CHAPTER 31

I opened my eyes and saw Xander beside me. “Aurora,” he breathed, relief flooding his features. “You're awake. How do you feel?”

I tried to get up, but I winced because pain was running through my body. “Am fine,” I groaned. “What happened?”

Xander gently pushed me back onto the pillows. “There was an explosion in the clearing. We found you unconscious. Do you remember anything?”

The memories came rushing back – the battle, chasing the red-eyed wolf into the forest, and then… “Ryder Storm,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “The Rogue King.”

Xander's expression darkened. “What did he say to you, Aurora?”

I recounted my encounter with Ryder, trying to remember every detail. As I spoke, I could see the concern in Xander's eyes growing.

“He said I've been lied to my entire life,” I finished, my voice shaking slightly. “That there's some truth about my heritage that's been hidden from me. And he… he mentioned my mother. Said he knew her better than anyone.”

Xander was silent for a