoughts were chaos, spiraling. Too many questions clawed 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 blades, the river? Why has she kept silent all this time?
He clenched his jaw, 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 his 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, she had seized it, letting the lie take root.
Now, that lie threatened to devour her whole.