Page 133 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

As the group of approaching Lycans draws near, a surge of adrenaline courses through my veins, heightening my senses to a razor-sharp edge. The thud of their footsteps against the earth reverberates in my ears, each pounding beat a warning of imminent danger.

Jayce’s swift shift into his dire wolf form sends a ripple of tension through the air. The scent of fur and musk mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest. In contrast, I remain rooted in my human form, gripping my sword tightly as I prepare for the impending clash.

As the Lycans draw closer, confusion flickers across their faces at the sight of me brandishing a weapon. Their hesitationis palpable, a momentary pause that grants us the advantage we need to strike.

With Aurora at my side, our swords gleaming in the dappled light of the forest, we charge forward with a primal ferocity. The clash of steel against flesh fills the air, accompanied by the visceral sounds of grunts and cries of pain.

It becomes evident with each swing of my sword that some of our adversaries are ill-equipped for combat, their movements clumsy and uncoordinated. I relay this crucial information to my comrades with urgency, ensuring that they are aware of the enemy’s weaknesses even amidst the chaos of battle.

As we continue to fend off the attackers, every sense is heightened to its fullest extent, each moment fraught with danger and uncertainty. But amidst the chaos, there is a sense of unity and determination, driving us forward in our fight against Vladimir’s forces.

Aurora is having the time of her life parrying and twirling out of the way of the attacking Lycans. It’s almost as if she’s dancing while she battles, and then I hear it. She is singing Taylor Swift’s “Look what you made me do” while she’s fighting. Every battle, a song is tagged to it. This battle is no different than any other.

I swear that woman is going to put us all in an early grave. We clear the attackers quickly then return to the task before us. Aurora moves to survey the entrance to the flooded tunnel. My scout goes to stand beside her and goes over his discoveries on his previous mission...

Aurora looks to Jayce and me, then back to the scouts. “Guys? Can you come here?”

“Yes, angel?” I ask, looking between Aurora and my scout. Jayce shifts back and pulls on his pants.

Aurora’s features give nothing away at the moment. “I’ve reconsidered my original plan. Jayce, pick two of your men.Klaus, you do the same. The eight of us will enter through the tunnels.”

Aurora’s eyes take on that ghostly glow as she reaches out through the bond. She tells the rest of her mates her amended plans, and I sense the relief from the others. We start getting updates that Lycan forces have been testing our groups for the last hour. Several hundred have fallen by our swords.

Through the trees, I spot Arnulf coming through carrying his medicine bag. “Thank the Gods for Ziploc bags.” he says, patting his bag. He needs to bless the ground the Strigoi are buried in to weaken or kill them, hopefully.

Aurora turns and approaches Arnulf and kisses him gently. “Are you prepared for everything?” Aurora asks in a soft tone.

Arnulf tilts his head, then smiles. “Yes, my love, I am fully prepared.”

“Good. Jax will be your personal guard. When we find the graves, Jayce will shift and remain at your side for added protection. After all, his venom is unrivaled.” Aurora’s tone holds nothing but love and pride for her mates.

Arnulf nods, then looks at the rest of us gathered. “So, what’s the plan?”

I step forward and motion to my scout. “Gus here was the one that scouted the caverns originally. I figure he will be the one to lead us to the old weapons’ chamber that he discovered. Arnulf, one of us will hold your clothing. We can have you shift and fly through some of the chambers, giving us a little bit of recon before we proceed.”

“Sounds good,” Arnulf says.

Aurora looks to the cavern then back to us again. “Be prepared for anything. Each Lycan must have a Dire with you. My mates will tell you when to shift and climb. If I have to freeze everything, you’ll need to be out of the water.” Aurora looks to the entrance then back to Gus. “Let’s get this party started.”

The dampness of the surroundings seeps into our bones, a constant reminder of the cold, dark depths that await us. The faint sound of dripping water echoes off the walls, creating an eerie symphony that reverberates through the cavern.

As Gus takes the lead and disappears into the abyss below, the anticipation grows palpable. The water is frigid against our skin, sending shivers down our spines as we follow suit, each step a test of our resolve. The darkness envelops us like a thick blanket, obscuring our surroundings and heightening our senses.

With each passing moment, the tension mounts, our senses on high alert for any sign of danger lurking in the depths below. The sound of our own breathing fills the silence, a rhythmic cadence that serves as a reminder of our vulnerability in this unfamiliar environment.

As we plunge deeper into the darkness, uncertainty gnaws at our insides, a nagging reminder of the perils that await us on the other side. But with Aurora’s guidance and Gus leading the way, we press forward, our determination unwavering in the face of the unknown.

CHAPTER 107

Dimitri

In the heartof the Lycan lands, nestled within a desolate wilderness, I find myself in a dark and foreboding forest preparing for war. For centuries, this place has guarded its most enigmatic secret, the fall of the Marelup empire.

Towering trees with gnarled, twisted branches loom overhead, their leaves creating a perpetual shroud, hiding the secrets of the past.

The air is heavy with an eerie silence that resonates with the whispers of the years gone by. I can smell the damp earth, decaying foliage, and ancient stone intermingling. I gaze upon a once-majestic fortress that now lies in ruins.

Four spires reach defiantly towards the heavens, their stone walls chipped and scarred by time’s relentless passage. The grandeur of the castle has faded, but its shadow still clings to the earth, casting a somber reflection upon the land.

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