Chapter 238. Waiting for His Return

Aurora’s POV

The night air was thick with tension as I looked out the mirror, thunder clashing across the sky in the distance. My fingers clenched and unclenched around the hem of my sweater as I scanned the returning crowd in the courtyard below, my heart lurching every time I thought I saw him—Caleb. But it wasn’t him, not yet.

My eyes were tired from looking, my body exhausted from the hours of pacing, waiting, hoping. When Luna Maya finally stepped forward, her voice calm yet resonant, it was as if the whole pack held its breath in unison.

“The rogues have been contained,” she said, her tone carrying a mixture of pride and exhaustion, “and the warriors will be returning victorious.” A chorus of relieved murmurs rippled through the gathering. My lips parted, but no sound came out. She wasn’t done. “But first,” she added, “the healers need to inspect every warrior. We can’t celebrate until we know our own safety.”

I felt a cold, heavy weight lift jus