The Human Among Wolves (Aurora) novel Chapter 268

Chapter 268

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I had started going to the eastern woods more often, though I never fold the coven

They wouldn’t understand–not the way I did. I walked through frost laden paths and narrow glades, boots crunching against we that clong stubbornly to the fallen leaves, and I felt a thrill every time I imagined him waiting there. Some days, he crossed into the northern woods slipping quietly into different clearings so no one would see. Every stolen meeting, every whispered word, every brush of hands had become a thread tying me to him tighter than 1 guld have anticipated.

We had kissed. Once. Twice. Enough to know that what simmered between us was not curiosity or fascination–it was something deeper, something fragile yet fierce. And now, after weeks of secret routines, my heart had learned to recognize the pattern: I came

east, be appeared, the woods and I holding our breath until our eyes met.

But that morning was different. I arrived, the frost clinging to the messy stones, the air sharp enough to sting my cheeks, and there was no sign of him. My chest tightened in a way that wasn’t just the cold. I waited at the clearing, kneeling beside the frostbloom, running my fingers along its delicate petals, whispering quiet words to coax the magic into subtle ripples. Minutes passed. Hours-

ce it felt like hours–and still he did not come.

I returned the next day. And the next. Weeks stretched on, the rhythm broken, my longing twisting into worry. Each visit t whispered his name, hoping the wind might carry it to him, hoping the forest might respond. But it remained silent. Until that morning, when I stepped into the clearing without expectation–just a quiet hope–and saw him.

He was there, standing in the pale, golden light, waiting. And something about him had changed. His shoulders were squared, his gaze steadier, yet softer in a way that made my stomach twist with both relief and apprehension.

Before I could speak, he closed the distance. His arms wrapped around me, pulling me against him, and the warmth of him drove zway the chill of the frost–laden woods. “Cecilia,” he whispered, his breath brushing my hair. “I’m sorry for leaving you without

warning.”

I pressed closer, burying my face against his chest, letting the comfort of his heartbeat ground me. “I waited,” I murmured, my voice trembling in a way I tried to hide. “I always hoped you’d come back.”

He tightened his hold, and I could feel the weight of what he carried in him–responsibility, grief, power, “I had to go,” he said finally, his voice low, hesitant. “My father… he passed. And 1-” he paused, as if the words themselves were heavy-“I’ve become the

king. The lycan king.”

The words hit me, and yet I felt only a swell of affection, mingled with awe. I lifted my head, searching his silver eyes. They were softer now, still fierce, but warmer, vulnerable in a way that made my chest ache. “King,” I repeated, my fingers tracing the line of

his jaw. “You didn’t tell me… because you didn’t know how?

He shook his head, closing his eyes briefly as if to gather himself. “I didn’t want to burden you. I didn’t want… this to change us. I didn’t want you to see me only as a king, not as… you know, me.” His thumb brushed my cheek, gentle and certain. “But I can’t hide it anymore. I’m not just Lycan Prince anymore… I’m the king now. And that means… responsibilities, duties, decisions that might

take me away from you. And yet, here you are.”

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12:30 Thu, Jan 29 BGB.

Chapter 268

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“I don’t care,” I said softly, letting my hands test against his chest. don’t care about duties or crowns, I care about you. Always.”

His lips curved into the faintest, hesitant smile, and for a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us in the frost–dusted clearing. “And I care about you,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against mine. “Every day I spent away, every moment I wondered if you’d understand… I hoped you’d stay. And you did. You always came back. You-” He caught himself, swallowing hard.

“You make me… human, in ways I didn’t expect. Even now, even with this crown.”

I shivered, not from the cold, but from the intensity of it–the depth of his words, the raw honesty. My hands threaded through his

dark hair, tugging him closer. “And I make you wolf,” I whispered. “Bcause love doesn’t care about crowns or territory. It just…

exists.”

He laughed softly, a sound that rumbled against my chest and sent warmth spiraling down my spine. “Then we’re… dangerously

matched,” he said, pressing a kiss to my head and to the tip of my nose, lingering there as if memorizing me all over again.

“You’re brave, Cecilia, reckless in ways I can’t resist. And I… I am equally reckless.”

I tilted my head, meeting his gaze. “Then we’re perfect for each other,” I said, voice steady even though my heart threatened to

betray me. “Even if no one else understands. Even if the world tries to pull us apart.”

He smiled then, fully, and I felt it in my bones, the warmth of his hand against mine, the quiet thrum of the earth beneath our feet,

the gentle stir of air through the branches. “We’ll find a way,” he said. “Together.”

“I’ve missed you,” I said finally, lifting my face to his, letting my lips brush his in a slow, lingering kiss. It was a kiss of relief, of

love, of promises unspoken but deeply felt.

“I’ve missed you more,” he replied, voice low, carrying the weight of his new role and the tenderness of his heart. “Even when I had

to rule, even when I couldn’t be here, every decision I made, every step I took… I carried you with me.”

The sun rose higher, spilling light through the trees, catching the frostbloom in a halo of gold and silver. I let myself rest against him, letting the pull of his magic, his presence, and our love settle around me like a protective cloak. We didn’t speak for long. Words were unnecessary. The forest, the frost, and the delicate shimmer of the frostbloom bore witness to what had begun–and

what would continue, no matter the obstacles.