novelxo Chapter 231
Chapter 231 AURORA Golden morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled delicately over the room .
I stretched the ache of my muscles , having danced way too much the night before registered within my brain .
Beside me , Dane shifted , and his arm slid over my waist .
Good morning , he said , his voice husky from sleep .
Morning , I replied , turning toward him .
His smile was soft , his eyes full of warmth .
I think weve officially earned this .
I giggled , moving a wayward strand of hair off his face .
Earned what? A lazy morning ? Exactly , he replied , tugging me closer to him .
After all we have endured , he pinched my nose , After how you screamed my name last night … you definitely deserve rest .
I giggled and as he tried to reach for me , I jumped out of bed and entered the bathroom .
Oh common , its still early , he groaned .
Chapter 231 2/9 The village was slow to awaken that morning , the celebration of the wedding evident in sprinkled flower petals and the soft hum of laughter hanging in the air .
As it approached mid morning , wolves began gathering in the clearing for the first story circle .
I arrived hand in hand with Dane , the cheerful buzz of conversation greeting us .
All right , all , I called , stepping to the center .
Lets hear some stories .
The elders took turns and spoke of successes and failures .
Joclyns voice assumed quiet authority as she led a story through a harsh winter , her words painting vivid scenes of survival and kinship .
Piper and Warrick sat with them , but their playing at banter seemed weird .
Think theyll tell the story of your burnt stew ? Piper teased , nudging Warrick .
That wasnt my fault ! he protested , though the grin on his face betrayed his amusement .
Later that day , Trajan approached Dane and me with an idea in his head .
Ive been thinking , he said , and his voice was contemplative .
We should have a feast .
Not just for celebrations , but to honor the packs history .
Bring everyone together to remember where Chapter 231 we came from .
3/9 Dane just nodded ; his face spoke approval .
Thats a good idea .
Lets make it happen .
Trajan proved contagious about the feast .
He got everybody into its preparation fetched ingredients , made decorations .
I found him seated with Joclyn .
Their heads were bent together as they talked over the finishing touches of the party .
Youre really doing this , I said , dropping into a seat beside them .
Trajan looked up , a rare smile on his face .
It feels … important .
Like something we need .
Joclyn nodded , her gaze steady .
The pack thrives on connection .
This is a way to strengthen it .
Not everything went so well .
Gradually , Rowans behavior had started to shift .
He was faster , almost frantic , to gain attention .
During one of the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility .
Ill get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had spoken .
Rowan , I said softly , we need to hear from everyone .
Chapter 231 He reddened then , nodded , the muscles across his shoulders.
rigid .
4/9 Later , in training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid to impress .
Easy , Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another wolf .
Control , not speed .
Muttering a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his voice .
Later that evening , when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw him come near me .
Luna , he began , his voice faltering .
Yes , Rowan ? I turned to him .
I just .
I want to do more .
To prove myself , he finally said in a rush of words .
I smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder .
You are doing enough .
Still , thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself .
He nodded but his face still showed distress .
Unbeknownst to me , Rowan had been stewing in frustration .
That night , when the pack settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final touches to the feast .
You deserve to be seen , a low , hushed voice said .
Chapter 231 In turning to find Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched his pulse .
What do you mean ? he asked warily .
5/9 That time , when Alina smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily .
You have much potential , Rowan , but you block your path .
The right moment flipped might show them just who you happen to be .
Rowan crossed his arms , a defensive note entering his posture .
And what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the poor light .
Its not something I can define for you .
But when it comes , youll feel it .
Youll know .
Rowan scowled , frustration rising to the surface .
Thats not an answer .
Youre speaking in riddles .
Her laughter was low , almost conciliatory .
Sometimes the clearest truths can only be seen in the shadows .
Youve been watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to step forward .
Stop waiting , Rowan .
Take what you want .
Those words flared something in him , a fire of rebellion and ambition .
Yet alongside it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin tingle .
And what if I do ? he returned , his tone soft .
Chapter 231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice a whisper .
Then , you will finally find your worth .
You shall see that you have no need of anyones approval : not Danes , not Auroras .
Rowans jaw clenched tight .
The storm in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her .
The silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began to sting .
At last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her cloak .
Youll figure it out , she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do , Ill be here .
He watched her figure fade out , while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and over to a melody .
The clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers of lamps .
His eyes darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across , fading away .
In that one moment , his resolve wavered .
He caught Auroras voice , a little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze .
Suddenly , this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache he felt .
Still fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame .
The next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity .
His movements were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to carve out his place through sheer force of will .
Chapter 231 Easy , Dane called , his voice calm but firm .
Youre overextending again .
Rowan gritted his teeth , adjusting his stance .
Im fine .
Dane raised an eyebrow but didnt press further .
7/9 Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the morning air .
Try not to embarrass yourself this time , Piper leased , dodging Warricks swing .
Oh , dont worry , Warrick shot back , grinning .
Im saving my best moves for when it counts .
Their laughter grated against Rowans nerves , but he forced himself to focus .
He needed to prove himself not just to Dane and Aurora but to the entire pack .
Later that day , during a meeting to finalize the feast preparations , Rowan saw his chance .
I can handle the scouting for new hunting grounds , he said , his voice firm .
Aurora looked at him , her eyes contemplative .
Thats a big responsibility , Rowan .
Are you sure youre ready for it ? I am , he said in a rush , his eyes locking into hers with determination .
Chapter 231 8/9 Dane looked at Aurora then nodded .
Alright .
But take someone with you .
Its not safe to go alone .
Ill go , Alina said , extending one leg in her wake with a confident grin .
Rowans gut twisted , but he nodded .
Very well .
We leave at first .
light .
Everything was at first uneventful on their reconnaissance mission , the forest passing wordlessly under the muffled footsteps , courtesy of its dense underbrush .
Youre so quiet today , Alina mentioned , the silence breaking abruptly .
Im concentrating , he replied gruffly .
Alina snorted .
Fair enough .
They walked deeper into the forest , the trees growing closer together , light growing dimmer .
All of Rowans senses were on high , catching every sound and movement .
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to lead ? Alina asked suddenly , casual in her tone but deliberate in her words .
Rowan hesitated , his grip tightening on his spear .
What are you getting at ? Just a thought , she said , shrugging .
Youve got the drive , the ajes 101 Jou ajal Chapter 231 9/9 ambition .
But youre stuck in their shadow .
Dont you ever think about stepping out of it ? Rowan stopped , then turned to her .
Why do you keep saying things like that ? Because I see potential in you , Alina said simply .
More than they do .
More than you see in yourself .
Her words sliced to the doubts and longing hed been trying to suppress .
Before he could say anything , the sound of rustling in the bushes drew their attention .
He jerked his spear up , his heart racing .
Probably only a deer , Alina said , but her hand was on the hilt of her dagger .
The tension broke as a small rabbit jumped from the undergrowth , its beady eyes darting around the opening before it skipped off into the bushes .
Rowan let his breath out and lowered the spear .
See ? Alina said , the smirk twisting her mouth once more .
Nothing to be concerned about .