39. Dominik

CHAPTER 39

Dominik

My brother and I walk into the woods to clear our heads. I really want to believe our issue with Sebastian is just him trying to keep Aurora for himself. Now that his behavior has changed, I'm blaming it on the idea that a real alpha joining our ranks has him on edge.

"Jayce, did you notice how attached Aurora is to the cub already? I think her next heat is coming soon." I raise an eyebrow and wiggle it at Jayce. He shoves me and shakes his head.

"Really, Dom? Though, you're probably right. You saw how she was with Lia. I'm concerned about Aurora and this battle. I know she's powerful, but none of us are immortal. I mean, she's going to protect her father, which may put her in more danger." Jayce brings up a valid point. We need Nico with us since his dragon's sight is far better than any other creatures on the battlefield—besides, maybe, Aurora's.

"He's going to be a sitting duck for the dragons. If we can keep the ground troops away from him, he should be able to defend himself enough." We keep walking, discussing little things here and there about how we should approach this battle. Our major concerns are to keep Aurora alive and to keep Nico from getting killed.

After what feels like an eternity of walking, we finally arrive at the lake Aurora mentioned, its tranquil surface stretching out before us like a vast expanse of liquid glass. The scene before us reminds me of that eerie lake from the movie where the giant alligator lurks beneath the surface, ready to strike at any moment. Yet, despite the comparison, there's a serene beauty to this place that captivates me.

The water is perfectly still, reflecting the surrounding trees and sky with crystal clarity. It's as if the lake itself is a mirror, offering a glimpse into another world hidden beneath its surface. The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and earth, mingling with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers that dance along the water's edge.

All around us, the forest comes alive with the sounds of nature, the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves blending together in a symphony of life. It's a stark contrast to the chaos and turmoil that often consumes our lives, a reminder of the simple beauty that exists in the world around us.

As Jayce and I settle onto the soft sand, we take in the scene before us, watching as birds flit and flutter on the other side of the lake. There's a sense of peace and tranquility here that soothes the soul, a welcome respite from the tumultuous events that have brought us to this place.

We remain at the lake for a few hours, catching up on different things. Hell, we even had time to call Alec who broke the news of his wedding next summer. Something positive finally happened for Alec. We're so happy for him.

As we get up to leave, we hear an eagle's cry that is cut off halfway through. Jayce and I look at each other before we head in the direction the noise came from. We find several golden-brown feathers on the forest floor mixed in with the moss when we reach the area. Tiny droplets of blood are splattered on random leaves here and there. We follow this weak blood trail until we find a crossbow bolt covered in blood and feathers. Who would shoot a bird with a crossbow? That doesn't make any sense. There's what looks like a drag mark along the forest floor, and the blood trail is heavier here. It looks like someone took a paintbrush, dipped it in blood, and painted the moss. We follow the blood to its end, and over the edge of the rock face, we see what made the trail. An eagle lays prone in the valley below us. Jayce was the first to be able to form words.

"No!" He leaps over rocks and scales down to the valley below. I'm frozen in my vantage point, watching everything as if it were happening in slow motion. Every step, every noise is slower and drawn out as one of my worst nightmares came to life. If that's Andre down there, we would have to tell Aurora. Jayce looks up to me as he kneels by the body. His wolf rips free of his body, exploding into existence and howling its grief into the wind. It's as I had feared: Andre has been murdered.

I feel Jayce's pain and anguish through the bond, and Aurora's haunting tone soon fills the air. One by one, pack members join Aurora in her eerie howl. We know it's only a matter of minutes before the pack starts making its way here. Jayce anxiously paces the valley, whining and whimpering. His anxiety is understandable; our beloved mate is going to be on the warpath.

The sound of paws thundering through the forest can be heard long before the pack can be seen. My eyes focus on the pebbles near me as they vibrate from the paws' staccato rhythm hitting the ground. Aurora lets out a location howl, which Jayce promptly answers to give her proper bearings. Soon enough, that great, white beast of a Lycan hybrid comes into view. She's clawing and shredding everything that gets in her way. Sebastian is right behind her, with his mother trailing close behind. The rest of the pack brings up the rear.

Aurora whips past me, launching herself across the divide to the other side. She repeats the leap back and forth until she reaches the bottom. Aurora's shift comes quickly as her human form falls to its knees, her wails and cries echoing through the valley. Her hand shakes as she hesitates to touch Andre's prone form. Aurora withdraws her hand several times before she finally rests it on his feathers. Jayce shifts back to his human form and rests a hand on Aurora's shoulder. No one else dares to go down there with her. Aurora doesn't handle emotions well, and to interfere now would more than likely end in a death sentence. Sebastian comes to stand beside me and rests his hand on my shoulder.

"She's going to need all of us after this. Her thirst for vengeance is going to burn brighter than the sun. No more macho male bullshit, right guys?" Hopefully, we have a truce until we get this shit storm settled. Sebastian moves to the edge and looks down at Aurora and Jayce. I'm not noticing any signs of remorse or sympathy for what Aurora is going through. Yup, I still don't like Sebastian. Aurora takes the shredded remains of Jayce's shirt and wraps Andre up like a bird mummy. Now, Jayce chooses to embrace her and hold her tightly. Thankfully, Aurora accepts his affection before she tells him what she's planning on doing.

"Oh, this ought to be interesting," Sebastian states flatly. I guess my brother will see what it's like to get a piggyback ride from a half-crazed, grieving Lycan hybrid. Aurora shifts back to her beast's form and places the hoop of fabric in her mouth so she can carry Andre. Her eyes lock on Jayce and motion for him to climb on. Reluctantly, he climbs onto her back and wraps his legs around her waist. Aurora launches herself at the rock wall, sinking her talons into the sandstone to gain purchase on the almost vertical ascent. Foot by foot, she climbs steadily with Jayce on her back and Andre's death shroud in her mouth. Unlike my descent, she's not launching herself back and forth. I've never witnessed her move so cautiously before in all the time I've known her.

Before she reaches the top, Sebastian and I reach down to help them over the edge. I back up for a few moments to give Aurora and Jayce some time to breathe. Cautiously I move forward and hold out my hands, waiting for Aurora to either drop Andre into my hands or refuse. I watch Aurora look between me and Elena, who gives her a somber nod. Aurora lowers her head and releases Andre's body into my hands. I'm almost overcome with emotion from holding our good friend's body. Gently, I cradle Andre against me and watch my mate as she shifts back to her human form.

"How'd it happen? Did you see it?" Aurora's voice quivers as tears roll down her face. Her eyes are locked on the death shroud in my arms. They shift between human and beast faster than I can keep track of. Jayce steps forward and lays a hand on Andre.

"We heard an eagle cry. The second time it called out, it was cut short. Dom and I started walking in the direction we last heard the cry come from. First, we found feathers, then blood. Eventually, we found a bloody crossbow bolt with feathers on it." Sighing softly, I have to swallow hard, attempting to keep my voice from breaking. Aurora needs me to be strong for her right now.

"Further in, we found blood marks where we suspect the eagle dragged itself. When we got here, I looked over the edge and prayed it wasn't Andre. I didn't hesitate and got to the bottom as fast as I could. His body was cold when I got there." Jayce looks up, the raw pain evident in his eyes as he looks at Aurora. Not only was he feeling hers, but his own pain runs bone-deep. My brother is so comfortable with his emotions that his tears roll freely down his cheeks. Aurora grabs ahold of Jayce and squeezes him tightly. Her eyes are practically glowing with the raw power she's struggling to contain.

"We need to call my father and Dimitri home and gather the Dire Wolves. To strike at someone close to me is an act of war. There will be no survivors. I swear on my blood that he will be avenged, and the murderer will know pain like no other." Aurora closes her eyes for several minutes, then draws in a deep breath. "Father and the prince know what happened. I've been advised on what to do. Let's go home. We need to build a funeral pyre for Andre in the customs of his people. Dad and the team will be here by nightfall. At midnight, we perform the ceremony." Aurora releases Jayce and kisses his forehead.

"Please, carry us back. Shift for me, my love." Aurora's eyes are all human, tears welling up and threatening to break free as she turns to take Andre from me. Jayce nods at our mate and shifts back to his wolf. Sebastian and I move to assist Aurora onto Jayce's back. Slowly, Jayce leads with his precious cargo. Sebastian and I shift next, following close behind Aurora and Jayce. The pack moves in sync as we head back to the compound.

When we reach the Alpha House, Jayce lays down so Aurora can get off his back easily. Our mate has one hell of a resting bitch face because I can't read what the fuck she's thinking or feeling at the moment. Our immediate family group is the only one that enters the house. We lock the doors behind us as we follow Aurora into the office. She grabs two pillows and lays Andre's body on them. Her eyes raise up and lock on to each of us in turn, sending a chill right to our bones.

"It goes without saying: I want vengeance." She slowly unwraps Andre's body to look upon his fallen form. Her fingers come up to close his golden eyes. "I need linen, sage, arrowroot, and barberry. Sebastian, your mother should have these in her workshop. Please get them for me." Her eyes are haunting—almost dead looking—without her normal inner light. She's running on autopilot at this point, numb from the loss of a parental figure. Sebastian moves forward and kisses Aurora's temple before leaving the room on his mission. Aurora watches Sebastian leave, then looks at the two of us. The gears are turning in her head, and I'm not sure we're going to like where she's going.